What is Water Hernia (Hydrocele)
Hydrocele (water hernia); It means accumulation of fluid in the sac around the testicle. Hydrocele (water hernia) develops because the prenatal canal that connects the testicle to the abdomen remains open. It may close on its own in the first 18-24 months.
Congenital Hydrocele
Water hernia may be acquired (acquired) or congenital (congenital). . Testis is located inside the navel in the womb. After the 14th week of pregnancy, it progresses towards the lower parts of the abdomen and then descends to the scrotum. However, during this descent, the abdominal membrane descends with the testicle to the scrotum in the form of a glove finger. After birth, this sac closes and becomes threadlike. In cases of hydrocele (water hernia), the sac does not close and intra-abdominal fluid enters through this opening and begins to accumulate around the testicle. Swelling that occurs with the accumulation of fluid indicates a hydrocele (water hernia). However, if the opening is large, the intra-abdominal organs may protrude from here, creating a hernia. Congenital hydrocele (water hernia) is encountered in approximately 6 percent of newborn male babies.
There are two types of congenital hydrocele (water hernia).
The first one is associated hydrocele; This type of hydrocele refers to the situation where the abdominal membrane descending to the scrotum is completely open.
The second is an unrelated hydrocele. In this type of hydrocele, the abdominal part of the membrane closes abnormally and the peritoneal fluid gets trapped inside the scrotum.
What are the Symptoms of Water Hernia (Hydrocele)?
Hydrocele The main symptom of water hernia is swelling. This swelling in the bags is usually painless and tends to grow slowly. Hydrocele, or water hernia, usually does not cause any complaints. The only symptom of hydrocele is painless swelling. In congenital hydrocele, the swelling in the testicle disappears in the morning and becomes evident later in the day. Hydrocele, which is easily seen after birth, manifests itself with swelling in the testicles. The swelling, which becomes more pronounced as intra-abdominal pressure increases, can be seen together with a hernia or can be seen alone.
How is hydrocele diagnosed?
In diagnosing hydrocele (water hernia), it can be easily diagnosed with observation, which is the first part of the examination, and then manual control (palpation). can be placed. Additionally, when a light is shined behind each testicle, transillumination light reflection can be observed. Light cannot pass through solid masses. This is an important diagnostic method. Sometimes, ultrasonography can be performed in the differential diagnosis of causes such as hydrocele (inguinal hernia), another mass, and to clarify the condition of the testicles.
Water Hernia (Hydrocele) Treatment
Treatment for a hydrocele will depend on the baby and child's symptoms, age, and general health, as well as how severe the hydrocele is.
Unassociated hydrocele usually disappears on its own once the child reaches one year of age. The fluid is reabsorbed from the bag back into the body.
A hydrocele that lasts longer than 12 to 18 months is usually an associated hydrocele. Treatment of this type of hydrocele (water hernia) usually requires surgery to prevent inguinal hernia. During the surgery, a small incision is made in the groin, the fluid is drained and the mouth of the sac is closed.
What you need to know about hydrocele
-Hydrocele (water hernia), testicles in the scrotum. It is the accumulation of fluid in the thin bag that holds it.
- 1 in 10 male babies has a congenital hydrocele (water hernia). Generally, hydrocele (water hernia) treatment is not performed in the first year.
-In the treatment of hydrocele (water hernia) that lasts longer than 12 to 18 months, surgery is usually performed to prevent inguinal hernia.
-In hydrocele. (in a water hernia) it may include a lump or swelling that is smooth and not painful, or a scrotum that changes size.
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