Hydrocele

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Hydrocele

Male reproductive anatomy

A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sack along the spermatic cord within the scrotum.

Processus vaginalis; Patent processus vaginalis

Hydroceles are common in newborn infants. The fluid buildup can be on one or both sides of the scrotum.

During normal development, the testicles descend down a tract (tube) from the abdomen into the scrotum. Hydroceles result when this tube fails to close. Peritoneal fluid drains from the abdomen through the open tube. The fluid accumulates in the scrotum, where it becomes trapped. This causes the scrotum to enlarge.

Hydroceles normally go away a few months after birth, but their appearance may worry new parents. Occasionally, a hydrocele may be associated with an inguinal hernia. Hydroceles can be easily demonstrated by shining a flashlight through the enlarged portion of the scrotum. If the scrotum is full of clear fluid, as in a hydrocele, the scrotum will light up (transillumination).

Hydroceles may also be caused by inflammation or trauma of the testicle or epididymis, or by fluid or blood blockage within the spermatic cord. This type of hydrocele is more common in older men.

Review Date: 10/20/2005
Reviewed By: David R. Knowles, M.D., Advanced Urologic Surgeons, Mt. Vernon, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.