Hydrocele
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for hydroceles. As a global leader in urology, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.
Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies.
When you need hydrocele care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
What Is a Hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a type of swelling in the scrotum, the pouch of skin that holds the testicles. This occurs when fluid collects in the thin sac that surrounds a testicle. Hydroceles are common in newborns, and often resolve without treatment. Older children and adults can develop a hydrocele due to an injury within the scrotum or other health conditions. There are two types of hydroceles:
Communicating hydrocele: occurs during fetal development when fluids flow from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum, leading to hydrocele or hernia
Noncommunicating hydrocele: may be congenital or develop many years later in life, causing abdominal fluid to build around the testicle in the scrotum
Causes of Hydrocele
Hydroceles in infants are typically present at birth and form during fetal development. In some cases, even if the condition resolves, abdominal fluid may remain in the scrotum. The patient usually absorbs this fluid into the body within the first two years of life. In older children or adults, a hydrocele may form due to an injury or inflammation within the scrotum, which can be caused by an infection in the testicle.
Signs & Symptoms of Hydrocele
The primary symptom of a hydrocele is swelling on one or both sides of the scrotum. In some cases, patients may notice other symptoms, including pain, discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Diagnosing Hydrocele
For children and adults, hydrocele is diagnosed with a complete physical examination and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Pelvic ultrasound
Treating Hydrocele
Most cases of hydrocele resolve without treatment. In cases when the condition doesn’t resolve on its own, a surgeon may recommend a hydrocelectomy to remove or repair the hydrocele.