The Role of Additional Epididymis Resection during Hydrocelectomy: Is It of Any Benefit in Comparison to Simple Hydrocelectomy?

INTRODUCTION: Open hydrocelectomy via scrotal incision is the standard approach for secondary hydroceles. Traditionally, the Swiss urologic community offer hydrocelectomy with additional resection of the epididymis in elderly men with completed family planning. It is believed that the additional resection of the epididymis reduces the postoperative recurrence rate of hydroceles. However, there is no evidence supporting this theory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the recurrence and complication rates for patients with secondary hydroceles undergoing either pure hydrocelectomy (puH) or hydrocelectomy with additional resection of the epididymis (HRE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all male patients who underwent surgical therapy for secondary hydroceles between May 2003 and February 2019 at our institution. Patient's baseline and perioperative characteristics as well as postoperative characteristics including complications and recurrence rates were gathered and compared between different surgical techniques. RESULTS: A total of 234 patients were identified. puH was performed in 93 (40%) cases and HRE in 141 (60%) patients. Patients in the HRE group were older (median age: 62 vs. 38 years, p < 0.001), had a higher ASA-Score (p < 0.001), were more often on platelet aggregation inhibitors (19% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.01), and had a longer median operative time (75 vs. 64 min, p < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 46 months, a similar number of recurrent hydroceles were found for puH (7 [7.5%]) and HRE (6 [4.5%]) (p = 0.3). Complications were observed in 19 (20%) cases after puH compared to 25 (18%) cases after HRE (p = 0.6). Patients after puH experienced more often severe complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade 3b) compared to the HRE group (5 vs. 12%, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: puH and HRE showed similar results in terms of overall low recurrence rates and also in terms of postoperative complications, even though patients who underwent puH experienced slightly higher severe complications. Both procedures are safe and effective, but it seems that HRE does not provide a relevant clinical benefit in comparison to puH for the management of men with secondary hydroceles.

Incidence of pediatric metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia and the relationship with contralateral patent processus vaginalis.

BACKGROUND: The management of contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) in children with unilateral inguinal hernia is still controversial. The objective of this study was to verify the relationship between metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) and CPPV, and the risk factors of MCIH. METHODS: Children with unilateral inguinal hernia from three medical centers underwent either open or laparoscopic repairs. Clinical information, including demographics, morphological characteristics of CPPV, follow-up outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Among 2942 patients (92.2%) who received open repair with successful follow-up, 185 (6.29%) developed MCIHs [125 (10.9%) on the right side and 60 (3.3%)] on the left including 156 (7.07%) younger than 3 years old and 29 (3.94%) older than 3 years old. Patients younger than 3 years old with primary left inguinal hernias more easily develop MCIHs and the difference is statistically significant. Among 5370 patients (96.0%) who received laparoscopic repair with successful follow-up, the morphology of ipsilateral patent processus vaginalis were cavernous type in 5318 (99%) and 52 (1%) were fissure type. CPPVs were identified in 2233 (41.5%) cases [1256 (35.01%) on the left side and 977 (54.80%) on the right side, P < 0.001]; 1503 cases were cavernous type (1276 cases younger than 3 years old and 227 cases older than 3 years old) and 730 cases were fissure type (422 cases younger than 3 years old and 308 cases older than 3 years old). The probability of occurence of cavernous type and CPPV in children younger than 3 years old was higher than that in children older than 3 years old. CONCLUSIONS: Not all CPPVS progress into an MIH, and approximate one of 15 CPPVs would progress into MIH. If patient with initial left-sided inguinal hernia is younger than 3 years old, when the morphology of CPPV is cavernous type identified by laparoscopic exploration, the contralateral repair would be recommended.

Independent risk factors for contralateral patent processus vaginalis undetected by pre-operative ultrasonography in boys with unilateral inguinal hernia.

PURPOSE: Many trials have been done to make sure probability of metachronous contralateral side hernia (MCH) and contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV). But the necessity of contralateral side exploration is still on debate. The aim is to investigate the risk factors for the consideration of contralateral examination on operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was designed as retrospectively. Patients with unilateral inguinal hernia from January 2010 to May 2015 were enrolled. Pre-operative ultrasonography was done in all patients. Patients with obvious contralateral side hernia on pre-operative US were excluded. The presence of CPPV was evaluated by transinguinal laparoscopy during the operation. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, hernial sac size only shows difference (P value: 0.001). The others, location of the hernia, age at surgery, gestational age (preterm), low birth weight and parent's age, did not show statistically significant differences. Multivariate analysis also demonstrates CPPV is more common in patients with large hernial sac (Odds ratio: 2.727, 95% confidence interval 1.495-4.974, P value: 0.001). CONCLUSION: We propose that surgeons should consider contralateral evaluation during operation in case with large ipsilateral hernial sac, although CPPV was not detected by pre-operative US.

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis of unknown malignant potential: Sonographic appearance.

Paratesticular mesothelioma is a rare differential diagnosis in the presence of scrotal hydrocele. A 17-year-old boy presented with a 3-year history of progressive hydrocele. Sonography revealed a large left paratesticular mass within the hydrocele. Serum tumor markers were negative. Left hydrocelectomy was performed and pathological analysis of the epididymal mass revealed a well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma. We discuss the sonographic and pathological findings of this rare neoplasm.

A systematic review and meta-analysis concerning single-site laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for pediatric inguinal hernia and hydrocele.

BACKGROUND: Single-site laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (SLPEC) of hernia sac/processus vaginalis has been widely performed for repair of inguinal hernia/hydrocele in children. However, a variety of surgical instruments and techniques were used, and significant differences existed among the SLPEC reports. METHODS: A literature search was performed for all available studies concerning SLPEC for pediatric inguinal hernia/hydrocele in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library. The surgical details and operative outcomes were pooled and analyzed with software StataSE 12.0. RESULTS: 49 studies fulfilled the predefined inclusion criteria of this review and 37 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. The mean incidence of CPPV was 29.1% (range 5.73-43.0%). The average of mean operative time was 19.56 min (range 8.30-41.19 min) for unilateral SLPEC and 27.23 min (range 12.80-48.19 min) for bilateral SLPEC. The total incidence of injury, conversion, recurrence, hydrocele formation, knot reaction, severe pain, and scrotal swelling was 0.32% (range 0-3.24%), 0.05% (range 0-0.89%), 0.70% (range 0-15.5%), 0.23% (range 0-3.57%), 0.33% (range 0-3.33%), 0.05% (range 0-4.55%), and 0.03% (range 0-1.52%), respectively. There was no development of testicular atrophy. Subgroup analyses showed an inverse correlation between the injury incidence and adoption of assisted forceps, hydrodissection, and blunt puncture device, between the conversion rate and adoption of hydrodissection, between the recurrence/hydrocele incidence and adoption of assisted forceps, hydrodissection, nonabsorbable suture and the preventive measures to avoid ligating the unnecessary subcutaneous tissues, and between the rate of knot reaction and adoption of assisted forceps, hydrodissection, and the preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS: SLPEC was a well-developed procedure for repair of pediatric inguinal hernia/hydrocele. Adoption of assisted forceps, hydrodissection, nonabsorbable suture, and the preventive measures to avoid ligating the unnecessary subcutaneous tissues could significantly reduce the intra- and postoperative complications.

[Metachronous Bilateral Testicular Tumors with Frequently Recurrent Hydrocele : A Case Report].

We report a case of metachronous bilateral testicular tumors combined with hydrocele. A 46-year-old male presented with frequently recurrent left hydrocele. His medical history included a stage IIA right testicular tumor,which had been treated with right high orchiectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection 22 years ago. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hydrocele and a low intensity area in the left testis,and the patient underwent left high orchiectomy. After cytological examination of the hydrocele it was categorized as class V,and after a pathological study it was diagnosed as seminoma and embryonal carcinoma. Since postoperative computed tomography showed lung metastasis,treatment with bleomycin,etoposide,and cisplatin (BEP) was indicated. Three courses of BEP produced a complete response. No recurrent testicular tumor was seen at 3 months after the BEP therapy. A metachronous testicular tumor should be considered in patients with a history of testicular tumors who frequently develop recurrent hydrocele.

MicroRNA miR-371a-3p - A Novel Serum Biomarker of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Evidence for Specificity from Measurements in Testicular Vein Blood and in Neoplastic Hydrocele Fluid.

BACKGROUND: microRNAs (miRs)-371-3 are suggested to be novel biomarkers of germ cell tumors (GCTs), but their specificity is unresolved. We aimed at clarifying the origin of miR 371a-3p by measuring this miR in peripheral vein blood, and in fluids present in the vicinity of GCTs. METHODS: miR-371a-3p levels were measured by quantitative PCR in 9 tumor surrounding hydroceles and in cubital vein blood (CVB) and testicular vein blood (TVB) of 64 GCT patients, 51 with clinical stage (CS) 1, 13 with CS2-3. Thirty three CS1 cases had also postoperative CVB measurement. TVB miR levels were compared with those of CVB. Associations with clinical factors were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: TVB miR levels were 294-fold, 80-fold and 4.6-fold higher than those in CVB of CS1 patients, CS2-3 patients and controls, respectively. Neoplastic hydrocele fluid comprised of very high miR levels. In CS1, miR levels dropped to normal postoperatively. Statistically, CVB miR levels are significantly associated with tumor size (p = 0.0211) and testis length (p = 0.0493). TVB miR levels are associated with testis length (p = 0.0129). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for the origin of circulating miR 371a-3p molecules from GCT cells. miR-371a-3p represents a specific serum biomarker for germ cell cancer.

Do retractile testes have anatomical anomalies?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of anatomical anomalies in patients with retractile testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied prospectively 20 patients (28 testes) with truly retractile testis and compared them with 25 human fetuses (50 testes) with testis in scrotal position. We analyzed the relations among the testis, epididymis and patency of the processus vaginalis (PV). To analyze the relations between the testis and epididymis, we used a previous classification according to epididymis attachment to the testis and the presence of epididymis atresia. To analyze the structure of the PV, we considered two situations: obliteration of the PV and patency of the PV. We used the Chi-square test for contingency analysis of the populations under study (p<0.05). RESULTS: The fetuses ranged in age from 26 to 35 weeks post-conception (WPC) and the 20 patients with retractile testis ranged in ages from 1 to 12 years (average of 5.8). Of the 50 fetal testes, we observed complete patency of the PV in 2 cases (4%) and epididymal anomalies (EAs) in 1 testis (2%). Of the 28 retractile testes, we observed patency of the PV in 6 cases (21.4%) and EA in 4 (14.28%). When we compared the incidence of EAs and PV patency we observed a significantly higher prevalence of these anomalies in retractile testes (p=0.0116). CONCLUSIONS: Retractile testis is not a normal variant with a significant risk of patent processos vaginalis and epididymal anomalies.

Scrotal calculi in clinical practice and their role in scrotal pain: A prospective study.

PURPOSE: Scrotal calculi are rare, and their clinical significance is uncertain. Scrotal pain is a frequent, hard-to-manage problem in urology clinics. Our purpose in this study was to determine the relationship between the presence of scrotal calculi and scrotal pain in a prospective manner. METHODS: Sonography and color Doppler ultrasound of the scrotum were performed in 758 consecutive patients referred with scrotal pain. The pain was rated by using an 11-point numeric rating scale; scores were compared among patients with scrotal calculi with and without additional scrotal pathology. RESULTS: Scrotal calculi were detected in 73 of the 758 patients (9.6%). Scrotal pain (n = 50 [61%]) and a palpable mass in the scrotum (n = 25 [30.5%]) were the most common complaints in patients with scrotal calculi. Hydrocele (n = 17 [29.8%]) and varicocele (n = 15 [26.3%]) were the most commonly associated abnormalities; there was a statistically significant association between the presence of scrotal calculi and hydrocele (p < 0.01). Scrotal pain was present in 61 (83.5%) patients with scrotal calculi, and this association was significant (p < 0.001). The presence of scrotal pain and the correlation between location of calculi and pain in patients without additional scrotal abnormalities were also significant (p = 0.04 and p < 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of scrotal calculi was 9.6%, and hydrocele was found to be associated with scrotal calculi. We also found a significant relationship between the presence of calculi and scrotal pain. Because the etiology of scrotal pain is essential for appropriate treatment, scrotal calculi should be kept in mind when making a differential diagnosis of scrotal pain. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:406-411, 2015.

[Traumatic Testicular Rupture Complicated with Hydrocele: A Case Report].

A 17-year-old man presented with right hydrocele because of an athletic injury. His scrotum was hit with a ball 2 months ago while playing baseball. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic hydrocele and underwent needle puncture at another hospital 1 month after the trauma. However, the hydrocele did not improve. Therefore, he was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. For diagnosis of the traumatic hydrocele testis, a hydrocelectomy was scheduled. When we opened the tunica vaginalis, we realized that the tunica albuginea had been ruptured and the testicular parenchyma had gushed out. We tried to replace all the escaped testicular parenchyma into the tunica albuginea, but it was impossible. Therefore were moved some of the redundant testicular parenchyma, and replaced the remnants into the tunica albuginea. After the operation, right hydrocele and testicular atrophy did not occur. Traumatic testicular rupture complicated with hydrocele is rare.

Epididymal-testicular fusion anomalies in cryptorchidism are associated with proximal location of the undescended testis and with a widely patent processus vaginalis.

Past studies documented the presence of epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies and persistence of a patent processus vaginalis in a small case-series of cryptorchid and/or hydrocele patients. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the epididymal/testicular anomalies in a series of more than 1000 cryptorchid patients compared with controls. Secondary aims were: (i) to investigate the association between the cryptorchidism and the patency of p. vaginalis; and (ii) to correlate the epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies with the position of the testis and with the patency of the p. vaginalis. The clinical and surgical data of 1002 cryptorchid patients and 230 controls were retrospectively retrieved and analysed. Epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies were classified as: (i) normal anatomy; (ii) minor anomalies; and (iii) major anomalies. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test and Chi-square tests. The prevalence of the epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies was higher in the cryptorchid group compared with that of the control group (minor and major anomalies in cryptorchids vs. controls, respectively: 42.2 vs. 5.6% and 9.3 vs. 1.6%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, we documented a correlation of these anomalies with a more proximal localization of the testis (minor and major anomalies in proximal vs. distal location of the testis, respectively: 62.5 vs. 34.8% and 19.1 vs. 6.3%, P < 0.0001) and with the persistence of a widely patent p. vaginalis (minor and major anomalies in widely patent p. vaginalis vs. narrow duct, respectively: 51.7 vs. 42.2 and 11.9% vs. 7.8%, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies were strongly associated with cryptorchidism and the persistence of a widely patent peritoneal vaginal duct. Although it remains unclear whether these anomalies cause non-descent of the testis or, conversely, result from the cryptorchidism or from the persistence of a widely patent duct, our data re-enforce this association.

Obliteration of the Processus Vaginalis After Testicular Descent

The testis develops in the abdominal cavity and descends into the scrotum. Although numerous theories have been proposed, the mechanism of descent and the reason for its inhibition remain unknown. Furthermore, none of the explanations account for the other occurrences related to the descent, such as failed obliteration of the processus vaginalis, or the reasons for the decrease in fertility and increase in the risk of malignancy associated with an undescended testis. The gubernaculum is a primitive mesenchymal tissue that was first described in 1786. However, the role of the gubernaculum in the descent process remains obscure. The testis descends through the processus vaginalis. Although the processus vaginalis (PV) is usually defined as a simple peritoneal protrusion, it actively develops into the gubernaculum. The gubernaculum gives rise to the smooth muscles that surround the processus vaginalis. The striated cremaster muscle (CM) is also derived from the gubernaculum. Because the testis descends through the processus vaginalis, the muscles develop to propel the testis. After propelling the testis, the smooth muscle (SM) undergoes programmed cell death. The initiation of programmed cell death through the intrinsic pathway requires activation of phospholipase C. A transient shift in the autonomic balance via a decrease in the sympathetic tonus and an increase in the parasympathetic tonus is essential for initiating this programmed cell death. Programmed cell death in the SM is the physiological pathway for the obliteration of the processus vaginalis. Differences in the timing, intensity, or duration of this physiological pathway result in pathological conditions. A shift before testicular descent diminishes the SM content that is required to propel the testis, and thus inhibits descent. The early shift persists throughout childhood and results in the decrease in fertility and increase in the risk of malignancy because of the differences in signal transduction. Despite a successful descent, persistence of the shift alters the contractility of the CM by increasing the cytosolic calcium levels. Contracted CMs retracts or even ascends the testis. Inadequate intensity or duration of the shift of autonomic tonus causes failure of the programmed cell death. Persistence of the SM hinders the obliteration of PV and gives rise to hydroceles or inguinal hernias depending on the amount of residual smooth muscles. Similar findings from different countries support these explanations. Thus, our proposed mechanism satisfactorily explains the process of descent while considering all the factors related to the process of testicular descent.

Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis.

Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MTVT) is a rare tumour and a cause of hydrocele. This case report concerns a 26-year-old male with hydrocele treated with left hydrocelectomy. Histopathology revealed MTVT, and left radical orchiectomy was performed followed by chemotherapy. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, DNA and RNA next-generation sequencing showed no mesothelioma-associated tumour suppressor gene mutations, but deletion of CDKN2A and a rare TFG-ADGRG7 fusion both reported in pleural mesotheliomas, were detected. Clinicians should consider malignancy in case of discrepancy between symptoms and objective findings in scrotal conditions.

Hematocele secondary to rupture of an abdominoscrotal hydrocele.

OBJECTIVE: To describe one case of hematocele secondary to rupture of an abdominoscrotal hydrocele in an adult patient. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report a huge hematocele in a patient with this unusual type of hydrocele that suffered a minimal scrotal trauma. It was a hydrocele that extended through the inguinal canal to the retroperitoneal space. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominoscrotal hydrocele is a rare condition in children and even rarer in adults. The presence of a hematocele requires early surgical treatment.

Eggshell calcified hydrocele sac: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Hydrocele, an abnormal fluid collection between parietal and visceral layers of the tunica vaginalis, is the commonest cause of scrotal swelling, and it affects all age groups. Calcification of hydrocele sac/wall is a rare clinical entity. The etiology of calcification of hydrocele sac is not clear, but most literature proposes that calcification is secondary to chronic irritation. Trauma and infectious diseases including Schistosoma haematobium, filariasis, and tuberculosis can also cause calcification of the hydrocele sac. CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old Ethiopian male patient presented with left side scrotal swelling of 3 years duration, which was initially small but progressively increased. He had no history of trauma, and he had no history of swelling on the contralateral side. Scrotal ultrasound (US) showed a large echodebrinous left-side scrotal collection with calcifications, bilateral testis appear normal in size, echogenicity, and color Doppler flow with the index of likely chronic hematocele. Therefore, with a diagnosis of left-sided calcified hydrocele, the patient was operated on and the calcified sac was excised and sent for histopathology. Finally, the patient was discharged improved after 2 days of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Calcification of the tunica vaginalis is very rare and is probably due to chronic irritation of the wall from the coexisting hydrocele. Surgical excision of calcified hydrocele sac is the treatment of choice.

Decision making in the management of hydroceles in infants and children.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this article was to establish a ground for evidence-based decision making in dealing with hydroceles, according to the age of the child and the presenting signs and symptoms. This prospective cohort study was conducted at Al-Kademyia Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, during the period from December 2001 to December 2005. There were two groups of patients: group 1 involved 121 patients that presented with hydroceles at less than 1 year of age that were followed up to their first birthday to monitor the fate of hydroceles. Group 2 involved 140 patients, 1-12 years of age, who presented with hydroceles and had surgery. Their age, the affected side, diurnal changes in size, and the findings at surgery were recorded. In group 1, 89% of patients with hydroceles had spontaneous resolution or showed marked improvement during the first year of life and only 11% required an operation. The indications for surgery were the presence of an associated inguinal hernia (7%) and development of a huge hydrocele (3%). In group 2, 83% of patients with hydroceles presented within the first 5 years of age. Diurnal changes in the size of hydroceles were encountered in 92% of cases. CONCLUSION: 89% of patients with infantile hydrocele will have a spontaneous resolution owing to the ongoing changes in the patent processus vaginalis. Surgical intervention in the first year of life is only required for those who have an associated inguinal hernia and for those with hydroceles that become huge in size.

Abdominoscrotal Haematocele in an Adult and Its Successful Treatment.

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is a variant of hydrocele that rarely occurs in adults. ASH has two sacs, one in the scrotum and one in the abdomen connected through the inguinal canal. Abdominoscrotal haematocele is a rare complication of ASH. We report a 57-year-old male patient who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India, in 2019 with complaints of swelling in the scrotum for 15 years and abdominal pain for two months. Both the swellings were soft and cross fluctuation was present. Imaging confirmed the diagnosis of ASH. During a diagnostic laparoscopy, the abdominal sac was decompressed and found to have thick brownish fluid suggestive of haematocele. It was demonstrated that both sacs were connected. Due to difficulty in the dissection of the sac, the procedure was converted to an open procedure. Both the sacs were excised and Lytle's repair was done for the dilated internal ring. The patient recovered and no recurrence of any swelling in the abdomen or scrotum was found at the end of a one-year follow-up.

[A case of liposarcoma of spermatic cord with a hydrocele].

A 59-year-old man was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of painless left scrotal swelling. He was diagnosed with left hydrocele testis and underwent puncture of hydrocele. Radical hydrocelectomy was performed because of its frequent recurrence in a short period. A hard mass was found across the spermatic cord during the operation. The mass was removed, and histopathological examination revealed a well-differentiated liposarcoma. This was the 107th case of liposarcoma of the spermatic cord and the 3rd case with a hydrocele.