A Review of Classification, Diagnosis, and Management of Hydrocele.

This article summarizes and updates a number of issues related to hydrocele including anatomy, embryology, classification, etiology, clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and management. Hydrocele is an abnormal collection of serous fluid between the parietal and visceral layers arising from the mesothelial lining of the tunica vaginalis that surrounds the testis and spermatic cord directly. Hydroceles result from an imbalance of secretion and reabsorption of fluid from the tunica vaginalis. Hydroceles can be divided into two types as primary and secondary. The diagnosis should be based on medical history, clinical manifestations, and imaging studies. Understanding the causes and types of hydroceles is useful for accurately diagnosing and treatment strategy. Hydroceles can be managed by conservative treatment, fluid aspiration, or hydrocelectomy.

Misdiagnosis of scrotal and retroperitoneal lymphangioma in children.

BACKGROUND: Scrotal and retroperitoneal lymphangioma (SRL) in children is relatively rare and its clinical symptoms are usually difficult to distinguish from other conditions such as hydrocele and incarcerated inguinal oblique hernia. This study aimed to explore the clinical diagnosis and treatment of abdominal scrotal lymphangioma in children, and thus, to increase our understandings of this disease in clinical practice. METHOD: This study enrolled nine boys, aged 1-10, who were admitted to Shanghai Children's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 and who were finally confirmed with lymphangioma in the inguinal area. The clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of these children were analyzed retrospectively. The length of diagnostic process ranged from 3 weeks to 20 months. We also reviewed other cases of initially misdiagnosed cases of SRL in English publications from 2000 to 2022. RESULTS: The nine cases were misdiagnosed as hydrocele, hematoma, or inguinal hernia. Three patients received intracystic injection of bleomycin, three underwent laparoscopic mass resection, and three underwent resection of the inguinal lymphangioma under direct vision. Postoperative pathological analysis of the surgical specimens confirmed the diagnosis of benign cystic lesions and lymphangioma. Meanwhile, among the 14 cases of SRL in literature review, eight were misdiagnosed. Six were initially diagnosed as hydrocele, one as inguinal oblique hernia, and one as testicular tumor, all of which underwent ultrasonography scans. All cases were confirmed as lymphangioma after pathological examination. CONCLUSION: The non-specific clinical manifestations may contribute to the misdiagnosis of scrotal masses in children. A detailed and accurate medical history, careful physical examination, and imaging findings are important factors contributing to the preoperative differential diagnosis of scrotal lumps in children, but the final diagnosis is based on pathological examination.

Metachronous Contralateral Occurrence of Hydrocele After Unilateral Hydrocelectomy in Children Younger Than 8 Years.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocele on the contralateral side after surgical repair is an uncommon condition compared to surgical site recurrence. Although there has been much research on metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia in children, metachronous contralateral hydrocele, which share a common pathology with inguinal hernias, has not yet been investigated. We have investigated the incidence and risk factors for metachronous contralateral occurrence of communicating and noncommunicating hydroceles in children younger than 8 years. METHODS: From January 2017 to June 2020, 302 children younger than 8 who were diagnosed with unilateral hydroceles were treated in our hospital without surgical exploration of contralateral hydrocele. The disease was classified into communicating and noncommunicating hydroceles. We divided patients into two groups according to the presence of metachronous contralateral hydrocele and analyzed the differences between the two groups. RESULTS: Among 302 patients, the mean age was 36.4 ± 20.9 months. Metachronous contralateral hydrocele occurred in 15 (4.9%) patients as communicating hydroceles. Comparison between the two groups showed statistically significant differences in type of hydrocele (P = 0.047) at first diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Clinically evident risk of metachronous contralateral hydrocele after unilateral hydrocelectomy was 4.9%. Despite the relatively low incidence rate, the risk of metachronous contralateral occurrence should always be consulted with parents before surgical treatment of hydroceles.

Clinical challenges of scrotal lymphangioma in an adult: a rare case of scrotal swelling.

Scrotal lymphangiomas represent an extremely rare cause of scrotal swelling. We report a case of scrotal lymphangioma in an 18-year-old male who presented with painful scrotal swelling. Scrotal ultrasound revealed a complex multicystic structure in the left hemiscrotum. The patient underwent successful surgical excision of the mass. Postoperatively, he developed a hydrocele which eventually spontaneously regressed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. We outline the unusual presentation, characteristic imaging and histology findings, and surgical management of scrotal lymphangiomas. With this information, urologists may exercise a heightened level of awareness for this rare cause of scrotal swelling.

Clinical Analysis of Pyocele of Tunica Vaginalis in 56 Newborns.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and prognosis of neonatal pyocele of tunica vaginalis and to provide a reference for the clinical treatment. METHODS: A total of 56 newborns with pyocele of tunica vaginalis were admitted to our hospital due to the scrotal emergency from January 2015 to January 2020. Our study retrospectively analyzed these 56 cases. Of the 56 cases, including 32 full-term infants and 24 premature infants, age ranged from 1 to 27 days. Initially, conservative treatment (intravenous antibiotic treatment) was applied to 42 cases, and surgery to 14 cases. Then, 7 underwent surgical exploration during the conservative treatment, and 2 cases with initial surgical treatment experienced orchiectomy because of complete necrosis. For 56 cases, the average follow-up time was 18 months. RESULTS: The clinical recovery time of cases with conservative treatment ranged from 8 to 17 days, with an average of 11.02 ± 2.31 days. The clinical recovery time of cases with surgery ranged from 6 to 15 days, with an average of 9.28 ± 2.78 days. During the follow-up, for 56 cases, except for the 2 cases with orchiectomy, the testicular position and Doppler flow both went back to normal, of the 42 cases with initial conservative treatment, 1 case experienced testicular retardation, of the 14 cases with initial surgical treatment, 2 cases experienced testicular retardation, and hydrocele of 42 cases were self-healed. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal pyocele of tunica vaginalis is mostly secondary to intra-abdominal infection. Color Doppler ultrasound is helpful for the diagnosis. The percutaneous aspiration is a way of collecting pathogenic bacteria during the conservative treatment. If the color Doppler suggests testicular involvement, surgical exploration should be performed.

Scrotal Masses.

Scrotal and testicular masses can be broadly categorized into painful conditions, which include testicular torsion, torsion of the testicular appendage, and epididymitis, and painless conditions, which include hydrocele, varicocele, and testicular cancer. Testicular torsion is a urologic emergency requiring prompt surgical intervention to save the testicle, ideally within six hours of presentation when the salvage rate is about 90%. The Testicular Workup for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion score can be used to help physicians identify patients at high risk of torsion and those at lower risk who would benefit from imaging first. Torsion of the testicular appendage presents with gradual onset of superior unilateral pain, is diagnosed using ultrasonography, and is treated supportively with analgesics. Epididymitis is usually caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or enteric bacteria and is treated with antibiotics, analgesics, and scrotal support. Hydroceles are generally asymptomatic and are managed supportively. Varicoceles are also generally asymptomatic but may be associated with reduced fertility. It is uncertain if surgical or radiologic treatment of varicoceles in subfertile men improves the rate of live births. Testicular cancer often presents as a unilateral, painless mass discovered incidentally. Ultrasonography is used to evaluate any suspicious masses, and surgical treatment is recommended for suspected cancerous masses.

[Laparoscopic phelps approach in children with inguinal hernia: a retrospective comparative study]. / Primenenie laparoskopicheskogo metoda phelps u detei s pakhovoi gryzhei.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new method of inguinal hernia repair in children (PHELPS) first proposed by the authors compared to another laparoscopic method (SEAL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study demonstrated the results of laparoscopic treatment of 729 patients with inguinal hernias. Of these, 255 patients underwent PHELPS procedure. Other 474 patients underwent SEAL procedure. The difference between both methods is that hernial ligature is passed around the hernial sac in case of PHELPS. SEAL procedure implies capture of tissues of anterior abdominal wall (muscles and aponeurosis) into this knot. We analyzed whether this factor can lead to less incidence of recurrence and hydrocele. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable by age, body weight and gender. Median of surgery time including correction of unilateral and bilateral hernia was similar (20.0 [10.0; 20.0] min versus 15.0 [15.0; 20.0] min; p=0.666). We found faster patient recovery after PHELPS procedure for inguinal hernia including much less doses of postoperative analgesia (1.0 [1.0; 1.0] versus 1.0 [1.0; 2.0]; p<0.001) and shorter hospital-stay (8.0 [8.0; 8.0] hours versus 8.0 [8.0; 9.0] hours; p=0.010). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative hydrocele (0 versus 6; p=0.097). Nevertheless, recurrence rate differed significantly (0 versus 17; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: PHELPS procedure is characterized by lower incidence of recurrence and accelerated postoperative recovery compared to SEAL technique.

Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of tunica vaginalis misdiagnosing as hydrocele: A case report and literature review.

Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of tunica vaginalis is very rare. We report a case of a 15-year-old man presenting as hydrocele. Pre-operatively, no masses were detected by ultrasonography. Hydrocelectomy was performed. At surgery, a 0.8 cm polypoid nodule and diffusely thickened tunica were found. Pathologic examination finally revealed rhabdomyosarcoma. A PET-CT was then performed and indicated scrotal implantation metastasis. The patient underwent radical inguinal orchiectomy and was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgery. At 12 months of follow-up, he remained disease-free.

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.

Imaging of mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the imaging findings in a series of patients with mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis. METHODS: We reviewed clinical data, imaging findings and follow-up information in a series of 10 pathology-proven cases of mesothelioma (all had US; 2 had MR) of the tunica vaginalis. RESULTS: A variety of patterns could be observed, the most common (5/10) being a hydrocele with parietal, solid and hypervascular vegetations; one patient had a septated hydrocele with hypervascular walls; one had multiple, solid nodules surrounded by a small, physiological quantity of fluid; one a cystic lesion with thick walls and vegetations compressing the testis; two had a solid paratesticular mass. MR showed multiple small nodules on the surface of the tunica vaginalis in one case and diffuse thickening and vegetations in the other one; lesions had low signal intensity on T2-w images and were hypervascular after contrast injection. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative diagnosis of mesotheliomas presenting as solid paratesticular masses seems very difficult with imaging. On the contrary, the diagnosis must be considered in patients in whom a hydrocele with parietal vegetations is detected, especially if these show high vascularity. KEY POINTS: Mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis are rare, often challenging to diagnose preoperatively. Most common finding is a complex hydrocele with hypervascular parietal vegetations. Septated hydrocele, nodules without hydrocele, a thick-walled paratesticular cyst are less common. Preoperative diagnosis may allow aggressive surgical approach and, possibly, a better prognosis.

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis: a rare case report and description of multimodal treatment.

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon neoplasm that develops from serous surfaces, and rarely from the tunica vaginalis. Although atypical in any location, paratesticular presentation is exceedingly infrequent as only 0.3% to 1.4% of mesothelioma cases arise from the tunica vaginalis. Fewer than 300 cases have been reported with very few descriptions of long term follow up and multimodal therapy. Here we describe a patient with 2 years of follow up for metastatic mesothelioma treated with orchiectomy, chemotherapy and robot-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

Idiopathic infant pyocele: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Pyocele is a rare emergent urologic condition that requires rapid recognition and treatment to prevent testicular loss. Cases of pediatric pyocele have not been previously reported in the emergency medicine literature. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of a 6-week-old male who presented to the emergency department for a sepsis evaluation. The patient displayed subtle scrotal findings but had an otherwise benign physical examination. Subsequent sonographic imaging suggested a possible scrotal abscess and surgical exploration revealed a pyocele. A literature review of previously reported cases of patients with pyocele is also presented. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: A pyocele is a rare cause of both an acute scrotum and neonatal fever. It is important for emergency physicians to consider this entity when evaluating pediatric patients with fever, particularly those with symptoms related to the scrotum.

Tension Hydrocele: An Unusual Cause of Acute Scrotal Pain.

The etiology of acute scrotal pain can vary from a benign process such as mild trauma, appendicular torsion, or epididymo-orchitis to an emergent process such as an incarcerated inguinal hernia, testicular torsion, or rupture. Furthermore, testicular insult often results in a reactive hydrocele that can both cloud the diagnosis and impair the physical examination. Traditionally, the acute scrotum was managed with immediate exploration, but emergency physicians and urologists have increasingly used Doppler ultrasonography to assess vascular flow, aide in the diagnosis, and ultimately guide triage of those patients who require urgent intervention. We describe the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with 2 days of increasing testicular pain and swelling, confirmed to have a large hydrocele with compromised testicular perfusion, and was managed by emergent operative drainage and repair of a "tension hydrocele" with immediate return of testicular perfusion. To our knowledge, this is the first report of tension hydrocele causing intratesticular vascular compromise in a pediatric patient.

[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.

Pregnancy, parturition, parity and position in the family. Any influence on the development of paediatric inguinal hernia/hydrocele?

AIM: To see if pre-partum factors have a relationship to the development of inguinal hernia in children. METHOD: A prospective study on children with hernia. On first contact, the affected child was examined and data like the age, sex, weight, blood group, the diagnosis, side of the lesion and other co-morbid conditions was recorded. The mother filled a questionnaire about her age, parity, illness during pregnancy, her mode of delivery and the patient's position in the family. RESULTS: There were 104 patients from 103 mothers, their ages ranged from 13 days to 14 years with the highest incidence in the 1-4 age group. The sex ratio was overwhelmingly male (M:F ratio was 38:1). Right sided hernias were predominant. Only 7% had a family history. The peak age group of the mothers was 26-32 years and about 33% of the mothers had some illness during pregnancy. The birth positions of the patients showed that majority of them were either 1st or 2nd born children. CONCLUSION: Women of ages 26-32 likelyto have children with inguinal hernia. Malaria during pregnancy is unlikely to have a role to play. 1st and 2nd born male children have a higher chance of having inguinal hernia.

[Hydrocele]. / Hydrozele.

The hydrocele is overall a rare condition in urology. A differentiation between primary and secondary hydrocele is essential for further treatment. A primary hydrocele with a patent vaginal process tends to spontaneously regress in the first 2 years of life in newborns. If treatment is necessary, open as well as laparoscopic methods are available with good results. The treatment of scrotal pathologies, especially secondary hydrocele, often poses a challenge in the clinical practice. Despite the benign nature, supposedly simple surgical techniques and good chances of healing, postoperative complications are frequent. In comparison to open surgery, sclerotherapy provides a good alternative for the treatment of secondary hydrocele.