Hydrocele Treatment in Houston, TX
What are Hydroceles?
Hydroceles are a type of swelling in the scrotum due to fluid collecting in the thin sac that surrounds a testicle. It occurs more commonly in infants, especially premature infants, but can occur at any age. About 10 percent of newborn male infants have a hydrocele, which often clears up without any treatment within the first year of life. Hydroceles in adult men is very rare and it will often disappear on their own as the body reabsorbs the fluid.
Dr. Hampel provides treatment for hydrocele in children. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ori Hampel, please call our urology clinic in Houston at (713) 477-8600
What Causes Hydroceles?
During fetal development, all babies have a canal that allows the testicles to travel from the abdomen to the scrotum. The lining of the canal creates a sac which travels with the testicles. The canal and the sac usually close completely but if this does not happen, a hydrocele can form.
Is a Hydrocele Painful?
No, hydroceles are not usually painful. They can cause some discomfort in older children or adults if the swelling becomes large and heavy. If you notice the scrotum changing in size throughout the day, it may be a sign of a hydrocele. Often the only sign of a hydrocele is swelling of one or both testicles. The fluid will make the scrotum look swollen or enlarged.
What are the Types of Hydroceles?
The type of hydroceles depends on the canal and if the path closed or not before birth or soon after. There are two main types, communicating and non-communicating.
Communicating Hydroceles – this is a type of hydrocele that usually occurs due to issues with fetal development where there is an opening for fluid to move into the scrotum. Due to the canal being open (communicating), the fluid is able to travel back and forth through the canal. This type will typically not resolve on its own and will require a surgical procedure to repair. This is usually seen when the scrotum changes in size throughout the day.
Non-Communicating Hydroceles – in this type, the canal did close, but there is still extra fluid around the testicle in the scrotum. This condition might be present at birth or might develop years later for no obvious reason. It may also occur due to injury or trauma. This type usually has very slow growth or less change in size.
How is Hydroceles Treated?
Most of hydroceles cases will resolve on their own as the body reabsorbs the fluid. If you notice changes or abnormalities in the scrotum, talk to Dr. Hampel. If it occurs in a baby less than a year old, Dr. Hampel will likely recommend careful monitoring. There are no medications to help treat this condition.
If the hydrocele is still there after one year, surgery is recommended through an incision in the groin. The procedure is typically, a same-day surgery where you do not need to spend the night in the hospital. However, younger infants may need special monitoring. Older children, teenagers or adults are more likely to have non-communicating hydroceles that can be corrected through same-day procedure called a scrotal incision.
Dr. Hampel provides treatment for hydrocele in children. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ori Hampel, please call our urology clinic in Houston at (713) 477-8600.