A hydrocele testis is an accumulation of clear fluid in the tunica vaginalis, the most internal of membranes containing a testicle. A primary hydrocele causes a painless enlargement in the scrotum on the affected side and is thought to be due to the defective absorption of fluid secreted between the two layers of the tunica vaginalis (investing membrane). A secondary hydrocele is secondary to either inflammation or a neoplasm in the testis.
A hydrocele usually occurs on one side, but can also affect both sides. The accumulation can be a marker of physical trauma, infection or tumor, but the cause is generally unknown.
Hydrocele normally is seen in infant boys, as enlarged scrotum. In infant girls it appears as enlarged labia. However, hydrocele is more common in boys than girls. There is a greater chance of infertility if the hydrocele does not show itself until the child has reached adulthood. The younger the patient is when the hydrocele is found and treated, the lesser the chances of infertility. Some beg to differ on infertility due to hydrocele, but the majority agree upon the chances of infertility due to hydrocele is highly likely, unless the patient is an infant or child of pre-teen age.
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