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What is Hydrocele? | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgery of Hydrocele

Dr. Sanjay Unmat, a lead radiation oncologist at the Group of Hospitals, shares insights into the treatment of a patient diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer using state-of-the-art technology.

Dr. Yogesh Kaje, a consultant urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Sahyadri Hospital in Pune, explains hydrocele, a common condition affecting men. He describes hydrocele as the accumulation of fluid between the two layers surrounding the testicles, leading to swelling.

The primary symptom of hydrocele is an enlarged scrotum. However, this enlargement does not occur suddenly; it develops gradually over time. Patients may not notice the condition until it has become significantly enlarged. Generally, hydrocele is not painful, but in some cases, particularly with larger hydroceles, pressure can be felt in the scrotal area. Pain may occur if the hydrocele is injured, if there is bleeding, or if an infection develops.

Dr. Kaje outlines several causes of hydrocele, including:

• Infections: One significant cause is filariasis, a parasitic infection spread by mosquito bites, which is more prevalent in certain areas of India.
• Trauma: Injury to the testicle can lead to bleeding, which may subsequently be absorbed, leaving fluid in its place.
• Infections: Both bacterial and viral infections affecting the testicles can also lead to the formation of hydrocele.
• Idiopathic Cases: In some situations, the cause of hydrocele cannot be determined.

For those suspecting they have hydrocele, Dr. Kaje advises consulting a nearby urologist for a thorough check-up. An ultrasound examination will typically confirm the diagnosis. He stresses that medications do not effectively treat hydrocele. If a hydrocele is small (referred to as mild hydrocele), it may only require observation. However, larger hydroceles necessitate a surgical procedure known as hydrocele repair.

This surgery is a minor procedure performed on a daycare basis, meaning patients do not need to be admitted for long. There is minimal blood loss during the surgery. Dr. Kaje cautions against simply draining the fluid with a syringe, as this is not a recommended treatment and hydrocele is likely to recur if only the fluid is removed.

Dr. Kaje encourages anyone suffering from hydrocele to consult a urologist for the appropriate solution rather than enduring the condition in silence.