Congenital Hydrocele – Cause & Treatment
What is a Congenital Hydrocele?
A Congenital Hydrocele is a swelling in the scrotum of a baby boy caused due to a collection of fluid around the testis.
What causes a Congenital Hydrocele?
The Hydrocele is due to a congenital defect (defect present before birth). Normally, when the baby boy is in the mother’s womb the testis develop in his abdomen. The testis then descend down through a path called the inguinal canal and reach the scrotum usually by the 7 th -8 th month of pregnancy. In case of Hydrocele, this path does not close off totally. There is a persistent connection/communication between the sac in the abdomen (tummy) and a sac around the testis in the scrotum. Thus fluid from the abdomen drains down and collects in the scrotum (communicating Hydrocele). Sometimes the connection gets sealed off but the fluid still persists in the scrotum (non-communicating Hydrocele).
How do I know if my baby has a Hydrocele and not a Hernia?
Your baby will have a swelling only in the scrotum and not in the groin. The swelling may be less in the morning and increase as the day progresses. There is no increase in size of swelling on crying, coughing or straining. However a thorough examination by a doctor is required. The doctor may
advise an ultrasound of the region to confirm the diagnosis.
Do all Hydroceles require surgery?
No. Majority of Hydroceles in babies less than 2 year of age are small in size and may regress with time. However a large Hydrocele or a hydrocele in an older child may require surgery. The doctor will evaluate your baby and then take the correct decision. You may be advised to wait and watch and
follow up after a few months if the doctor is hopeful that the condition will resolve on it’s own.
Do any medicines or alternative therapies work?
No. The Hydrocele usually resolves naturally on it’s own as the child grows up, as the connection between the abdomen and scrotum usually is very tiny and it closes off on it’s own followed by absorption of the fluid in the scrotum. However if it does not resolve then a surgery is necessary to
break the connection. No medicines or alternative therapies (like truss or scrotal support) work.
Other Posts
What is a Congenital Hydrocele?
Congenital Hydrocele – Cause & Treatment Dr. Jayul Kamdar 30 Oct 2025 What is a Congenital Hydrocele? A Congenital Hydrocele...