Hydrocoele repair

Inguinal hernia and hydrocele both present with a swelling in the groin, often extending down into the scrotum. A hernia has loops of bowel which descend into the scrotum, while a hydrocoele consists of fluid around a testis.

Complications
A hydrocoele is usually innocuous, while a hernia may obstruct and result in a very sick child with severe tummy pain and vomiting.

Is treatment required?
If a hydrocoele is persistent, then it may need surgery any time after 18 months of age, depending on the size. I strongly recommend that a hernia is fixed within 2-3 weeks of diagnosis, to prevent it from obstructing in the future with grave consequences.

(Inguinal herniotomy in young infants with particular emphasis on premature neonates.  D.Misra, V.Boston. J. Paed. Surg 1994, 29:1496-8)

 Dr Devesh Misra
 Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and Paediatric Urologist