Types of Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a condition in males, in which the sac around the testes (scrotum) fills with fluid. Due to this fluid accumulation, the scrotum appears swollen and enlarged.

In many cases of hydrocele, the swelling in the scrotum does not cause any pain. In such a case, you may not experience any major discomforts and you can go about your routine life without any problem.

However, if the hydrocele is large, you may feel heaviness due to the excess accumulation of fluid. In some cases, the hydrocele may induce severe pain and irritation in the groin area. You may also see redness in the scrotal area. If these symptoms are present, do not take them casually, as they can be signs of an underlying serious problem.

Hydroceles are usually classified into two major types. These are communicating and non-communicating hydroceles. 

Let’s get to know about each type of hydrocele in detail:

Communicating Hydroceles

Communicating hydroceles are usually congenital (present from birth) and are often found in baby boys. In communicating hydroceles, the fluid can flow in and out of the scrotum. Due to this, the size of the hydrocele keeps on changing.

Around the 7th month of the gestation period, the testicles of the male child descend from his abdomen into the scrotum. Usually, a sac surrounds each testicle during the development. This sac also contains fluid.

In normal circumstances, the lining of this sac closes itself. The fluid is then absorbed by the body within one year after birth. However, in some cases, due to some abnormality in the scrotal development, the sac does not close. As a result, the lining between the abdomen and the scrotum remains open.

Due to this opening, free fluid from the abdomen can enter the scrotum. The fluid can flow in and out of the scrotum resulting in a hydrocele of varying sizes. Communicating hydroceles are usually small in the morning and while resting. Their size keeps on increasing as the intra-abdominal pressure increases. Physical activities, coughing, straining, etc. can lead to increased pressure resulting in a larger hydrocele.

Communicating hydroceles can also develop in adult males, usually over the age of 40 years. This can occur due to an injury along the scrotal lining leads to the reopening of the canal between the abdomen and the scrotum. 

Communicating hydroceles in children usually disappear within 1-2 years as the scrotal lining closes itself. However, if they do not disappear on their own, treatment is necessary. Communicating hydroceles should not be left unattended as they are often associated with inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia is a condition in which some part of the intestine pushes through the weak spot and enters the scrotum.

Non-Communicating Hydroceles:

Non-communicating hydroceles can be congenital as well as non-congenital. In non-communicating hydroceles, the lining between the abdomen and the scrotum closes off. Due to this,  the in-and-out flow of the fluid does not happen. Also, the size of the hydrocele does not vary throughout the day. Non-communicating hydroceles are therefore more stable than communicating hydroceles.

As explained above, during the development of the scrotal region, the sac around the testicle is filled with fluid. This sac then closes itself and in normal circumstances, the body reabsorbs this fluid.

However, in the case of a non-communicating hydrocele in babies, the sac lining closes but the body is not able to absorb the fluid. Due to this fluid, the scrotum gets swollen and enlarged. Over time, as more fluid starts accumulating, the size of the hydrocele increases but the growth in most cases is very slow.

Non-communicating hydroceles in adults develop due to injury, inflammation or trauma. These can result in an increased production of the fluid or reduced absorption of the fluid. Due to this, the condition of a hydrocele can arise.

In mild cases, the fluid gets absorbed over time and the problem gets resolved. However, in severe cases, the hydrocele size will keep on growing and in turn, the discomforts will also keep on increasing.

Non-communicating hydroceles are less serious than communicating hydroceles as they do not have the associated risk of inguinal hernia. But if you experience severe pain or the hydrocele becomes hard, consult a doctor immediately as these can be symptoms of testicular torsion or an underlying tumour.

Note: Testicular torsion is a condition in which the testis becomes twisted. This can obstruct the blood flow to the testis and if left untreated, can lead to infertility.

How to treat hydrocele?

Mild hydroceles are usually not very discomforting and do not pose any harm to the testis but in serious cases, hydrocele can be quite troublesome. 

You can heave a sigh of relief as both communicating and non-communicating types of hydrocele are curable. 

For temporary and symptomatic relief from the condition, certain home remedies can be helpful. Aloe vera and amla juice can provide relief from the itching and soreness. Similarly, a paste consisting of black pepper and cumin powder can provide relief. Epsom salt baths and sitz baths can also be effective.

Also, there are a number of medicines available in Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Ayurveda which can provide symptomatic relief from hydrocele.

However, the only permanent solution for hydroceles is the surgical treatment known as Hydrocelectomy. Nowadays, the best option available for hydrocele surgery is Laser Hydrocelectomy.

Laser hydrocelectomy

In this procedure, a laser beam is used to make a small incision in the scrotum or the groin. Through this incision, the fluid is drained out and the hydrocele sac is also removed to prevent the recurrence of the hydrocele. 

Hydrocelectomy can also be accompanied by hernia repair. This is done in the case of communicating hydroceles. In this procedure, after draining the fluid out, the lining between the abdomen and the scrotum closes off.

Laser Hydrocelectomy is a simple procedure and inflicts no pain. Also, unlike conventional surgery methods, it will not hinder your routine life for a long time. You can resume your normal routine life within a few days after laser hydrocelectomy.

So if you are suffering from the troubles of hydrocele, Laser Hydrocelectomy is the best choice available. Laser Hydrocelectomy is available at Pristyn Care. You can contact us if you have any queries about the treatment. 

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