Funicular Hydrocele in Children : Treatment and Right Age for Surgery

Funicular hydrocele in children is a condition where fluid collects along the spermatic cord due to incomplete closure of the processus vaginalis.

In many infants, this condition resolves on its own during the first year of life, so initial treatment is usually observation. No medicines or massage can cure a hydrocele.

Surgery is recommended if the swelling persists beyond 1–2 years of age, increases in size, causes discomfort, or is associated with an inguinal hernia.

The operation is a simple and safe day-care procedure performed under general anesthesia, in which the patent processus vaginalis is closed.

Surgery has excellent outcomes, recurrence is rare, and there is no long-term effect on the child’s testicular function or fertility.