A hydrocele is a buildup of fluid around the testicles, causing swelling of the scrotum.
The testicles first form in the belly (abdomen) of the male fetus. Just before birth, the testicles move down into the scrotum through a tunnel called the inguinal canal. As this happens, the testicles push the belly lining along with them. This forms a pouch around the testicles inside the scrotum. The top of the pouch eventually closes up before birth. Sometimes fluid from the abdomen may pass into the scrotum and become sealed off there in a small sac. This is called a noncommunicating hydrocele.
In some babies, the passage between the abdomen and the scrotum stays open. In this case, the bulge may get bigger and smaller as the fluid passes back and forth from the abdomen to the scrotum. This is called a communicating hydrocele.
The danger of this second kind of hydrocele is that it can lead to a hernia. A hernia looks like a painless bulge in the groin or scrotum. A hernia in a baby can cause tissue death (gangrene) and rupture of the intestine. This is a life-threatening emergency and needs surgery right away. So you should watch for this condition.
Most hydroceles shrink and disappear by the time a child is 1 or 2 years old, and they need no treatment. If the hydrocele doesn't go away by the time your child is 2, it may need to be fixed with surgery.
Home care
A small hydrocele won't interfere in any way with normal activity. You don't need to take any special safety steps. Just watch the size of your baby's scrotum as you provide daily care. Tell your child's health care provider right away if you notice any changes.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's health care provider, or as advised. This is to be sure that the hydrocele is shrinking and that no hernia appears.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child's health care provider right away if your child has:
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A new bulge in the groin that appears just above the thigh crease or in the scrotum.
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Changes in the size of the hydrocele. This can mean that it gets smaller, then larger, then smaller. Or it may get larger and stay larger.
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Pain, redness, or tenderness in the hydrocele.
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Pain in the testicle that happens with nausea, vomiting, or both.
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