Hydrocele (water break)

In boys, there is a congenital connection between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum. Through this connection, fluid either passes from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum or the connection itself or the tissue around the testicles forms the fluid.

In girls, the water hernia is called a Nuck's cyst, as it is a fluid-filled, congenital pre-formed cavity in the groin area which, unlike an inguinal hernia, cannot be pushed away.

A hydrocele is characterised by a non-painful swelling in the area of the groin or scrotum. If there is a connection from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum, the swelling can change, i.e. in the morning it is gone or smaller and in the evening it is present or larger. Only very rarely is there inflammation, which leads to pain, reddening of the skin and fever.

The hydrocele is usually diagnosed on physical examination along with the typical history.

In boys, the hydrocele often recedes in the first two years of life and the connection to the abdominal cavity closes. If the hernia remains, becomes larger, has already been inflamed or if the blood supply to the testicle is possibly restricted, then surgery is necessary beforehand. The same applies if the girl has a hydrocele. During the operation, the connection to the abdominal cavity is closed. The operation can be performed laparoscopically, i.e. using the keyhole technique, or openly. If there is an accumulation of fluid in the scrotum or groin, which is always the same size, it is removed. This is done through an incision in the groin or scrotum.

Depending on the age of the child, the operation is performed as an outpatient procedure, i.e. without an overnight stay in hospital, or as an inpatient procedure with an overnight stay in hospital after the operation.

The prognosis after the operation is very good. After the operation, the scrotum is often swollen and there is a haematoma. This disappears within a few days.