Understanding Hydrocele – Expert Pediatric Care in Dehradun
Parents often worry when they notice swelling in their baby boy’s scrotum. As a pediatric surgeon at Altrus Healthcare, the best hospital in Dehradun, I want to help you understand hydrocele – a common but treatable condition.
What is Hydrocele?
Hydrocele is fluid collection around the testicle inside the scrotum. It causes painless swelling on one or both sides. The condition is quite common in newborn boys and usually harmless.
Types of Hydrocele
There are two main types:
Communicating Hydrocele: Here, fluid can move between the abdomen and scrotum. The swelling may change size throughout the day – smaller in morning, larger in evening.
Non-communicating Hydrocele: The fluid is trapped around the testicle. The swelling remains the same size and often resolves by itself within the first year.
Causes of Hydrocele
During fetal development, testicles move from abdomen to scrotum through a passage. If this passage doesn’t close properly, fluid can collect, causing hydrocele. Most cases are present at birth.
Symptoms to Watch
- Painless swelling in scrotum
- Size may vary during the day
- No fever or other symptoms
- Baby remains comfortable and feeds normally
When to Consult a Doctor
See a pediatric surgeon if:
- Swelling doesn’t improve after 12 months
- Size keeps increasing rapidly
- Child complains of pain or discomfort
- Swelling becomes hard or red
Diagnosis Methods
Doctors diagnose hydrocele through physical examination. Sometimes, we use a small light to shine through the swelling (transillumination test). The light passes through fluid-filled hydrocele but not through solid masses.
Ultrasound may be needed in some cases to confirm diagnosis and check testicle health.
Treatment Approaches
Many hydroceles resolve naturally within the first year of life. We recommend watchful waiting for non-communicating hydroceles in babies under 12 months.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery becomes necessary when:
- Hydrocele persists after 12months
- It’s communicating type (connected to abdomen)
- Size causes significant discomfort
The surgical procedure, called hydrocelectomy, is simple and safe. At Altrus Healthcare Dehradun, we use advanced techniques ensuring minimal discomfort and quick recovery.
Post-Surgery Care
Recovery is usually smooth. Most children return home the same day. Parents should keep the area clean and dry, follow medication schedule, and avoid strenuous activities for few weeks.
Outlook and Prevention
Hydrocele surgery has excellent success rates. The condition rarely returns after proper surgical treatment. Since most cases are developmental, prevention is not possible.
Early consultation with experienced pediatric surgeons ensures proper diagnosis and treatment. At Altrus Healthcare, we provide comprehensive care with child-friendly environment and latest medical facilities.
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