Hydrocele

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A hydrocele denotes a pathological accumulation of serous fluid in a bodily cavity. A hydrocele testis is the accumulation of fluids around a testicle, and is fairly common, but should be treated surgically. This is due to fluid secreted from a remnant piece of peritoneum wrapped around the testis in the tunica vaginalis. It can also be as a result of cancer, trauma (such as a hernia) or orchitis. It can also be the result of a plugged ignuinal lymphatic system caused by repeated chronic infection of Wucheria bancrofti or Brugia malayi, two mosquito-borne parasites of Africa and S.E. Asia, respectively. As such the condition would be a part of more diffuse sequelae commonly referred to as elephantiasis.

The older method for removing the fluid was to use a needle to suck it out. However, because of the high risk of infection and because the fluid often returns, a more permanent approach is necessary. An incision is made, and the testicle sac is taken out (it's still attached, but removed), and all the fluid is taken out. It's considered an out-patient surgery. It should be noted that the condition is not usually painful but can be in some cases, but may be distracting as the scrotum can swell to more than the size of a watermelon. The condition does not usually interfere with sexual function.