Condition
Pediatric Hydrocele
Key Points About Hydrocele in Children
- A hydrocele is fluid buildup in the thin pouch that holds the testes in the scrotum.
- Up to 1 in 10 baby boys have a hydrocele at birth. In most cases, it goes away without treatment within the first year.
- There are two types of hydrocele:
- A communicating hydrocele or hernia lasts longer than 12 to 18 months and requires surgery to repair.
- A noncommunicating hydrocele may be present at birth. It often goes away on its own with no treatment within one year. Sometimes noncommunicating hydrocele remains large which makes it difficult to feel the testis. When this occurs, surgery is offered to remove the hydrocele.
- Symptoms can include a lump or swelling that is smooth and not painful, or a scrotum that changes size.
- After it goes away or is treated, long-term problems are rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hydrocele?
What causes a hydrocele?
What are the symptoms of a hydrocele?
How is a hydrocele diagnosed?
How is a hydrocele treated?
What are possible complications of a hydrocele?
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
Meet the Providers Who Treat Hydrocele
Departments that Treat Hydrocele
Urology
Children's National is ranked one of the nation's best pediatric hospitals for urology thanks to our expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders affecting reproductive and urinary organs in children. Learn more about this department.