A Review of 2625 IsolatedHydrocele Casesin Children

AimIn this study, we aimed to define the spontaneous regression rate in the types of hydroceles, the regression age, the timing of surgery, and the optimal treatment approaches for each hydrocele type in cases with isolated hydroceles in children.
MethodThis retrospective cohortstudy included 2625 patients reviewed between January 2004 and December 2012. The hydroceles were classified as: ‘non-communicating hydroceles’, ‘communicating hydroceles’, ‘spermatic cord hydroceles’ and ‘abdomino-scrotal hydroceles’(ASH). The patients were divided into two groups with regard to their ages at the diagnosis as follows: those presenting in the newborn period and before 24 months of age (Younger– Group 1)and those presenting after 24 months of age (Older – Group 2).Determining the type of isolated hydrocele, the decision making for follow-up or surgery, and the follow-up period were conducted by 7 attending pediatric surgeons and 6 residents.
ResultsIn Group 1, 93% of 1086 non-communicating hydroceles, 40% of 158 cord hydroceles, and 15% of 34 communicating hydroceles resolved during the follow-up, and the remaining patients with each type of hydrocele had undergone surgery. In Group 2, 8.7% of 183 non-communicating hydroceles resolved during the follow-up.
ConclusionsThe primary treatment of patients with isolated hydrocele should be decided regarding the type of hydrocele, along with age at admission, and accordingly, conservative or surgical treatment should be considered.