Post Date April, 15 2023
According to different classification methods, hydrocele can be divided into different types. The common clinical classification methods are mainly based on anatomical location. According to anatomical location, hydrocele can be mainly divided into the following four types:
1. Testicular hydrocele: is the most common type. The peritoneal sheath like process should be normally closed during embryonic development. If the peritoneal sheath like process is not closed after birth or if the fluid in the testicular sheath sac exceeds the normal amount, various types of sheath like fluid can form. The fluid in the tunica vaginalis surrounding the testicles increases, forming a circular or pear shaped cyst. The testicles and epididymis are surrounded by fluid accumulation and are often not easily palpable. If there is incomplete testicular descent or ectopic fluid accumulation, it indicates a cystic mass at the location of the testicles, such as the inguinal area, parapubic area, etc.
2. Hydrocele of the spermatic cord sheath: The sheath like process of the peritoneum is closed above the testicles and in the inner ring of the groin, and the spermatic cord sheath is not closed, resulting in fluid accumulation. Not communicating with the abdominal cavity and testicular tunica vaginalis. It can occur in the spermatic cord or inguinal canal and is circular or elliptical in shape.
3. Testicular spermatic cord hydrocele: The closure of the peritoneal sheath process is located at the inner ring or from the inner ring to the spermatic cord. It is a pear shaped cyst with a pear stalk facing the inguinal area and can extend to the inner ring. Not communicating with the abdominal cavity, unable to compress, and the size of the cyst does not change with changes in body position. When there is a lot of fluid and high tension, the testicles, epididymis, and spermatic cord are not easily palpable.
4. Communicating hydrocele: The sheath like process of the peritoneum is completely unclosed, and the sheath sac is connected to the abdominal cavity. The accumulation of fluid in the sac can freely enter and exit through the sheath cavity of the spermatic cord, so it can be compressed, and its size changes with body position. In fact, it is the same as congenital indirect inguinal hernia, except that the lumen of the tunica vaginalis is narrower than that of the hernia neck cavity, which only allows for fluid to flow through, and the intestines and omentum cannot descend into the tunica vaginalis sac.
The above are four common types of hydrocele, each with its own unique symptoms. Experts suggest that patients communicate with doctors in a timely manner to distinguish the types of diseases and receive targeted treatment.
(Intern Editor: Cai Junyi)
