PATIENT INFORMATION PEDIATRIC UROLOGY

     

Hernia/Hydrocele  

 

General Information Hernias and hydroceles occur when the abdominal lining extends down into the scrotum creating a pocket in the groin and/or scrotal area. If bowel goes into the pocket it is called a hernia; if only fluid goes into the pocket it is called a hydrocele.  

Simple Hydrocele Some hydroceles occur because fluid is trapped in this pocket. The fluid in this type of hydrocele will typically become reabsorbed by the body and will resolve spontaneously during the first year of life. Hydroceles can become quite large but are usually painless. This type of hydrocele is usually managed conservatively and your doctor may recommend observation only.

 Communicating Hydrocele/Hernia Some hydroceles and hernias exist because there is a communication (or opening) between the abdomen and the groin area or the scrotum. When this occurs, fluid and/or bowel is allowed to travel back and forth between the two areas. These defects usually will fluctuate in size depending on the child’s activity (crying, straining, etc) and typically have to be corrected surgically because they will progress.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

             

 Some hernias can become incarcerated. This means that bowel tissue has become trapped outside the abdominal cavity. If this occurs, which is uncommon, the area may become hard, red, swollen, and painful. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or fever. You should contact your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Room if these problems occur.  

   

Surgery Your child’s doctor may recommend surgery to correct the hydrocele or hernia. This is done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will come in and go home on the same day. A small incision is made in the lower abdomen on the affected side. Depending on the type of hernia and the age of your child, your doctor may recommend exploring the other side as well. This involves placing a small telescope through the umbilicus. If there is a defect on that side as well, it will be corrected at the time of surgery. After Surgery Your child will have stitches under the skin that will dissolve within several weeks. You will be given instructions for care of the incision at the time of discharge. Your doctor will limit your child’s activity for one month following surgery. This will include avoiding straddle toys and rough play.  

Swelling and discoloration are common following surgery in this area and are not cause for alarm. Infection rarely occurs so antibiotics are not needed. Your child will experience some pain and soreness following the surgery and will go home with a prescription for pain medication. In most children, the pain can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medicines after the first few days.

     

Follow-Up Visit Your child will need to return for a post-op visit approximately 1 month following surgery. This appointment will be made at the time of discharge.

 Should you have questions prior to or after surgery, please contact our office at (434) 924-2590.

           

For emergencies and after hours, call the University of Virginia Hospital operator at (434) 924-0000 and ask to have the on-call urologist paged.

     

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS: