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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffA hydrocele typically isn't dangerous and usually doesn't affect fertility. However, it may be associated with an underlying testicular condition that may cause serious complications:
- Infection or tumor. Either may reduce sperm production or function.
- Inguinal hernia. A loop of intestine could become trapped in the weak point in the abdominal wall (strangulated), a life-threatening condition.
References
- Schneck FX, et al. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, et al., eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155313268-8/877525068/1445/130.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50129-1--cesec43_8090. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Zadikoff C. Hydrocele. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155313268-8/877525068/1701/282.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50011-2--cesec716_6058. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Hydrocele. National Guideline Clearinghouse. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=12592. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155313268-8/877525068/1608/1246.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50547-8--cesec20_9837. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Hydroceles and inguinal hernias. American Urological Association. http://www.urologyhealth.org/search/index.cfm?topic=95&search=hydrocele&searchtype=and. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Brenner JS. Causes of painless scrotal swelling in children and adolescents. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Ramsook C. Overview of inguinal hernia in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Sandlow JI, et al. Surgery of the scrotum and seminal vesicles. In: Wein AJ, et al., eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155486720-11/877862325/1445/37.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50036-4--cesec31_2562. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Shoemaker MD. Infectious diseases. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155486720-12/877868200/1481/233.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50024-5--cesec84_956. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 9, 2009.
