Encysted hydrocele of spermatic cord: A rare case report with review of literature

INTRODUCTION: Funiculus hydrocele is an uncommon anomaly characterized by obstruction in the closure of the processus vaginalis. The two variations of funiculus hydrocele are the encysted variety that is not related to the peritoneal cavity and the funicular variety that is associated with the peritoneal cavity. We report the clinical investigation and management of a very rare case of encysted spermatic cord hydrocele in a 2-year-old boy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-year-old boy came to the hospital with the complaint of a lump in the scrotum for 1 year. The lump had exhibited growth and was not recurrent. The lump was painless, and the parent denied a history of testicular trauma. The vital signs were within normal limits. The left hemiscrotal was observed to be larger than the right. Palpation indicated an oval, soft, well-defined, and fluctuating impression, without tenderness, measuring 4 × 4 cm. The scrotal ultrasound showed a hypoechoic lesion measuring 2.8 × 2.4 × 4.5 cm. The patient underwent a scrotal-approach hydrocelectomy. The 1-month follow-up reported no recurrence. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: An encysted hydrocele is a non-communicating inguinal hydrocele, with a collection of fluid throughout the spermatic cord, which is separate and lies above the testes and epididymis. Diagnosis is clinically important, and if any uncertainty exists, scrotal ultrasound can be used to distinguish it from other scrotal lesions. The treatment for non-communicating inguinal hydrocele in this patient was surgery. CONCLUSION: Hydrocele is usually painless and rarely dangerous so it does not require immediate treatment. The treatment for hydrocele in this patient was surgery because it becomes larger.