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Hydrocele in Children

Summary

A hydrocele is a painless collection of fluid around the testicle, causing swelling in the scrotum. It is common in newborn boys and usually resolves on its own within the first year of life. In rare cases, a similar condition can occur in females along the canal of Nuck.

There are two types of hydroceles:

  • Communicating hydrocele: A small opening between the abdomen and scrotum allows fluid to move in and out, sometimes causing the swelling to change in size.

Non-communicating hydrocele: The fluid is trapped in the scrotum without connection to the abdomen, typically resolving without treatment.

Diagnosis and When to Seek Help

Parents should consult a doctor if their child has:

  • A painless swelling in one or both sides of the scrotum
  • A scrotum that appears larger at different times of the day (suggesting a communicating hydrocele)
  • Persistent swelling beyond 12–18 months of age

Doctors can usually diagnose a hydrocele with a physical exam. In some cases, transillumination (shining a light through the scrotum) or an ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Management

  • Observation: Most hydroceles in infants resolve on their own by 12 to 18 months without any treatment.
  • Surgery: If the hydrocele persists beyond 18 months, causes discomfort, or is associated with an inguinal hernia, a surgical procedure called hydrocelectomy may be needed. This is a minor outpatient procedure. 

Follow-Up and Monitoring

After diagnosis, regular follow-ups may be recommended to monitor the hydrocele. If surgery is required, children typically recover quickly with minimal discomfort.

If you notice persistent or changing swelling in your child’s scrotum, consult a doctor to determine the best course of action.

History and Exam

Key diagnostic factor

  • Presence of risk factors
  • Scrotal mass
  • Transillumination
  • Enlargement of scrotal mass following activity

Other diagnostic factors

  • Male sex
  • Prematurity and low birth weight
  • Infants <6 months of age
  • Infants whose testes descend relatively late

Diagnostic Investigations

1st investigations to order

  • Clinical diagnosis

Investigations to consider

  • Ultrasound

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    Other Related Conditions

    Undescended testes

    congenital hernias

    removal of lumps and lesions

    pilonidal sinuses

    in-grown toenails

    acute scrotal pain

    inguinal hernias

    femoral hernias

    acute abdominal pain

    abscess drainage

    umbilical hernia

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      Social and emotional functioning refers to a child’s ability to understand, express, and manage their emotions, as well as to interact effectively with others. These skills are fundamental for building positive relationships, developing empathy, and coping with the everyday challenges of growing up.

      Children who experience difficulties in social and emotional functioning may struggle with recognizing their own feelings or those of others, regulating emotional responses, or responding appropriately in social situations. This can lead to challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty making friends, or misunderstandings with peers and adults.

      In the school environment, social and emotional difficulties can impact a child’s engagement, cooperation, and overall learning experience. Emotional distress may manifest as withdrawal, irritability, or disruptive behaviour, which can further affect academic progress and peer relationships.

      Assessment of social and emotional functioning as part of a neuropsychological evaluation typically includes behavioural observations, standardized rating scales, and information gathered from parents, teachers, and sometimes the child. This comprehensive approach helps identify strengths and areas for support in emotional regulation, social skills, and adaptive behaviours.

      Understanding a child’s social-emotional profile allows for the development of tailored strategies to enhance emotional wellbeing, build resilience, and improve social communication. Early intervention and supportive environments can empower children to navigate their emotions more effectively, fostering confidence and meaningful connections. 

      At Offspring Health, we aim to provide transparent information about the costs involved in neurodevelopmental and educational assessments.

      Neuropsychological assessments typically involve multiple sessions that usually take between 8 and 16 hours in total, depending on the complexity and individual needs. Our hourly rate is $260, so the total cost typically ranges between $2,300 and $4,230.

      Fees generally cover:

      • Initial consultation and history gathering
      • Testing sessions where your child will complete various fun and interactive tasks
      • Liaison with schools or health professionals as needed
      • Comprehensive case analysis and report preparation
      • Feedback sessions with families and, where applicable, educators or other professionals

      Please note that standard neuropsychological assessments are generally not covered by Medicare. However, some assessments and therapy services may be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for eligible participants. We recommend discussing funding options with your NDIS planner or support coordinator prior to booking. Private health insurance may offer partial rebates depending on your level of coverage.

      What’s the next step?

      Please phone reception for a discussion about your needs or email psychology@offspringhealth.com