Abstract
Purpose
To report the rare problem of a very large recurrent postoperative scrotal hydrocele after pediatric inguinal hernia repair.
Methods
From July 1969 to December 2007 inclusive, the charts of five boys mean age 8 years (range 7 months–16 years) with very large recurrent postoperative scrotal hydroceles were reviewed (Research Ethics Board approval 1000007698).
Results
In each case, there was a very large recurrent postoperative symptomatic scrotal hydrocele (3 right, 1 left, 1 bilateral). Their ages at the time of these recurrences were between 11 and 16 years; they were repaired within 2–18 months. The first four were repaired via a groin incision on finding no recurrent inguinal hernia. The last two were repaired through a scrotal approach because a groin ultrasound showed no recurrent inguinal hernia. There was 1 second recurrence which was successfully repaired. A followup of 1½–9 years revealed no recurrent hydrocele.
Conclusions
The incidence of a very large recurrent symptomatic postoperative scrotal hydrocele after repair of a pediatric inguinal hernia is 0.06% and usually occurs in older boys. If ultrasonography of the groin is normal (since a recurrent inguinal hernia seems unlikely in such cases), this repair can usually be done via a scrotal approach.
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Notes
Polyglycolic acid, Davis & Geck.
Polyglactin 910, Ethicon.
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Ein, S.H., Nasr, A., Wales, P. et al. The very large recurrent postoperative scrotal hydrocele after pediatric inguinal hernia repair: a rare problem. Pediatr Surg Int 25, 239–241 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-009-2326-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-009-2326-x