Hydrocele
photo by Janelle Aby, MD
Hydroceles are a frequent finding in newborns. It is important on palpation to identify the normally small testicles (approximately 1 cm) as separate entities from the large, smooth-walled fluid collections of hydroceles. In contrast to inguinal hernias, common (non-communicating) hydroceles cannot be reduced as the fluid is in an enclosed space. Spontaneous resolution is expected. Most hydroceles do not create a barrier to circumcision. If, however, the hydroceles are so large that they are encroaching on the penile shaft, circumcision may need to be postponed.
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