HYDROCELE-FLTMATOCELE A double serous sac envelopes the testicle and the efficliclymis, which under normal conditions contains only a few drops of fluid. An increase in the quantity of fluid distends the sac (hydrocele) and en larges the scrotum. If the distention is caused by blood it is called a ffiernatocele.
Hof mokl gives the following division of the disorder, which may be either congenital or acquired: 1. Hydroeele vaginalis testis et spermatici (congenital).
2. Hydrocele vaginalis funieuli spermatiei communicons (congenital and acquired).
3. Hydroccle in, combination with a hernia (hydrocele herniosa).
4. Hydroeele vaginalis funieuli spermatiei 'ant.- et multilorularis (non-communicating).
5. Hydrocele raginalis testis simplex, 6. The biloculary form of Kocher, of which the location is in the distended extremity of the vaginal sac, partly in the peritoneum, partly in front of the external crura-I ring,.
Kocher, Cohnheim, Birch-Hirschfeld consider the hydrocele as the product of an inflammatory irritation of the membrane of the testicle or of the spermatic cord. Kocher therefore proposes the title chronic
serous periorehitis or chronic. serous perispermatitis. Intra-uterine inflammation of the testicles and spermatic eord are made responsible for the congenital form, Wechselmann denies the supposition that it may be due to circulatory disturbance.
The symptomatology is the same as in adults, hut the diagno.sis is easier owing to the thinness and transparency of the tisuses.
For the differential diagnosis front hernia) and inguinal testi cles we refer to works upon Surgery. Expectant treatment is justified because in the course of weeks or months spontaneous recession occurs in many cases. If this does not take place, aspiration, with or without the injection of a few drops of iodine, may be tried.
Hrematocele is very rare in children, although they may result from contusion during delivery in the breech position.