Abdominoscrotal hydrocele--is there a place for conservative management?

Laparoscopic treatment of an abdominoscrotal hydrocele: A case report

Introduction

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH), a composite of scrotal and abdominal hydroceles connected through the inguinal canal, is rare and no consensus regarding its mechanisms and surgical treatments has been reached to date.

Presentation of the case

We report a case of an 11-month-old boy with a large ASH. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a huge hydrocele (maximum length: 8 cm). The patient underwent laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) and the orifice of the processus vaginalis (PV) was completely closed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Follow-up ultrasonography and MRI in the first postoperative year showed no recurrence of ASH.

Discussion

An ASH with a length >8 cm is considered rare in pediatric patients. There is no consensus regarding its etiology and surgical intervention is selected according to the patient's condition and the characteristics of ASH. We opted to perform early surgical intervention considering the ASH size and the adverse effects on testicular development. LPEC helped identify the condition and location of the ASH and allowed safe and reliable operation of the large intrapelvic hydrocele. In patients with no PV patency, a change in approach from LPEC to an open anterior approach should be considered even if LPEC is feasible.

Conclusion

This case provides valuable insight into successful LPEC of a large ASH without any complications, highlighting the importance of elucidating the morphological mechanisms and making an accurate diagnosis and the challenges associated with these processes.

•

A huge abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is a rare condition in a child.

•

ASH frequently exhibited a firm adhesion to the processus vaginalis.

•

Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure does not require the detachment.

•

Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure is a helpful and safe technique.

Abdominoscrotal Hydrocele: An Uncommon Cause of Abdominoscrotal Cystic Swelling

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) consists of fluid-filled intercommunicating inguinoscrotal and abdominal sac with a characteristic hourglass-like picture on CECT, which usually affects single testis and a rare cause of abdominoscrotal cystic swelling. The precise etiology of ASH is not known. Ultrasonography is the initial diagnostic modality of choice as it demonstrates the intercommunication between the two sacs and also identifies any abnormality of the testis and genitourinary tract. We are reporting a case of a 27-year-old patient presented in the General Surgery OPD of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Hospital in 2019 with bilateral scrotal and abdominal swelling. On examination, cross fluctuation was positive between left hydrocele and abdominal swelling, raising suspicion of ASH, which was confirmed on CECT. The patient underwent excision of sac through left inguinoscrotal approach and an uneventful postoperative course.

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele: excision of sac may not be necessary

INTRODUCTION

Abdominoscrotal hydroceles (ASH) are uncommon occurrences in boys and usually treated similarly to a hernia with the assumption that there is an associated patent processus vaginalis. Treatment in this manner may be challenging due to sac size, extension and adherence to the spermatic cord. Due to the rarity of ASH, the literature is mostly limited to small, single-institution case studies.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to evaluate two techniques in large number. We hypothesized a simplified scrotal technique with eversion, Jaboulay procedure, would demonstrate less complications and equivalent efficacy to standard excision.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records at three tertiary children's hospitals to identify boys who underwent surgical repair of ASH between 1998 and 2018. Group 1 had excision and/or ligation of the hydrocele sac. Group 2 had a scrotal incision with limited excision and then eversion of the hydrocele sac (Jaboulay procedure). Variables that were analyzed included preoperative imaging, surgical technique, surgical findings, length of follow up, complications and recurrence of swelling.

RESULTS

We identified 61 boys, who had 77 abdominoscrotal hydroceles. Group 1 included 38 patients with 48 hydroceles. Group 2 included 23 patients with 29 hydroceles. Complications were more common in Group 1 patients (18% vs 0%) but complication rate and operative time were not statistically associated with surgery type or age. No patient in either group had recurrence of hydrocele.

DISCUSSION

Although this is a large study for this rare condition, the analysis is limited by number and its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSION

For the rare and difficult to treat abdominoscrotal hydrocele, we were unable to prove with statistical significance that a simplified technique of eversion via the scrotum is safer. However, this large series did demonstrate that the simplified procedure provides equal efficacy as excision.

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is an uncommon condition characterized by a fluid-filled mass with inguinoscrotal and abdominal components. Controversy exists regarding the best management. We conducted a systematic review of the literature with special interest in presentation, management and outcomes.

METHODS

A search was conducted of the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in each study.

RESULTS

We found 18 case series that met selection criteria, describing 116 patients with 146 hydroceles. Unilateral ASH was found in 59% of cases with almost even distribution between left and right-sided hydroceles. Ipsilateral undescended testicle, testicular dysmorphism, and contralateral pathology (inguinal hernia) often accompanied ASH. Management was always surgical. The most common approaches were inguinal (67.2%), combined laparoscopic + inguinal (11.2%), and scrotal (10.3%). Complications were poorly reported, but were generally minor. There were a decreased number of complications with the scrotal approach because of avoidance of a difficult inguinal dissection.

CONCLUSIONS

ASH is a rare entity treated most commonly via an inguinal approach. However, consideration should be given to combining with an extraperitoneal or laparoscopic approach given coexisting pathology, or to the scrotal approach for reducing morbidity.

The treatment of abdominoscrotal hydrocele: Is there a role for nonoperative management?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is an uncommon entity. Until now, the recommended treatment has been surgical. There is only one successful case of nonoperative management reported in literature. We report the largest series of children with ASH, and provide evidence in support of an initial nonoperative approach.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective chart review of patients treated from 1994 to 2015 with ASH at a single institution.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were identified with ASH, with 29 included in the analysis. Nine patients (30%) had operative management with an 80% complication rate. Twenty out of 29 patients (70%) were initially managed expectantly. Sixteen (80%) had resolution of their abdominal component, twelve (60%) of which went on to have full resolution of ASH. Four patients (20%) in this group required operative management of ASH.

CONCLUSIONS

ASH should be included in the differential diagnosis of pediatric scrotal swelling. The "Springing Back Ball Sign" should be used as a screening tool. If it is positive, a dynamic ultrasound should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. We recommend observation as the first step in the management of uncomplicated ASH. It can result in avoidance of operation or at least lower the complication risk significantly if operation is required.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

A case of bilateral abdominoscrotal hydroceles without communication with the peritoneum

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is an uncommon entity. Although various theories on the development of ASH have been proposed, its etiology is still unclear. According to several etiological theories, it is necessary that ASH have communication with the peritoneum. We present a case of bilateral ASH that had no communication with the peritoneum.

[Abdominoscrotal hydrocele with leg edema in a 4-month-old boy]

We present a case of a 4-month-old boy with a right abdominoscrotal hydrocele associated to a compression of the femoral triangle, causing an unilateral leg edema. Abdominoscrotal ultrasound revealed a fluid collection with abdominal and scrotal components, communicating through the deep inguinal ring. Sagittal views of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a dumbbell-shaped hydrocele and the angio-MRI venous sequences confirmed the compression of the right iliac vessels. Curative treatment was surgical through an inguinal approach and consisted in high ligation of the processus vaginalis and hydrocelectomy. Abdominoscrotal hydrocele is an uncommon pathology, which rarely occurs in pediatric population. This diagnosis should be discussed when a cystic abdominal mass is associated to an ipsilateral scrotal hydrocele. The abdominal component of the hydrocele can result in compression of adjacent structures (iliac vessels, ureter). Surgical treatment is recommended. Epididymal and testicular abnormalities are frequently described, as in our observation, and the effects on the future fertility are unknown.

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele: its particular characteristics

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is an unusual condition characterized by a large scrotal hydrocele which communicates in an hourglass fashion with an abdominal component through the inguinal canal. Based on previous clinical observations, we believed that ASH is a condition that begins as a large scrotal hydrocele during the neonatal period and later expands first into the inguinal canal and finally into the abdominal cavity during the next few months of life. We report a case series of ASH and point out its distinctive characteristics.

Infantile abdominoscrotal hydrocele: a not so benign condition

PURPOSE

Infantile abdominoscrotal hydrocele is a rarely described condition. We report the outcome of the largest single institution experience managing these lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed descriptive case series of all infants treated between January 1998 and December 2007. Postoperative followup ranged from 3 to 107 months (median 48).

RESULTS

A total of 18 consecutive patients underwent abdominoscrotal hydrocele repair at age 3 to 21 months (median 8). The first 13 patients underwent inguinal hydrocelectomy, which consisted of high ligation of the processus vaginalis and complete excision of the abdominal component of the lesion. The remaining 5 patients underwent plication of the tunica vaginalis accomplished through the scrotum. Included in this group were 2 patients initially treated expectantly because the lesion was without undue tension at diagnosis. Both cases demonstrated spontaneous resolution of the abdominal component of the lesion but ultimately required surgery for scrotal hydrocele. Overall 23 testes (5 bilateral lesions) were operated on, of which 18 had some degree of testicular dysmorphism detected by ultrasonography or during surgery and 15 fully recovered postoperatively. A total of 11 patients experienced 1 or more postoperative complications, including persistent scrotal swelling (7), hypoplastic testis (3), scrotal hematoma (2), inguinal hernia (1) and cryptorchidism (1). Morbidity related to scrotal hydrocelectomy was negligible. There were no recurrences of abdominoscrotal hydrocele in the series.

CONCLUSIONS

Tense infantile abdominoscrotal hydroceles are associated with a high rate of testicular dysmorphism, which is often reversed by early intervention. Simple transscrotal plication of the tunica vaginalis represents an effective procedure with decreased postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic Excision of Abdominoscrotal Hydrocele

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is reported with increasing frequency and is recognized to be responsible for complications not only related to the pressure effect on the contiguous structures, but a wide a variety of conditions, including hemorrhage and malignant transformation. Although there are only two reports in the literature of spontaneous resolution, the actual accepted consensus for treatment is complete excision. The surgical approaches are abdominal, scrotal or combined. There is no report in the literature of a laparoscopic excision of ASH. In this paper, we report on the first case to be treated with this approach and highlight the new advantages and simplicity in using this recommended technique.