Sheeza Basharatover 1 year ago

Hydrocele

A collection of peritoneal fluid within the tunica vaginalis. During embryogenesis, the testis descends through the ingural canal, drawing with it a diverticulum of peritoneum into the scrotum. This peritoneal tissue is known as the processus vaginalis. Normally, the communication between the processus vaginalis and the peritoneum is obliterated, and the tunica vaginalis is the remaining tissue overlying the testis and epididymis. A communicating hydrocele results when the processus vaginalis remains patent and allows peritoneal fluid to accumulate in the tunica vaginalis. This type of hydrocele is common in newborns and presents as a painless scrotal swelling that transilluminates.