CONGENITAL HYDROCELE Meaning and
Definition
-
Congenital hydrocele is a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the scrotum or inguinal canal of male infants at birth or soon after. This type of hydrocele occurs due to a congenital defect in the scrotal sac, leading to the accumulation of fluid within the surrounding tissues. It is the most common cause of scrotal swelling in newborns and is typically painless.
The exact cause of congenital hydrocele is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from the failure of the processus vaginalis, a structure that allows the testicles to descend into the scrotum during fetal development, to close properly. This failure leads to a persistent connection between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum, allowing fluid to accumulate. As a result, a fluid-filled sac forms around the affected testicle.
Congenital hydroceles are usually harmless and often resolve on their own within the first year of life. However, if the hydrocele persists beyond this time or becomes larger, it may require medical intervention. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the defect and remove the excess fluid.
Although congenital hydrocele generally does not cause any pain or discomfort, it can cause significant swelling and enlargement of the scrotum, affecting the appearance and potentially causing emotional distress to the child's parents. Timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment can effectively manage congenital hydrocele and prevent potential complications.
-
A collection of fluid in the open tube leading from the abdominal cavity to the investing sac of the testis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CONGENITAL HYDROCELE
- xongenital hydrocele
- vongenital hydrocele
- fongenital hydrocele
- dongenital hydrocele
- cingenital hydrocele
- ckngenital hydrocele
- clngenital hydrocele
- cpngenital hydrocele
- c0ngenital hydrocele
- c9ngenital hydrocele
- cobgenital hydrocele
- comgenital hydrocele
- cojgenital hydrocele
- cohgenital hydrocele
- confenital hydrocele
- convenital hydrocele
- conbenital hydrocele
- conhenital hydrocele
- conyenital hydrocele
- contenital hydrocele
Etymology of CONGENITAL HYDROCELE
The word "congenital hydrocele" is composed of two main parts: "congenital" and "hydrocele".
The term "congenital" originates from the Latin word "congenitus", which means "birth" or "innate". It is derived from the prefix "con-" meaning "together" and "genitus" meaning "born" or "begotten". Therefore, "congenital" refers to a condition or characteristic present at birth.
The term "hydrocele" comes from the Greek words "hudro" meaning "water" and "kele" meaning "tumor" or "swelling". In medical terminology, a hydrocele refers to an accumulation of fluid within the sac surrounding the testicle.
Combining these terms, "congenital hydrocele" refers to a condition where there is a fluid-filled sac around the testicle present at birth.
