What is a hydrocele or hernia?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle. In children, this fluid comes down from the normal fluid that is present in the abdomen into a balloon-like structure around the testicle (called the “tunica vaginalis”). The neck of this balloon runs along the spermatic cord and opens into the abdomen. Normally, this neck closes off by itself within the first year of life. If it does not close off, it continues to let fluid come through and it may enlarge.
