Hydrocele (Water Hernia), Spermatocele

Hydrocele and spermatocele are grouped together under ICD-10 N43.-:

In hydrocele (synonyms: Hydrocele of the testis; testicular hydrocele; testicular hydrocele; scrotal hydrocele; hydrocele; hydrocele encystica; hydrocele multilocularis; hydrocele testis; hydrocele testis with hydrocele funiculi spermatici; Hydrocele vaginalis communicans; Hydrocele vaginalis testis; Hydrocele; Hydrocele of tunica vaginalis testis; Hydrocele of testis; Infected hydrocele; Scrotum hydrocele; Hydrocele – s. a. hydrocele; cystic hydrocele; ICD-10 N43.-: Hydrocele and Spermatocele), it is a so-called water hernia. This is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the tunica vaginalis testis (testicular sheath).

The following forms are distinguished:

  • Primary hydrocele – congenital form.
  • Secondary hydrocele – this form arises due to various causes (eg, orchitis (inflammation of the testis), surgery, injury, violence, testicular carcinoma (testicular cancer)).

Frequency peak: hydrocele occurs mainly in newborns.

The prevalence (frequency of disease) is 1-2% of all newborns.

The incidence (frequency of new cases) is approximately 6 cases per 100 newborns (at term).

Course and prognosis: Primary hydrocele is usually painless and regresses by itself within the first year of life. If this is not the case, surgical intervention is required. In rare cases, a hydrocele recurs (comes back) after surgery. In secondary hydrocele, the underlying cause must be treated. Spermatocele (epididymal cyst; hydrocele funiculi spermatici; hydrospermatocele; hydrocele of the funiculus spermaticus; spermatic cord hydrops; spermatic cord hydrocele; spermatocele testis; spermatohydrocele; spermatocele; ICD-10 N43. 4) is a retention cyst (cyst that develops due to an outflow obstruction), usually located on the epididymis, that contains fluid containing sperm.

The prevalence (disease frequency) is up to 10% of all men.

Peak incidence: Spermatocele increases with age.

Course and prognosis: Once the spermatocele begins to hurt, increases in size, or is associated with a feeling of pressure, it should be surgically removed.