Spermatic cord hydrocele

Last revised by Tariq Walizai on 11 Jan 2025

Spermatic cord hydroceles are loculated fluid collections along the spermatic cord, which are separate from and located above the testis and the epididymis.

Spermatic cord hydroceles result from aberrant closure of the processus vaginalis. There are two recognized subtypes:

Usually seen as an oval anechoic mass in the groin along the spermatic cord, positioned above and separated from the testis and the epididymis. Typically well demarcated. Avascular on color Doppler interrogation.

Elective surgery may be useful in preventing development of an acquired indirect hernia 3.

It may occasionally be misdiagnosed as an inguinal hernia clinically 7.

As a very broad differential for masses in the inguinal region - refer to 

Cases and figures

  • Case 1
  • Case 2
  • Case 3
  • Case 4
  • Case 5
  • Case 6
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