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Published in: Pediatric Surgery International 10/2020

01-10-2020 | Inguinal Hernia | Original Article

The outcomes of conservative management and the natural history of asymptomatic hydroceles in children

Authors: Masashi Kurobe, Atsushi Harada, Tetsuro Sugihara, Yuji Baba, Tomomasa Hiramatsu, Shinsuke Ohashi, Masahiko Otsuka

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 10/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

To elucidate the natural history of asymptomatic hydroceles (AHs) in children with conservative management and to discuss management strategies for AHs in children.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 113 children with AHs who were followed without immediate surgery. Patients were divided into four groups according to age at presentation; group 1: ≤ 1 month, group 2: 1–12 months, group 3: 12–24 months, and group 4: > 24 months. Ages at spontaneous resolution or surgery were reviewed. To assess the effect of AH on the testis, testicular size before and after conservative management was compared in 11 cases.

Results

In groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, spontaneous resolution occurred in 94.3%, 75.0%, 65.0%, and 33.3%, and the average time to resolution from presentation was 5, 5, 17, and 9 months, respectively. 41 patients underwent surgery at a mean age of 4.2 years. The testicular size did not differ significantly between before and after conservative management (14.4 vs. 14.5 mm, p = 0.483).

Conclusion

About one-third of children over 2 years of age achieve spontaneous resolution. Hydroceles with conservative management may not affect the testicular size. Thus, initial conservative management before surgery is recommend for AHs in children, even over 2 years of age.
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Metadata
Title
The outcomes of conservative management and the natural history of asymptomatic hydroceles in children
Authors
Masashi Kurobe
Atsushi Harada
Tetsuro Sugihara
Yuji Baba
Tomomasa Hiramatsu
Shinsuke Ohashi
Masahiko Otsuka
Publication date
01-10-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword
Inguinal Hernia
Published in
Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 10/2020
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-020-04720-1

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