Abdominoscrotal hydrocele in childhood: Is it really a rare entity?

Objectives. Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is an apparently highly uncommon clinical entity especially in childhood, with only about 80 pediatric cases reported in the modern literature. Methods. The incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of ASH are discussed with reference to 9 cases observed at our institution and to cases in the literature. Results. Surgical correction was successful in all our cases and no hydrocele or hernia recurrence was registered. Conclusions. ASH incidence appears to be higher than reported; undescended testis is a frequent association and surgical correction through an inguinal approach is always possible and curative. Ligation of the processus vaginalis may prevent recurrence. (C) 2000, Elsevier Science Inc.