ABSTRACT

Bilateral Abdominoscrotal Hydrocele (ASH) is very rare in children and difficult to suspect on clinical examination. Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is very unusual presentation of scrotal hydrocele with dumbbell-shaped extension intra abdominally through deep inguinal ring either communicating to peritoneal cavity or non-com- municating. No theory can explain exact development of ASH though many theories have been proposed in literature. An abdominoscrotal hydrocele is a congenital pathology involving a scrotal hydrocele expanding through the inguinal canal and reaching the abdominal cavity (pars abdominalis). A simple hydrocele is commonly diagnosed clinically, where as an abdominoscrotal hydrocele is rare and should be differentiated from other cystic lesions of the abdominal cavity in children.

Keywords:

Abdominoscrotal Hydrocele, Laparoscopy in ASH, Abdominoscrotal Hydrocele in Children

1. Introduction

Herein we report a case of 8 months old baby presenting with bilateral abdominoscrotal hydrocele without any intra-peritoneal connections treated with laparoscopy assisted open approach. The case has been reported with due consent of parents.

2. Case Report

A 8 months old boy brought with complaints of bilateral scrotal hydrocele noticed since 5 months gradually increasing in size. On per abdominal examination large lump was palpable on left side with both side large scrotal hydrocele present. Ultrasonography of abdomen showed huge cystic swelling on left side of lower abdomen, suspecting retroperitoneal, compressing urinary bladder, communicating with scrotal hydrocele thro- ugh deep inguinal ring but no intra-peritoneal communication. On right side small cystic swelling noted along the cord structures retroperitoneal along with scrotal hydrocele. Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the ultrasonography findings with left testis displaced inside intra-abdominal part of cystic swelling and right side testis into the scrotal sac (Figure 1). Surgical repair was scheduled after complete haematological work up of the patient. Under general anaesthesia, with lax abdomen “Springing back ball sign” on left side abdomino-scrotal swelling demonstrated (Figure 2 ).

Bimanual (scrotal and abdominal) palpation of a large, tense hydrocele identifying one component’s enlargement when compressing the other is a manoeuvre which can presume the existence of an ASH [1] .

Laparoscopy was performed through an infra-umbilical incision before inguinal canal explorations on either sides. On laparoscopy Urinary bladder was distended with closed right side hernial site with all cord structures entering into inguinal canal. No obvious swelling noted. On left side, large globular cystic swelling retro peritoneal around size 10 cm × 6 cm noted extending from left hernial site abutting to left lateral wall of urinary bladder (Figure 3). Left hernial site could not be visualised properly. No any internal connections to visceral organs noted on either side. Left inguinal canal is explored as in routine inguinal herniotomy. Evidence of densely adhered cremasteric layer to underlying sac. Hernial sac identified and dissected well from structures surrounding. Cord structures identified posterior to sac densely adhered. After securing cord structures, hernial sac is opened and straw coloured fluid around 90 ml is drained

out. Intra abdominal extension of sac is dissected by inserting a finger into it (Figure 4), and peritoneal fold swiped back safely without damaging to peritoneum and cord structures. Near total excision of hernial sac done leaving behind streak of part of sac on to cord structures in view of avoiding trauma to vital structures.

Evidence of small sized dysmorphic testis inside the intra abdominal sac (Figure 5), appearance like streak gonad identified. Testis is mobilised up to scrotum and orchidopexy done. Under laparoscopy vision, completely closed left hernial site with cord structures entering in and completely resolved intra abdominal cyst confirmed (Figure 6). On Right side after inguinal canal exploration there was evidence of moderate hydrocele with testis within located in superficial inguinal pouch.

Inversion of sac done with complete drainage of straw coloured fluid. Right side testis normal in size, brought down to right side scrotum and right side orchidopexy done in sub dartos pouch created. Wound closure done in layers. Patient is doing well postoperatively till one year of follow up without any recurrence.

3. Discussion

Hydroceles are classified into various types depending on the obliteration pattern of the processus vaginalis those may be the hourglass or dumbbell shaped [2] . Etiology of abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) has been explained in various theories but retroperitoneal positions of the intra-abdominal elements has been reported other than usual properitoneal position [3] [4] . Few assumptions include the existence of a valve-like mechanism in the patent processus vaginalis at the level of internal inguinal ring, a peritoneal diverticulum in the deep inguinal area, or distal expansion of an abdominal hydrocele in the inguinoscrotal space [4] . Careful examination can bring important clues over the nature of hydrocele. Bimanual palpation of a large tensed hydrocele for both abdominal and scrotal components identifying one component’s enlargement when compressing the other is a maneuver (Springing back ball sign) which can presume the existence of an ASH.

A simple hydrocele is commonly diagnosed, where as an abdominoscrotal hydrocele is rare and should be differentiated from other cystic lesions of the abdominal cavity in children (Table 1) [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . ASH’s most obvious differential diagnosis is inguinal hernia [4] . Though Diagnosis can be easily confirmed by ultrasound examination, Use of CT or MRI for supplementary evaluation is reported and indicated in the presence of large scrotal hydrocele [4] [7] [8] . Various presentations of ASH such as acute haemorrhagic ASH, a paratesticular malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, ASH as a cause of ureterohydronephrosis in infancy have been reported [3] [9] [10] .Testicular dyspmorphism has been reported in ASH cases considering increased hydrocele pressure on gonad as a cause [11] . Surgical correction is treatment of choice as soon as ASH is confirmed to prevent compression effect on cord structures and its presumed consequnces [12] . Few cases of spontaneous resolution of ASH and natural remission of the intrabdominal pouch in case of infantile ASH have been reported too [13] [14] . Among various surgical approaches such as paramedian laparotomies or scrotal approach, simple inguinal hydrocelectomy is considered the best choice. Laparoscopic assistance is useful in cases of huge ASH, Bilateral presentations, or non palpable testes [4] [7] [8] [15] . Complete excision of pathogenic tunica vaginalis and drainage of ASH is important to prevent recurrent hydrocele [4] [8] . As very few cases of ASH have been reported till date in pediatric age group, many questions such as etiological factors, delayed effects and choice of surgical approach remain unanswered.

4. Conclusion

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele remains very rare entity in pediatric urology with unclear theories for etiology. The MRI evaluation gives valuable information over the extension of hydrocele and its effect over the underlying structures. Intra-operative gonads evaluation should be done always to rule out dysplasia. Complete excision of pathological processus vaginalis and complete drainage of hydrocele is must to prevent recurrence. Laparoscopy assistance can help in confirming complete excision and drainage of ASH and drainage of isolated intra abdominal retroperitoneal component of ASH.

Cite this paper

Patil, K.O. and Shah, V. (2016) Laparoscopy Assisted Open Repair of Bilateral Abdominoscrotal Hydrocele in 8 Months Old Baby―Rare Case Report. Open Journal of Pediatrics, 6, 308- 315. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojped.2016.64042

References