A 6-month-old infant is brought with a left-sided scrotal swelling since birth. The swelling is smooth, cystic, transilluminant, and the testis is not separately palpable. There is no history of change in size with crying. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Indirect inguinal hernia
- B Spermatocele
- C Vaginal hydrocele ✓
- D Testicular tumor
Correct answer: C. Vaginal hydrocele
Explanation
A vaginal hydrocele is a fluid collection around the testis within the tunica vaginalis, presenting as a smooth, cystic, transilluminant scrotal swelling where the testis is not separately palpable. It is common in infants due to a patent processus vaginalis. Unlike a hernia, it does not change in size with crying or straining. Spermatocele is above and behind the testis.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.