Abstract
Varicoceles, hernias, and hydroceles are three common presenting complaints seen by urologists. Varicoceles are found in about 15% of the adolescent population. Varicoceles are easy to diagnose on physician examination by a primary care provider and are almost always asymptomatic. Treatment is needed only to improve fertility, which is not an issue for most teens. Further, semen analysis is difficult to obtain and of questionable utility in the adolescent population, hence treatment should be approached with caution. At this time, persistent volume discrepancy is the principle indication for surgical intervention. For most, routine annual or biennial physical examination for testicular volume should suffice. Pediatric hernias and hydroceles are also a common occurrence and are evaluated routinely in the urologist’s office. The overall incidence of pediatric inguinal hernias ranges from 1 to 4%, with the incidence being 10× greater in males than females. Standard of care is open repair through an inguinal incision with high ligation of the hernia sac. Laparoscopic inspection of the contralateral internal ring through the patent processus vaginalis is a useful adjunct.
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Bauer, R., Kogan, B.A. (2011). Varicoceles, Hernias, and Hydroceles. In: Palmer, J. (eds) Pediatric Urology. Current Clinical Urology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-420-3_10
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