What is the difference between a hernia and a hydrocele in children?

Grace Hyun, MD on behalf of The Mount Sinai Health System

Surgery

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid along the membrane covering the front and sides of the testicle.
The difference between a hernia and a hydrocele: If the fluid from the peritoneum travels through this opening, then the child has a hydrocele. If intestinal contents travel into the scrotum, then the child has a hernia. They are essentially the same pathologic condition. They differ from adult hernias which are usually a disorder that arises from muscle weakness.

Continue Learning about Hernia

Got Groin Pain or Swelling? Don’t Ignore It

Do you notice a bulge or have dull pain below the belt? You may assume that you have a pulled muscle, but your symptoms could signal a more serious pr...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Hernias may be congenital or acquired and affect men, women, and children. However, overall hern...

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

An inguinal hernia is a defect in which part of the small intestine bulges through a weak spot in th...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Hernia

There are several kinds of hernias, but the all happen when pressure pushes an organ (often the intestine) through a weak spot in a muscle face or wall. Different kinds of hernias have different risk factors. 4/5 of all hernias are inguinal hernias, where the intestine (or occasionally the bladder) pushes through the lower abdominal wall-near or into the groin. Most of these occur in men, although they are also common in newborns because the abdominal walls in babies are weak. Treatment for hernias can be no treatment, to medicines to surgery. Many hernias are not serious, although larger ones certainly can be, and complications can include an obstruction of the digestive tract. Modern surgical methods to treat hernias are much improved over older techniques and recovery times are much shorter.

Learn More