Prognosis
The majority of non-communicating (simple) hydroceles resolve within the first 2 years of life. Persistence of a hydrocele beyond 2 years of age may be an indication for surgical correction. In expert hands, the incidence of testicular damage during hydrocele repair has been reported to be low (0.3%).[27][29] The recurrence rate of hydroceles is low. It has been reported that 2% of patients develop a recurrent inguinal hernia within 5 years of surgery.[7] This only occurs when the processus vaginalis is not adequately dissected and ligated at the time of the initial repair. Reoperation is the only appropriate treatment for these patients.
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