A prospective study of neonatal XXXX : the problem of the postoperative hydrocele.

@entity1 @entity169 @entity547 @entity3465
Previous studies have reported an increased incidence of complications following neonatal @entity169 ( @entity169 ) in @entity1 . The incidence and natural history of postoperative hydrocele in such cases has not been described. A prospective follow-up study of a consecutive series of male @entity1 weighing less than 3 kg at the time of @entity169 was undertaken. Regular follow-up examinations were scheduled for at least 1 year. Thirty-eight @entity1 weighing less than 3 kg underwent @entity169 during an 18-month period. One subsequently died from complications of @entity3465 . Complete follow-up data were available for 29/37 (78%) @entity1 , yielding a total of 46 IHs. There were 2 recurrent @entity547 (4%), 2 unequivocally atrophic testes (4%), and 1 iatrogenic testicular ascent (2%). Five ipsilateral hydroceles complicated the postoperative course of 4 @entity1 (14% of @entity1 , 11% of herniotomies). Two of these were explored, but in neither case was a recurrent/residual patent processus vaginalis found. One hydrocele was aspirated without recurrence, and the remaining 2 resolved spontaneously. The complication rate in small @entity1 undergoing neonatal @entity169 is significantly higher than in older @entity1 . The presence of a hydrocele after neonatal @entity169 may simply reflect the accumulation of fluid in the distal hernia sac and, provided there is no evidence of a recurrent @entity169 , an expectant approach is recommended.
