Guideline sources The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of hydrocele are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the European Association of Urology (EAU 2022). 1 Guidelines 1. Diagnostic investigations Assessment of contralateral disease: elicit history and perform physical examination at the time of initial evaluation to assess for contralateral disease. B Scrotal ultrasound: obtain scrotal ultrasound in case of doubt about the character of an intrascrotal mass. B 2. Surgical interventions Timing of surgery: Observe the majority of infant patients with hydrocele for 12 months before considering surgical treatment because of the tendency for spontaneous resolution. B Perform early surgery if there is suspicion of a concomitant inguinal hernia or underlying testicular pathology. B https://web.pathway.md/diseases/recFwbzrHVXtHxd0b 1/2 6/24/23, 12:44 PM Hydrocele Pathway Technical considerations for surgery: perform ligation of the patent processus vaginalis via inguinal incision with distal stump left open in pediatric patients with hydrocele. B Show 2 more References 1. Lisette A 't Hoen, Guy Bogaert, Christian Radmayr et al. EAU guidelines on Paediatric Urology. EAU. 2022 Mar. Open https://web.pathway.md/diseases/recFwbzrHVXtHxd0b 2/2