Laparoscopic Hydrocelectomy of Encysted Hydrocele of the Canal of Nuck with High Ligation in Children or Iliopubic Tract Repair in Adults.

Abstract

Background: Encysted hydrocele of the canal of Nuck (EHCN) is homologous to spermatic cord hydrocele in males. EHCN causes swelling in the inguinal region and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inguinal hernias and masses in females. Complete excision and internal inguinal ring closure are the recommended treatments for symptomatic EHCN. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic hydrocelectomy, as well as age-appropriate procedures for EHCN. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 161 female adults and children, who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal hydrocelectomy from January 2014 to December 2020 at a single institution, were reviewed retrospectively and symptoms, location of EHCN, type of fluid in EHCN, postoperative complications, recurrence, and operating time were analyzed. Laparoscopic hydrocelectomy was performed and the internal inguinal ring was closed with high ligation in children and iliopubic tract repair (IPTR) in adults. Results: Fifty-two pediatric (age 2-11 years) and 109 adult (age 21-51 years) female patients were included. More adult patients had inguinal pain (34.9%, 38/109) compared with children (3.8% 2/52) (P < .001). More EHCNs were located in the inguinal canal than protruding into the abdominal cavity in both groups. Regarding the fluid characteristics, hemorrhagic and inflammatory hydroceles were more common in adults than in children (P < .001). There were no serious complications, neither recurrence nor chronic pain was observed in either group except for a surgical-site hematoma in 1 adult patient. Conclusion: Laparoscopic hydrocelectomy together with additional age-appropriate procedures, including high ligation in children and IPTR in adults, is a safe and feasible method for treating EHCN.