Jagran correspondent, Greater Noida. The problem of pain and swelling in the scrotum while the baby is crying or while changing the diaper can be a congenital hydrocele or hernia. Doctors believe it is caused by accumulation of fluid in babies' scrotum at the time of birth. It is present at birth.
This disease is found less in girls than in boys. Dr. Mohit Mathur, Professor, Department of Surgery, Government Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS), said that before birth, the testicles descend through a small passage from the abdomen into the scrotum. This is called processus vaginalis.
Normally, this pathway closes before birth. If it remains open, fluid can flow into the scrotum. This can lead to congenital hydrocele and if the bowel comes through it is called congenital hernia.
Although mostly it is painless. It does not affect the baby's health or future fertility. Often parents may notice a soft, painless swelling on one or both sides of the testicle. Swelling may increase during the day or when the baby cries and may reduce when the baby is sleeping.
Swelling comes with rapid increase in size
Hydrocele usually does not require immediate treatment. In most cases, the hydrocele heals on its own when the child is one or two years old, but in case of hernia, early surgery is recommended. There is a possibility of intestinal blockage.
During this period, if there is swelling or vomiting along with pain and redness in the stomach along with increase in size, then medical advice should be taken immediately. After this surgery the vaginal membrane is closed to prevent recurrence. Recurrence is very rare if correct surgery is performed.
These notions prevalent in the society should be avoided
Congenital hydrocele and hernia are developmental conditions. This happens before birth. There is no medicine for this. Many misconceptions are prevalent in the society, like ear piercing, keeping and branding coins, exorcism. These should be avoided.