Abdominoscrotal hydrocoeles: little place for conservatism

Abdominoscrotal hydrocoeles (ASH) are infrequently reported in children. The presence of bilateral ASH is even rarer, with fewer than five cases reported to date. ASH are present at birth and tend to be progressive in nature. Spontaneous resolution has not been documented. The pathogenesis is uncertain and their presence in the neonatal period suggests a preformed abnormality of the processus vaginalis. Diagnosis is suspected on clinical examination and confirmed by ultrasonography, which is a reliable diagnostic tool. Undescended testes frequently coexist. Early surgery is the preferred management, and complications are frequent if left unattended. Surgery is simply an extension of a hernia operation, without the need for a laparotomy.