Hydrocele and Hernia Pathologies in Female Patients
Summary
Hydrocele and inguinal hernia in female patients arise from anomalies of the processus vaginalis and its female counterpart, the canal of Nuck. During embryogenesis, this peritoneal extension accompanies the round ligament through the inguinal canal into the labium majus and normally obliterates within the first year of life. Failure of closure may give rise to hydrocele—a fluid‐filled sac—or permit herniation of abdominal or pelvic contents, including ovary, fallopian tube or bowel. Although both conditions are far less common in women than men, they pose diagnostic challenges and are frequently misidentified as simple groin masses or lymphadenopathy. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic groin swelling to painful, enlarging lesions, occasionally complicated by incarceration or strangulation. Imaging modalities, notably high‐resolution ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, have enhanced preoperative characterisation, distinguishing cystic from solid masses and defining communication with the peritoneal cavity. Surgical management has evolved from open excision with ligation of the sac to minimally invasive techniques combining hydrocelectomy or hernioplasty. Mesh reinforcement strategies mirror those in male hernia repair but require adaptation to female anatomy. Accurate diagnosis, tailored surgical approach and awareness of these pathologies are essential to reduce recurrence and optimise outcomes.
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Hydrocele and Hernia Pathologies in Female Patients publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in hydrocele and hernia pathologies in female patients across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Canal of Nuck: Embryological extension of the peritoneal cavity in females that normally obliterates early in life.
Hydrocele: Accumulation of serous fluid within a persistent canal or sac, forming a cystic mass.
Inguinal hernia: Protrusion of abdominal or pelvic contents through the inguinal canal due to a defect in the abdominal wall.
Hernioplasty: Surgical repair of a hernia, often involving mesh reinforcement to strengthen the inguinal canal.
Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach: Laparoscopic technique accessing the preperitoneal space via the peritoneal cavity to repair inguinal hernias and related pathologies.
References
- Hydrocele of the Canal of Nuck: A Review. Cureus (2022).
- Hydroceles of the Canal of Nuck in Adults—Diagnostic, Treatment and Results of a Rare Condition in Females. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2020).
- Laparoscopic surgical treatment for hydrocele of canal of Nuck: A case report and literature review. Surgical Case Reports (2021).
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