Encysted Hydrocele of the Cord in a Nineteen-Year-Old Male Mimicking Irreducible Inguinal Hernia: A Case Report

Hydrocele of the spermatic cord is a rare anomaly that occurs as a result of abnormal closure of the processus vaginalis during the descent of the testis into the scrotum. It is rarely seen in adults. There are two forms of a spermatic cord hydrocele: the encysted type which does not interface with the peritoneal cavity and the funicular variety that intercommunicates with the peritoneal cavity. The encysted hydrocele can be confused clinically with a number of conditions that present as groin swellings such as inguinal hernias, inguinal lymphadenopathy, and primary tumours of the spermatic cord. Presented herein is a rare case of encysted hydrocele of the spermatic cord in a 19-year-old male who presented with a right groin swelling, which clinically mimicked an irreducible inguinal hernia. The diagnosis of encysted hydrocele was made intraoperatively. Excision of the sac was performed and the patient was discharged with no complications.