마지막 업데이트: 2026년 5월 18일

A painless scrotal swelling is one of the most common presentations in my andrology clinic. The condition we must always be aware of is a Hydrocele — an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the scrotal sac surrounding the testicle.

To understand why hydrocele occurs, a brief review of scrotal anatomy is helpful. Between the scrotal skin and the testicle lies a space covered by a layer called the Tunica vaginalis, which contains a small amount of fluid that allows the testicle to move freely. This space has a balanced system of fluid production and absorption. When this equilibrium is disrupted — either through overproduction or reduced absorption — fluid accumulates, creating a hydrocele.

Hydrocele scrotal swelling
Scrotal hydrocele — a balloon-like fluid accumulation within the scrotal sac surrounding the testicle.

2 major causes of Hydrocele in adult men

  1. Overproduction of fluid:
    • Inflammatory processes — infection of the testis (orchitis) or epididymis (epididymitis), or syphilis
    • Trauma — scrotal injury, or as a complication after inguinal hernia repair
    • Malignancy — tumor in or around the genital area
  2. Abnormal fluid absorption — failure of the Tunica vaginalis to reabsorb fluid at the normal rate
Urologist history taking hydrocele
A thorough history and physical examination is performed at the urology office to rule out serious diagnoses.

When a patient presents with a scrotal swelling, a full history is taken and a careful physical examination performed to exclude other important diagnoses that may appear similar:

Scrotal ultrasonography is the gold standard imaging tool for confirming hydrocele. It measures the fluid size and characteristics, and — critically — it can confirm whether any suspicious testicular tumor is hidden within the sac.

Scrotal ultrasound hydrocele
Scrotal ultrasonography is the most important imaging tool for confirming hydrocele and excluding testicular tumor.

Once hydrocele is confirmed, treatment targets the underlying cause. If the hydrocele does not resolve after treating the cause, surgical intervention is offered. Two surgical techniques are available:

  1. Open scrotal surgery — performed in the operating room under anesthesia; lowest postoperative complication and recurrence rate; the preferred definitive treatment
  2. Needle aspiration — an in-office option for patients who decline surgery; however, carries higher risk of intra-scrotal bleeding and a higher recurrence rate compared to surgery
Hydrocele surgery
Open scrotal surgery is considered when hydrocele does not resolve with conservative management.

The key message is that hydrocele is a benign condition — it is never life-threatening, but it can significantly affect quality of life. Surgery is the most effective treatment, though some recurrence remains possible with any approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrocele

수종은 무엇이며 위험한가요?

A hydrocele is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the space between the testicle and the inner scrotal wall (Tunica vaginalis), causing painless scrotal swelling. It is a benign condition — it is never life-threatening and does not become cancerous. However, a large hydrocele can cause discomfort, heaviness, and reduced quality of life. The most important first step is scrotal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and exclude hidden testicular tumor, which can occasionally present similarly.

성인 남성의 경우, 고환 주변의 액체 축적으로 인해 음낭이 붓는 흔한 질환인 고환 탈장이 발생할 수 있습니다.

In adult men, hydrocele is caused by either overproduction of scrotal fluid or impaired fluid absorption. Overproduction occurs secondary to inflammation (testicular or epididymal infection, syphilis), scrotal trauma, hernia repair complications, or nearby malignancy. Impaired absorption occurs when the Tunica vaginalis lining loses its ability to reabsorb fluid at the normal rate. Many adult hydroceles develop gradually without a clearly identifiable trigger and are classified as idiopathic. A thorough evaluation is essential to exclude treatable secondary causes.

수술이 필요한 경우와 수술 방법은 다음과 같습니다. **수술이 필요한 경우:** * **증상이 있는 경우:** 음낭이 커져 불편함, 통증, 압박감 등을 느끼는 경우 * **크기가 계속 커지는 경우:** 빠르게 크기가 커지면서 미용상 문제나 주변 장기에 압박을 주는 경우 * **감염이나 염증이 동반된 경우:** 고환염, 부고환염 등과 함께 발생하는 경우 * **정액류나 탈장과의 감별이 필요한 경우:** 다른 질환과의 구분이 필요할 때 **수술 방법 (고환수술):** 일반적으로 음낭수종을 제거하는 수술은 **음낭수종 수술(hydrocelectomy)**이라고 합니다. 수술 방법은 크게 두 가지로 나눌 수 있습니다. 1. **개방성 수술 (Open Hydrocelectomy):** * 음낭에 직접 절개를 하여 고환을 노출시킨 후, 고환막의 두꺼워진 부분을 절제하거나 뒤집어 고정하여 물이 다시 차지 않도록 하는 방법입니다. * 전통적인 방법으로, 비교적 안전하고 확실한 결과를 기대할 수 있습니다. 2. **복강경 수술 (Laparoscopic Hydrocelectomy):** * 음낭에 작은 구멍을 몇 개 내고 복강경과 특수 기구를 넣어 고환막을 처리하는 방법입니다. * 흉터가 작고 회복이 빠르다는 장점이 있으나, 모든 경우에 적용 가능한 것은 아닙니다. **어떤 수술을 선택해야 할까요?** 수술 방법의 선택은 환자의 상태, 음낭수종의 크기, 의사의 경험 등에 따라 달라질 수 있습니다. 수술 전에 반드시 비뇨의학과 의사와 상담하여 본인에게 가장 적합한 수술 방법을 결정해야 합니다. **수술 후 주의사항:** * 수술 후 통증, 부기, 멍 등이 있을 수 있습니다. * 충분한 휴식을 취하고 격렬한 운동은 피해야 합니다. * 담당 의사의 지시에 따라 약물 치료를 받고, 정기적으로 병원을 방문하여 경과를 확인해야 합니다.

Surgery is indicated when the hydrocele does not resolve after addressing the underlying cause, or when it causes significant discomfort. Open scrotal surgery (hydrocelectomy) performed under anesthesia in the operating room offers the lowest complication and recurrence rates and is the gold standard approach. Needle aspiration is an in-office alternative for patients who prefer to avoid surgery, but carries higher rates of intra-scrotal bleeding and recurrence. After surgery, regular follow-up is recommended to monitor for recurrence.

If you have a scrotal swelling and would like specialist evaluation, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. 진료 예약.

면책 조항: 본 내용은 방콕 병원 본사의 전문의인 Soarawee Weerasopone 박사가 작성하고 검토한 것입니다. 교육 목적으로만 제공되며 의학적 조언을 구성하지 않습니다. 모든 의학적 치료를 시작하기 전에 항상 자격을 갖춘 의료 전문가와 상담하십시오.

의학적으로 작성 및 검토됨: 소아라위 위라소폰 박사(폼 박사) — 방콕 병원 본원 비뇨의학과 전문의. 국제 펠로우: 베일러 의과대학(미국) · 준텐도 대학(일본) · 창궁 기념 병원(대만).

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