Congenital inguinal hernia, hydrocoele and undescended testis

Abstract

Congenital inguinal hernias (CIH), hydrocoeles and undescended testes (UDT) are common groin conditions in neonates, infants and children that are encountered by general practitioners, paediatricians, general surgeons and paediatric surgeons. CIH, hydrocoeles and UDT share a common embryological origin. Clinical differentiation between the three conditions can be challenging, particularly as they may exist in isolation or combination in the same patient. Accurate clinical distinction is imperative as the management and outcome is different for each condition. Surgery and outcomes for these conditions is discussed.