Treatment of subcutaneous fluid accumulation in infants?

Patient's question:

Doctor
Hello, I would like to ask if there is a dietary therapy for pleural effusion in infants (1.5 years old)? How can I determine if surgical treatment is needed? What are the consequences if not treated?
Thank you
2005/12/19

Doctor's answer:

Hello:
A normal tunica vaginalis of the testis contains a small amount of fluid (2–3 ml) for lubrication and protection of the testis. If the fluid is excessive, it is called hydrocele. The concept of hydrocele should include hydrocele, hematocele, pyocele, and chylous hydrocele. Its etiology is diverse, and various conditions of the scrotum and testis, such as inflammation, trauma, and tumors, can cause hydrocele. Hydrocele of the tunica vaginalis is the most common type, affecting all age groups. Surgical treatment for hydrocele is effective. In recent years, (simple hydrocele cyst puncture and drainage followed by medication) has been performed without surgery, but postoperative complications remain a point of debate.
A small amount of fluid may be asymptomatic. If the fluid is large, it may cause a sensation of heaviness in the scrotum, or urinary and sexual dysfunction. A pear-shaped or oval mass may be visible in the scrotum, which is cystic. If it is a communicating hydrocele, the size of the mass may change with changes in body position.
Hydrocele in infants and young children often resolves spontaneously during development, so treatment is generally not required unless the hydrocele is large. Surgical treatment is suitable for larger hydroceles, typically involving tunica vaginalis inversion. For spermatic cord hydrocele, cyst excision is performed, and for communicating hydrocele, high ligation of the processus vaginalis combined with tunica vaginalis inversion is performed. Small hydroceles can be treated with cyst puncture and drainage followed by medication.
Hydrocele is relatively easy to diagnose and does not require special tests. However, if it is necessary to rule out testicular tumors, ultrasound examinations of the prostate, seminal vesicles, scrotum, and penis may be performed.
Hydrocele has a higher incidence in tropical regions.