Can a female have hydrocele?
Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is a very rare condition in females. The processus vaginalis within the inguinal canal forms “the canal of Nuck” in females, homologous to the processus vaginalis in males.
What causes hydrocele of canal of Nuck?
Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is a rare condition in female children caused by a failure of complete obliteration of the canal of Nuck. The canal of Nuck is an abnormal patent pouch of the peritoneum extending anterior to the round ligament of the uterus into the labia majora.
What is canal of Nuck cyst?
A cyst of the canal of Nuck is a rare condition that occurs when the processus vaginalis fails to obliterate during embryologic development. When a nonreducible groin mass is seen in women and girls, a cyst of the canal of Nuck should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
What is canal of Nuck in female?
The canal of Nuck, first described by Anton Nuck (de) in 1691, is an abnormal patent (open) pouch of peritoneum extending into the labia majora of women. It is analogous to a patent processus vaginalis in males (see hydrocele, inguinal hernia).
What is Nuck hernia?
Hernia of canal of Nuck is an extension of peritoneal fold through the inguinal canal up to the labia majora. Defective obliteration of this peritoneal fold leads to herniation of abdominal content into the inguinal canal.
Should a hydrocele be removed?
But for males of any age, it’s important for a doctor to evaluate a hydrocele because it can be associated with an underlying testicular condition. A hydrocele that doesn’t disappear on its own might need to be surgically removed, typically as an outpatient procedure.
What does the canal of Nuck do?
The canal of Nuck represents the continued outpouching of parietal peritoneum through the inguinal canal to the labia majora and may result in an indirect hernia and/or hydrocele as shown in Fig. 1 (3,4).
Where is the canal of Nuck located?
The canal of Nuck is a small evagination of the parietal peritoneum, which is attached to the uterus by the round ligament through the internal inguinal ring into the inguinal canal. This structure is homologous to the processus vaginalis of the male anatomy [1].
What is hydrocele of hernial sac?
Hydrocele is a collection of fluid within a pouch that produces swelling in the groin region or scrotum. An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal organs protrude into the inguinal canal or scrotum. About 1-5% of children will have a hernia or hydrocele, including newborns.
What is hydrocele of the cord?
Hydrocele of the spermatic cord (cord hydrocele) is a disease with fluid accumulation along the spermatic cord in the inguinal canal or upper scrotum, separated from and located above the testis.
What is canal of Nuck hydrocele in an adult female?
A Canal of Nuck cyst, more often called a female hydrocele, is an exceedingly rare complication of an anatomic defect due to a patent processus vaginalis in females. Historically, it has been observed more often in pediatric patients, but with increased awareness, more cases of adult diagnoses have been made.1
Is there a cyst in the canal of Nuck?
A cyst of the Canal of Nuck is relatively rare, but should be considered during the diagnosis of inguinal masses in female patients. Keywords: Canal of Nuck; Nuck cyst; groin mass; hydrocele; inguinal swelling.
Can a 40 year old woman get a Nuck cyst?
In the present report, a case of a Nuck cyst in a 40-year old female patient is described. Additionally, the current literature concerning cases of women with hydrocele of Nuck canal was systematically reviewed.
What is the hydrocele of the labia majora?
Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck. The canal of Nuck is an abnormal patent pouch of peritoneum extending anterior to the round ligament of the uterus into the labia majora 2. Incomplete obliteration of this canal (patent processus vaginalis) can result in either an inguinal hernia or a hydrocele 1,3.