P83: Other conditions of integument specific to fetus and newborn

P83.5: Congenital hydrocele

The fluid accumulation in the scrotum is congenital.

The testicles are located outside the body, and are covered by skin. That is the scrotum. The testicles develop, initially in the child's abdomen, while in the womb. By the time the baby is born, the testicles usually travel through the inguinal canal to the scrotum. In the process, the testicles take part of the abdominal membrane with them. The abdominal membrane is a tissue that lines the inside of the abdominal cavity. In the end, the abdominal membrane forms a closed sheath around the testicles in the scrotum. If a closed sheath fails to form, fluid can get into the scrotum.

The accumulated fluid can cause the child's scrotum to swell up. The swelling may decrease when the child is lying flat, and increase when he cries.