Abstract
Introduction : Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck may be a cause of inguinal swelling in females, and complications such as endometriosis and adenocarcinoma have been reported. Complete surgical excision is recommended. We report on our diagnosis and management of hydrocele of the canal of Nuck. Patients and methods : This study included 111 females who underwent surgery for inguinal swelling over the past 5 years at our hospital. Results : Canal of Nuck hydrocele was diagnosed in 19 of these 111 patients, and another 92 patients had inguinal hernia. Preoperative CT offered 84.2% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity. During laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in patients in whom a canal of Nuck hydrocele could not be diagnosed by CT, the diagnosis was made by traction on the round ligament of the uterus. Histopathology showed endometriosis in 2 of the 19 patients with canal of Nuck hydrocele. Conclusion : Preoperative CT is useful for diagnosing canal of Nuck hydrocele but is not perfect. Surgery in women with inguinal swelling should be carefully selected, keeping in mind the possibility of canal of Nuck hydrocele.
