[Abdominoscrotal hydrocele: a problem in differential diagnosis]

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele represents a very rare eventuality in childhood; nowadays, only 14 cases have been reported in the world literature and the present case is the first one in our country. In this patient the coexistence of a small scrotal hydrocele and cystic mass at the right side is described. The results of the studies and exams are showed, and the type of the surgical excision and its findings are commented. Three theories are the most cited in order to explain its genesis, but the one supported by Laplace's law is very scientific and convincing. At the light of the different cases reported in the literature, a suggested classification is discussed and different entities are analysed in order to get a differential diagnosis; finally, the idoneous surgical therapy is reviewed. Abdominoscrotal hydrocele; differential diagnosis.