Infected hydrocoele of the canal of Nuck in a neonate

Abstract

Hydrocoele of the canal of Nuck is an uncommon presentation in the neonate and complications are rare. A 6-day-old girl presented with a right groin swelling from birth. The swelling remained static until age 3 days when it increased rapidly in size. There was no fever or gastrointestinal symptoms. Physical examination showed a large nontender mass extending from the right groin into the ipsilateral labium majus with distortion of the external genitalia. Needle aspiration yielded cloudy fluid, which gave a growth of Klebsiella on culture. A hydrocoele of the canal of Nuck was confirmed at surgery and was excised. Postoperative course was uneventful and there has been no recurrence at 2 years of follow-up.