Hydrocele of the Canal of Nuck: A Review

Abstract

Canal of Nuck abnormality is a rare surgical condition. The pathologies are mostly encountered in young girls, less than five years of age. The incidence is even less in adults. Various pathologic conditions related to the failure of processus vaginalis obliteration can occur, involving herniation of intraabdominal structures including intestinal and genital contents such as the uterus, fallopian tube, and ovary and hydrocele of the canal of Nuck. According to its rarity, hydrocele of canal of Nuck is often misdiagnosed for common groin masses. This review summarizes and simplifies embryology, the pathophysiology of the canal of Nuck abnormalities, imaging findings, and treatment options with emphasis on the hydrocele.

A Review of Classification, Diagnosis, and Management of Hydrocele

“…The cyst of the canal of Nuck is formed when the canal is incoherent. 4 The spermatic cord is a connective tissue matrix tube containing the elements from the scrotum through the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity. The spermatic cord crosses the internal inguinal ring, through the inguinal canal and enters the testicle.…”

“…When the canal is not obliterated (known as a patent processus vaginalis), fluid accumulation is established. The cyst of the canal of Nuck is formed when the canal is incoherent 4 . The spermatic cord is a connective tissue matrix tube containing the elements from the scrotum through the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity.…”

Left labial edema after kidney transplantation

“…were peritoneal serous fluid, peritoneal urine accumulation via the canal of Nuck, and anasarca. The canal of Nuck, first described by the Dutch anatomist Anton Nuck in 1691, is a peritoneal evagination that descends along with the round ligament to the labia majora during a female fetus' development [1,2]. The canal normally obliterates from around the seventh month of gestation up to one year of age.…”

Canal of Nuck Hernia in an Elderly Patient- A Case Report

“…The canal of Nuck originated from the non-closure of the vaginalis process, which begins to be formed between the 8 th and 12 th week of fetal development and usually completely disappears until the 1 st year of life [1][2][3]. However, in up to 80% of males and 60% of females, the process vaginalis is still present at birth [2].…”

“…An indirect inguinal hernia is formed, which may contain the omentum, intestinal loops, ovary, uterus, uterine tube, or bladder and can reach up to the labia majora. If the content of the hernia is peritoneal liquid, a hydrocele will be formed if the failure in the closing process is complete and a cyst if it is incomplete [1][2][3][6][7][8].…”