Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of hydrocele as a complication of Wilms tumor (WT) therapy and nephrectomy and to determine whether radiation therapy to the flank increases the risk. We hypothesize that radiation increases the risk of hydrocele formation in patients treated for WT.
Methods: A retrospective, medical review of the chart was completed on 57 male patients with WT diagnosed between 1985 and 2000.
Results: There is an increased prevalence of hydrocele in males that had a nephrectomy as part of their WT therapy.
Conclusions: Male survivors of WT are at risk for development of a subsequent hydrocele that appears to be related to their prior surgery.
Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.