Ultrasound and hookwire needle placement for localization of a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck.

Abstract

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is a mobile mass entity that can be difficult to locate and excise. We report the use of ultrasound scan and a hookwire needle to localize and stabilize this mass, making its excision easier. A 24-year-old white female presented with a 6-month history of a painful vulvar mass associated with increased discomfort with prolonged standing. Thorough evaluation revealed a suspected hydrocele that was easily palpable in the standing position but not in the lithotomy position. Translabial ultrasonography and a hookwire needle were used to localize and stabilize the mobile vulvar mass, eliminating the need for extensive surgical exploration. Ultrasound scanning and needle localization is a useful technique to identify and stabilize a mobile mass, making its surgical excision possible without extensive exploration and trauma.