Patent processus vaginalis: A window to the abdomen

Abstract

A patent processus vaginalis (PPV) allows a communication between the peritoneum and scrotum. Hydrocoele is the usual presentation of a PPV in children. However, with intraabdominal pathology the patent PPV may provide the first clue to the mischief within the abdomen. We present here two unusual cases associated with a PPV and migration of intraabdominal contents from the abdomen to the scrotum.

Keywords

• Appendicitis
• patent processus vaginalis
• ventriculoperitoneal shunt