Hedrocele: report of a case and review of the literature.

Hedrocele represents an unusual variant of the rare posterior perineal hernia and results from a defect in the rectogenital septum. In the male, because of the prostate gland and the resistance of the perineal body, a hernia through this defect is directed posteriorly through the anterior wall of the rectum. Diagnosis is based upon an awareness of the entity combined with the finding of an anterior intraluminal rectal mass. Correction requires celiotomy and closure of the anatomic defect.