Abstract The number of cases of abdominoscrotal hydrocele reported in the literature has been brought up to date, which, including the 3 cases reported here, is 83 of which 21 are from India. The pathogenesis of this lesion is discussed. It is concluded that all cases of abdominoscrotal hydrocele are due to progressive involvement and distension of the patent processus vaginalis which is cut off from the general peritoneal cavity. A new classification of abdominoscrotal hydrocele is suggested on the basis of experience gained from the 3 cases reported here.