HYDROCELE;

SURGERY vs. SCLEROTHERAPY

Abstract

Introduction: A hydrocele is an abnormal collection of serous fluid within
the tunica or processes vaginalis. It is treated by surgery and sclerotherapy. Objectives: To compare the results of
surgery and sclerotherapy in the treatment of scrotal hydrocele. Design: Randomized control trial. Setting: Department
of Surgery, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad; Period: April 2001 to March 2002. Patients: 50 consecutive male patients with
provisional diagnosis of hydrocele. Methods: Patients stratified into three age groups and each stratum equally and
randomly divided into two groups for sclerotherapy (A) or surgery (B). 1 %Sodiumtetradecyle sulphate (STD) was used
as sclerosant after aspiration of hydrocele. Surgical procedures used were Jaboulay’s, Lord’s and subtotal excision.
Follow up done for three months. Results: Age range was from 15 to 75 years. Hydrocele was right, left and bilateral
in 56%, 42% & 2% patients. Postoperative complications included pain (24% & 20%), hematoma (8% &12%), infection
(8% & 12%), recurrence (40% & 12%) and complications related to anesthesia (0% & 36%) in group A and B
respectively. Conclusions: Results of sclerotherapy and surgery for hydrocele are comparable with advantage of
economy and convenience for sclerotherapy. However, larger study is recommended with comparison between
different sclerosants to find the best one with high success rate and minimum complications.