[A comparative evaluation of surgical methods for treating hydrocele]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Hydrocele treatment involves various surgical methods, each with potential complications and recovery durations.
• Traditional techniques like Winkelmann's and Bergmann's involve isolating the hydrocele sac, leading to higher complication rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and complication rates of different hydrocele treatment methods.
• To evaluate surgical outcomes and patient recovery times for various surgical techniques and sclerotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of 167 patients undergoing hydrocelectomy using Winkelmann's, Bergmann's, Grebenshchikov-Shevtsov's modified, or Lord's techniques.
• Sclerotherapy with tetracycline solution was used as an alternative treatment in a separate group.

Main Results:

• Winkelmann's and Bergmann's techniques showed high complication rates (edema, hematoma, infection) and longer recovery (8.6-9.4 days).
• Grebenshchikov-Shevtsov's modification reduced complications and recovery time (7.2 days).
• Lord's method demonstrated high efficacy and simplicity with no reported hematomas, infections, or relapses, and a significantly shorter recovery time (3.4 days).
• Sclerotherapy resulted in a mean recovery of 2.1 days, with 7 of 8 patients recovering after 1-3 sessions.

Conclusions:

• Lord's method is a highly effective and simple surgical option for hydrocele treatment, associated with minimal complications and rapid recovery.
• Modified surgical techniques and sclerotherapy offer viable alternatives with improved patient outcomes and reduced recovery periods.