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Primary hydrocoeles in infants and children
Zaheeruddin Qureshi1, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Irfan Zaffar Haider
1Department of Surgery, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Insights
This study found that primary hydrocoeles in children are most common between 2-3 years old. Herniotomy is an effective treatment with rare complications when performed after six months of age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
Background:
- Hydrocoele involves abnormal serous fluid accumulation in the tunica vaginalis, presenting as primary (congenital/acquired) or secondary types.
- Primary hydrocoele is a common pediatric condition requiring surgical consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of primary hydrocoeles in pediatric patients at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad.
- To analyze the incidence and outcomes of hydrocoele surgery in children.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study conducted from February 2007 to February 2009.
- Inclusion criteria: Children over 6 months of age with hydrocoeles who underwent surgery.
- Data collection via proforma, followed by analysis and conclusion drawing.
Main Results:
- 186 children underwent surgery for hydrocoele.
- The highest incidence (37%) was observed in the 2-3 years age group.
- Complications included vas injury in 0.7% and scrotal hematoma in 18%; infection rate was 0%.
Conclusions:
- Surgical intervention for pediatric hydrocoele is recommended after 6 months of age.
- Herniotomy is identified as the optimal treatment for hydrocoele.
- Complications associated with herniotomy are infrequent when performed by experienced surgeons.
Background:
Hydrocoele is an abnormal quantity of serous fluid within the tunica vaginalis. It can be primary or secondary. The primary can in turn be congenital or acquired. Objective of this study was to see the frequency of primary hydrocoeles in children presenting to Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad.
Methods:
This prospective study was conducted in Surgical 'B' Unit, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, from Feb 2007 to Feb 2009. All Children above 6 months age with hydrocoeles and operated were included in this study. All details were recorded on a proforma. The collected data were analysed, results calculated, and conclusions drawn.
Results:
In all 186 operated cases, the maximum (58, 37%) incidence was in 2-3 years age group. Injury to the vas occurred in 1 (0.7%) case, infection rate was 0% and scrotal haematoma occurred in 18% cases.
Conclusion:
Children with hydrocoeles should be operated after 6 months age. Herniotomy is the only satisfactory treatment and in expert hands complications are very rare.
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