Hydrocelectomy through the inguinal approach versus scrotal approach for idiopathic hydrocele in adults

Journal of the Arab Society for Medical Research 2012, 7:68–72 Background/aim Hydrocele is a common chronic condition in men that causes physical, psychological, social, and economic distress. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of hydrocelectomy through the inguinal approach as compared with the scrotal approach in adults. Subjects and methods This prospective study was conducted on 40 patients who presented to the El-Hussein University Hospital with idiopathic hydrocele and underwent hydrocelectomy. These patients were divided into two groups: group I (inguinal approach group) included 20 patients with a mean age of 30.75 ± 10.76 years and who underwent hydrocelectomy through the inguinal approach, group II (scrotal approach group) included 20 patients with a mean age of 29.35 ± 8.93 years and who underwent hydrocelectomy through the scrotal approach. A comparison was made between the two groups as regards the volume of the hydrocele sac, operative time, postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay, and time of return to daily life. Results The mean volume of hydroceles was 196.00 ± 30.28 ml in the inguinal approach group and 197.75 ± 26.72 ml in the scrotal approach group. The mean operative time was 25.50 ± 4.60 min in the inguinal approach group and 24.40 ± 4.08 min in the scrotal approach group. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.35 ± 0.48 days in the inguinal approach group and 2.50 ± 0.68 days in the scrotal approach group. Postoperative complications in the scrotal approach group included one wound sepsis, one partial wound dehiscence, two persistent scrotal edemas, and adherence of the testis to the scrotum in one patient. No postoperative complications or discomfort were observed in the inguinal approach group. The mean time to return to normal activity was 12.10 ± 1.33 days in the inguinal approach group and 17.70 ± 4.13 days in the scrotal approach group. Conclusion Hydrocelectomy through the inguinal approach in adults is associated with low or no postoperative morbidity and discomfort. It is easily applied and facilitates dealing with any associated lesions in the inguinal canal.