Development and application of scrotum belt in patients with hydrocele

Objective: To develop a scrotum belt for supportive care of patients with hydrocele, and to evaluate its application in a clinical trial. Methods: A scrotum belt was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations. Sixty patients who underwent surgery for hydrocele were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (N=30 for both). Patients in the experimental group used the scrotum belt and those in the control group used sandbag to elevate the scrotum. The regression of hydrocele and the degree of comfort experienced by patients in the two groups were compared. Results: One week after the operation, the average size of scrotum in the experimental group was significantly smaller than that in the control group (22.5±1.24 cm and 23.55±0.89 cm, respectively, t=-3.75, P<0.01). In the experimental group, the use of scrotum belt was rated as markedly effective or effective in 25 (83.3%) of patients, in accordance to the standard criteria for classification of curative effect. In the control group, the curative effect was rated as ineffective in 15 (50%) patients. The comfort score in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (t=9.774, P<0.01). Conclusion: The scrotum belt designed and tested as part of this study promoted postoperative regression of scrotum after surgery for hydrocele, and improved comfort level of patients. Use of the belt in clinical settings could benefit patients with hydrocele.