Tunical vaginalis excision: the hydrocelectomy technique not to be forgotten

ABSTRACT

Background: The technique of excising the hydrocele sac (tunica vaginalis) rather extensively; leaving only 1- 2 cm rim of tissue adjacent to the testis and epididymis in the treatment of hydrocele in adults is to be advocated; as it gives the same result as Jaboulay's technique. The advantage with this technique is that; it reduces the size of the remaining tissue to near normal postoperatively and no risk of strangulating the spermatic cord as it may happen in Jaboulay;s technique.Methods: Adult male patients with different sizes of hydroceles were seen; investigated and operated with this technique in three hospitals- Muhimbili National hospital; Tumaini and MHS- Massana hospitals between January 2004 and June 2006.Results: A total of 25 patients were operated using this technique. The age ranged between 20 - 60years. Most of them had right-sided idiopathic hydrocele; the technique provided excellent results in the treatment of such conditions.Conclusion: The technique of excising the hydrocele sac (tunica vaginalis) needs to be advocated and should not be forgotten hydrocelectomy techniques