Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair Versus Open Repair in Boys with Inguinal Hernia: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric inguinal hernia is a common surgical problem in boys. Open hernia repair surgery (OH) has been traditionally used to treat this condition, but it leads to complications, such as testicular complications. Laparoscopic hernia repair by using the extraperitoneal method (LHE) is performed through the percutaneous insertion of sutures and extracorporeal closure of patent vaginalis processus; thus, injury to spermatic cord structures is avoided. However, a meta-analysis comparing LHE and OH is lacking. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies. A meta-analysis of the retrieved studies was performed, and a random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect size. The primary outcome was testicular complications, including ascending testis, hydrocele, and testicular atrophy. The secondary outcomes were surgical metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH), ipsilateral hernia recurrence, and operation time. RESULTS: In total, 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 20 non-RCTs involving 17,555 boys were included. The incidence of ascending testis (risk ratio [RR]: 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18-0.78; p = 0.008) and MCIH (RR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43; p = 0.0002) was significantly lower in LHE than in OH. The incidence of hydrocele, testicular atrophy, and ipsilateral hernia recurrence did not differ between LHE and OH. CONCLUSION: Compared with OH, LHE led to fewer or equivalent testicular complications without increasing ipsilateral hernia recurrence. Moreover, MCIH incidence was lower in LHE than in OH. Hence, LHE could be a feasible choice with less invasiveness for inguinal hernia repair in boys. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Treatment study, LEVEL III.

Metachronous Contralateral Occurrence of Hydrocele After Unilateral Hydrocelectomy in Children Younger Than 8 Years.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocele on the contralateral side after surgical repair is an uncommon condition compared to surgical site recurrence. Although there has been much research on metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia in children, metachronous contralateral hydrocele, which share a common pathology with inguinal hernias, has not yet been investigated. We have investigated the incidence and risk factors for metachronous contralateral occurrence of communicating and noncommunicating hydroceles in children younger than 8 years. METHODS: From January 2017 to June 2020, 302 children younger than 8 who were diagnosed with unilateral hydroceles were treated in our hospital without surgical exploration of contralateral hydrocele. The disease was classified into communicating and noncommunicating hydroceles. We divided patients into two groups according to the presence of metachronous contralateral hydrocele and analyzed the differences between the two groups. RESULTS: Among 302 patients, the mean age was 36.4 ± 20.9 months. Metachronous contralateral hydrocele occurred in 15 (4.9%) patients as communicating hydroceles. Comparison between the two groups showed statistically significant differences in type of hydrocele (P = 0.047) at first diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Clinically evident risk of metachronous contralateral hydrocele after unilateral hydrocelectomy was 4.9%. Despite the relatively low incidence rate, the risk of metachronous contralateral occurrence should always be consulted with parents before surgical treatment of hydroceles.

Results of using the method of full extraperitoneal endoscopically assisted ligation of the hernial sac with inguinal hernia in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new technique for inguinal hernia repair in children: pediatric hernia extra-peritoneal ligation and percutaneous suturing (PHELPS) in comparison with another laparoscopic technique, subcutaneous endoscopically assisted ligation (SEAL). METHODS: We demonstrate the results of laparoscopic treatment of 680 patients with inguinal hernias. Of these, 206 patients were operated using the new PHELPS technique. The remaining 474 children received the SEAL technique. The difference between the methods is that PHELPS consists of ligating the hernia around the neck of the hernial sac, including an intra-peritoneal component (aponeurosis and muscles), while the SEAL technique ligates the hernia sac only. We examined whether this factor may lead to more recurrence and hydrocele in the SEAL technique. RESULTS: Both groups of patients were comparable in terms of age, body weight at the time of surgery, and gender. The average total duration of inguinal herniorraphy, including the time of surgery in patients with one-and two-sided hernia localization, was comparable in both groups (17.50 min versus 17.22 min; p = 0.518). The study demonstrated a faster recovery of patients after using the PHELPS technique for the treatment of inguinal hernias, consisting in a statistically significantly lower number of doses of postoperative analgesia (1.01 versus 1.31; p < 0.001) and a shorter time of patient stay in the hospital (8.06 h versus 8.78 h; p = 0.031). Despite the fact that there were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of postoperative hydrocele (0 versus 6; p = 0.090), we found a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of recurrence (0 versus 17; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The PHELPS technique shows improved results in terms of recurrence and hydrocele as compared to SEAL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study.

Exploring determinants of hydrocele surgery coverage related to Lymphatic Filariasis in Nepal: An implementation research study.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocele is a chronic condition in males in which there is an excessive collection of straw-colored fluid, which leads to enlargement of the scrotum. It is a common manifestation of lymphatic filariasis (LF) affecting nearly 25 million men worldwide. Surgery is the recommended treatment for hydrocele and is available free of cost in all government hospitals in Nepal. This research explored patient, provider, and community factors related to accessing hydrocele surgery services by the patients. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative method. The research was conducted in two LF endemic districts, namely Kanchanpur and Dhading, which are reported to have the highest number of hydrocele cases during morbidity mapping conducted in 2016. In addition to five key informant interviews with the LF focal persons (one national and 4 district-level), nine in-depth interviews were conducted with hydrocele patients (5 of whom had undergone surgery and 4 who had not undergone surgery) and with 3 family members, and two focus group discussions with the female community health volunteers. RESULTS: Most of the respondents did not have knowledge of hydrocele as one of the clinical manifestations of LF nor that it is transmitted through a mosquito bite. Although perceived as treatable with surgery, most of the patients interviewed believed in as well as practiced home remedies. Meanwhile, fear of surgery, embarrassment, lack of money, along with no knowledge of the free hydrocele surgery acted as barriers for accessing the surgery. On the other hand, financial support, flexible guidelines enabling the hospital to conduct surgery, decentralization and scaling up of morbidity mapping along with free hydrocele surgery camps in any remaining endemic districts were identified as enablers for accessing surgery. CONCLUSION: Hydrocele surgery coverage could be improved if the program further addresses community awareness. There is a need for more focus on information dissemination about hydrocele and hydrocele surgery.

Complications after scrotal surgery - still a major issue?

OBJECTIVE: Gold standard treatment of symptomatic hydrocele or spermatocele is surgery. Despite a minor procedure, complications such as bleeding and infections leading to reoperations may be devastating for the patients. In autumn 2018, an accumulation of complications was seen in our department. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate and grade of complications and to identify potential means to reduce these. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient records of all patients undergoing surgical repair of hydrocele or spermatocele from December 2017 to November 2018 were examined. Results were audited to identify potential causes of complications. The focus was on the perioperative hemostasis and postoperative activity restrictions. The outcome was compared to a consecutive patient series operated the following year. RESULTS: Sixty-five men were operated on during the first period. Twenty-two patients contacted the department postoperatively due to swelling or pain, 19 patients were examined at the hospital and six patients were re-operated 1-9 times. The following year, 69 patients were operated on. Of these, 16 patients contacted the department postoperatively (p = 0.17), 13 patients were examined at the hospital, and five patients were re-operated (p = 0.68). There was the same complication rate in patients operated by specialist urologists or supervised younger doctors. However, patients preoperatively examined and informed by a specialized urologist had significantly fewer complications compared to those informed by urological residents and interns (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Despite the change in patient information and increased awareness of possible complications, a high proportion of patients still were in need of unplanned contact to the department and reoperation.

Jaboulay's technique contrasted with a novel hydrocelectomy technique using a vessel sealer in the treatment of adult hydrocele: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: The study aims to compare the clinical efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction rates of two open hydrocelectomy techniques, Jaboulay's technique, and sac excision hydrocelectomy using a LigaSure™ device, in a prospective and randomized fashion. METHODS: Eighty-two (82) patients were randomized, one-to-one into two groups. All surgeries were carried out by a single surgeon. Jaboulay's technique and hydrocelectomy with excision of the sac were carried out in the first and the second groups, respectively. The patients' data were collected prospectively on the first day, the first week, the first month, and the sixth month after surgery. Patient demographics, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and sixth-month cosmetic satisfaction rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: We observed better patient satisfaction [73.2% confer (cf.) 92.9%], shorter hospital stay (1.66 cf. 1.29 days), and less incidence of postoperative edemas (31.7% cf. 6%) in the sac excision hydrocelectomy group (p = 0.017, p = 0.011, and p = 0.029, respectively). CONCLUSION: We can report that hydrocelectomy with an excision of the sac using a vessel-sealing device, namely LigaSure™, provides less incidences of postoperative edemas and better patient satisfaction rates respective to the Jaboulay's technique in the treatment of adult hydrocele. The statistical difference between hospital stay times is mostly affected by social factors in our study. Clinically, all patients were amenable to discharge in the first day.

Epidemiology of hydrocele and spermatocele; incidence, treatment and complications.

Objectives: To estimate the incidence of men seeking specialized care and receiving treatment for hydro or spermatocele complaints. Also, to determine the risk of complications of treatment. Materials and methods: The total number of men living in Sweden each year from 2005 to 2014 was used to calculate incidence and age distribution of adult (≥18 years) men seeking specialized healthcare with either hydro or spermatocele. This was done by using nationwide registries, mandatory by law. They contain information on primary or discharge diagnosis, procedure codes and antibiotic prescriptions. Also, complication rates comparing aspiration (with or without sclerotherapy) and conventional surgery were analysed. Results: The incidence of men with either hydro or spermatocele diagnosis in specialized healthcare was ∼100/100,000 men. The treatment incidence was 17/100,000 men. Orchiectomy was used as primary treatment in 2.4% of cases. The risk of experiencing a complication was clinically and statistically significantly increased with conventional surgery as compared with aspiration, 17.5% (1607/9174) vs 4.6% (181/3920), corresponding to relative risk of 3.79 (95% CI = 3.27-4.40). Hematoma and infections were the most common complications. Conclusion: Hydro and spermatoceles are common, affecting elderly men. Aspiration seems advantageous with respect to complications and can be recommended due to the benign course of the disease. The indication for conventional surgery might be questioned such as the use of orchiectomy as primary treatment.

[Pathologies of peritoneo-vaginal canal in pediatric surgery at the teaching hospital Gabriel Touré]. / Les Pathologies du Canal Peritoneo-Vaginal en Chirurgie Pediatrique du CHU Gabriel Toure.

The closure anomalies of the peritoneal-vaginal canal include several clinical entities, which are at the origin of various symptomatology. OBJECTIVE: To study the anatomo-clinical and therapeutic aspects of pathologies of the peritoneal-vaginal canal. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This was a prospective study from January 1st to December 31st, 2015 carried out in the pediatric surgery department of University Hospital Gabriel Touré. It covered all children aged 0-15 years old with a pathology of the peritoneal-vaginal canal operating in the department during the study period. This study did not include cases that were not operated on or not seen during the study period. RESULTS: During the study period, 2,699 children were treated in pediatric surgery, of which 150 cases of pathology of the peritoneal-vaginal canal had a hospital frequency of 5.5%. The average age was 3.25 ± 9.63 years. The sex ratio was 14. The reason for consultation was intermittent or permanent inguinal or inguino-scrotal swelling in all children. The pathology was discovered by the parents during the pushing efforts in 46.7%. Inguino-scrotal swelling was found on physical examination in 40% of cases. The right side was reached in 60% of the cases. Hernia accounted for 80.6% of these pathologies. We recorded 31 cases of strangulation and 11 cases of craze. Immediate operative follow-up was simple in 92% of patients. This rate was 96% after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Pathologies of the peritoneal-vaginal canal are very common in pediatric surgical practice. The first place of these pathologies is occupied by hernia. They preferentially affect male infants.

Les anomalies de fermeture du canal péritonéo-vaginal (CPV) regroupent plusieurs entités cliniques qui sont à l'origine d'une symptomatologie variée. OBJECTIF: étudier les aspects anatomo-cliniques et thérapeutiques des pathologies du canal péritonéo-vaginal. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODE: il s'agissait d'une étude prospective du 1er Janvier au 31 Décembre 2015 réalisée dans le service de chirurgie pédiatrique du CHU Gabriel Touré. Elle a porté sur tous les enfants de 0-15 ans présentant une pathologie du canal péritonéo-vaginal opérés dans le service pendant la période d'étude. N'ont pas fait partie de cette étude, les cas non opérés et ou non vus pendant la période d'études. RÉSULTATS: Durant la période d'étude 2699 enfants ont été pris en charge en chirurgie pédiatrique dont 150 cas de pathologies du canal péritonéo-vaginal soit une fréquence hospitalière de 5,5%. L'âge moyen était de 3,25± 9,63 ans. Le sexe ratio était de 14. Le motif de consultation était la tuméfaction inguinale ou inguino-scrotale intermittente ou permanente chez tous les enfants. La pathologie a été découverte par les parents lors des efforts de poussées dans 46,7%. La tuméfaction inguino-scrotale a été retrouvée à l'examen physique dans 40% des cas. Le côté droit était atteint dans 60% des cas. La hernie a représenté 80,6% de ces pathologies. Nous avons enregistré 31 cas d'étranglement et 11 cas d'engouement. Les suites opératoires immédiates ont été simples chez 92% des patients. Ce taux était de 96% après 6 mois. CONCLUSION: Les pathologies du CPV sont très fréquentes dans la pratique chirurgicale pédiatrique. La première place de ces pathologies est occupée par la hernie. Elles touchent préférentiellement les nourrissons de sexe masculin.

Adolescent de novo hydroceles - should they be dealt with by inguinal or scrotal approach?

AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the optimal approach for the treatment of hydroceles in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all adolescents (10-16 years old) diagnosed with a de-novo hydrocele in 2 tertiary care institutions over a 10 year period (2007-2016) was performed comparing the inguinal and trans-scrotal (Jaboulay) approaches. RESULTS: Fifty-three boys with a mean age of 13.4 years (range 10-16 years) were diagnosed with hydrocele. The inguinal approach was used in 31 (59%) patients for treatment of their hydrocele. In 19 (61%) of these cases a patent processus vaginalis (PPV) ligation was performed. In the other 12 (39%) patients the PPV was closed or not found and a further repair of the hydrocele through the same inguinal incision was performed. A transcrotal Jaboulay procedure was performed in 22 (41%) of the patients. There was no difference in the complications rate between inguinal and trans-scrotal approaches (p = 0.71). Age of presentation less than 12 years was associated with the presence of a PPV (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A trans-scrotal approach should be considered as first-line in adolescents when the history is not suggestive of a communicating hydrocele. Children less than 12 years of age are more likely to have a PPV and an inguinal approach may be more appropriate. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Outcomes of microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy to treat painful recurrent varicocele.

In this study, was evaluated the outcomes of patients undergoing microsurgical varicocelectomy to treat scrotal pain due to recurrent varicocele were evaluated. A total of 27 patients who underwent microsurgical varicocele ligation for recurrent varicocele and scrotal and/or testicular pain were included in this retrospective study. Recurrent varicocele in all patients was diagnosed with by physical examination and coloured Doppler ultrasonography (CDUSG). All patients underwent pre-operative follow-up and post-operative follow-up at 3 and 6 months by physical examination, assessment of using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and CDUSG. The rRecurrent varicocele was grade 3 in 24 patients (88.9%) and grade 2 in 3 patients (11.1%). In all cases, the varicocele was on the left side. The mean VAS score was 6.5 (range 5-8) pre-operatively, 0.7 (range 0-5) at 3 months post-operatively, and 0.3 (range 0-4) at 6 months post-operatively (p < 0.001). Post-operative complete responseresolution, partial resolutionponse, and non-responsiveness rates were 85.2%, 11.1%, and 3.7% at the 3rd month post-operatively, respectively, and 88.8%, 7.5%, and 3.7% at the 6th month post-operatively, respectively. During follow-up, there was recurrence in 1 patient (3.7%) and hydrocele in 1 patient (3.7%). Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy is an effective treatment for patients with scrotal pain caused by recurrent varicocele.

Association Between Left Renal Vein Entrapment and Varicocele Recurrence: A Cohort Study in 3042 Patients.

The recurrence rates after varicocelectomy vary from 0.9% to 32.2%, especially for patients with the left renal vein entrapment (LRVE). This study aims to study the association between LRVE and varicocele recurrence, and to find the risk factors of LRVE. With the design of a cohort study, we included 3042 varicocele patients who would undergo modified inguinal microscope-assisted varicocelectomy (MHMV). 858 (28.21%) patients with LRVE were as the study group, and 2184 (71.79%) patients without LRVE were as the control group. Compared with the control group, BMI was lower (p < 0.001) in study group. Totally, 18 patients had recurrence after surgery, so the recurrence rate was 0.59%. Seventeen patients (1.98%) in study group and 1 patients (0.05%) in control group had recurrence, and significant statistical difference was found between the two groups (p < 0.001). The risk ratio of LRVE for varicocele recurrence is 43.27. In conclusion, the recurrence rate of our MHMV is the lowest (0.59%). There is association between LRVE and varicocele recurrence, and varicocele patients with LRVE have higher probability of recurrence rate after varicocelectomy. BMI could be a risk factor of LRVE. Thus, for varicocele patients, especially those with lower BMI, attentions should be payed to LRVE.

Early Prenatal Phthalate Exposure, Sex Steroid Hormones, and Birth Outcomes.

Context: Adequate sex steroid hormone concentrations are essential for normal fetal genital development in early pregnancy. Our previous study demonstrated an inverse relationship between third-trimester di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate exposure and total testosterone (TT) concentrations. Here, we examine early-pregnancy phthalates, sex steroid hormone concentrations, and newborn reproductive outcomes. Design: We examined associations between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in early pregnancy and serum free testosterone (FT), TT, estrone (E1), and estradiol (E2) in 591 woman/infant dyads in The Infant Development and Environment Study; we also examined relationships between hormones and newborn genital outcomes using multiple regression models with covariate adjustment. Results: E1 and E2 concentrations were 15% to 30% higher in relation to 1-unit increases in log monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate, and mono-2-ethyl-5-oxy-hexyl phthalate concentrations, and E2 was 15% higher in relation to increased log monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP). FT concentrations were 12% lower in relation to 1-unit increases in log mono(carboxynonyl) phthalate (MCNP) and mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate concentrations. Higher maternal FT was associated with a 25% lower prevalence of having a male genital abnormality at birth. Conclusions: The positive relationships between MiBP, MBzP, and DEHP metabolites and E1/E2 are unique and suggest a positive estrogenic effect in early pregnancy. The inverse relationship between MCNP and DEHP metabolites and serum FT supports previous work examining phthalate/testosterone relationships later in pregnancy. Higher FT in relation to a 25% lower prevalence of male genital abnormalities confirms the importance of testosterone in early fetal development.

Comparison of surgical effect and postoperative patient experience between laparoendoscopic single-site and conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present meta-analysis was conducted to compare the clinical effect and patient experience of laparoendoscopic single-site varicocelectomy (LESSV) and conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy. The candidate studies were included after literature search of database Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. Related information on essential data and outcome measures was extracted from the eligible studies by two independent authors, and a meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 12.0 software. Subgroup analyses were conducted by study design (RCT and non-RCT). The odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to estimate the outcome measures. Seven articles were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that patient who had undergone LESSV had a shorter duration of back to work (overall: SMD = -1.454, 95% CI: -2.502--0.405, P = 0.007; non-RCT: SMD = -2.906, 95% CI: -3.796--2.017, P = 0.000; and RCT: SMD = -0.841, 95% CI: -1.393--0.289, P = 0.003) and less pain experience at 3 h or 6 h (SMD = -0.447, 95% CI: -0.754--0.139, P = 0.004), day 1 (SMD = -0.477, 95% CI: -0.905--0.05, P = 0.029), and day 2 (SMD = -0.612, 95% CI: -1.099--0.125, P = 0.014) postoperatively based on RCT studies. However, the meta-analyses based on operation time, clinical effect (improvement of semen quality and scrotal pain relief), and complications (hydrocele and recurrence) yielded nonsignificant results. In conclusion, LESSV had a rapid recovery and less pain experience over conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two varicocelectomy techniques in terms of the clinical effect and the incidence of hydrocele and varicocele recurrence. More high-quality studies are warranted for a comprehensive conclusion.

The application of laparoscopic Doppler ultrasound during laparoscopic varicocelectomy in infertile men.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of laparoscopic Doppler ultrasound (LDU) application during laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV), and to compare the surgical outcomes and complications between LDU-assisted LV (LDU-LV) and conventional LV for infertile patients with varicoceles; 147 infertile patients were randomly divided into two groups. Operative and postoperative parameters, semen parameters, and the pregnancy rate were compared. There were no differences in baseline demographics. The operative time was significantly longer in LDU-LV group than LV group. The incidence of postoperative hydrocele was 1.4% (1/72) in LDU-LV group versus 10.7% (8/75) in LV group, which showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). However, other surgical outcomes, such as postoperative hospital stay, postoperative recurrence, and testicular atrophy, were similar between the two groups. Sperm concentration and sperm motility were significantly increased in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery (P < 0.01), and they were higher in LDU-LV than LV group in 12 months after surgery (34.21 ± 6.36 vs 29.99 ± 6.04 for concentration, P < 0.05; 40.72 ± 8.12 vs 37.31 ± 6.12 for motility, P < 0.05). Sperm morphology was comparable between the two groups. The pregnancy rate showed no significant difference (44.4% of the LDU-LV vs 37.3% of the LV, P > 0.05). In conclusion, compared with LV, LDU-LV could safely and effectively ligate all spermatic veins and preserve spermatic arteries without leading to high varicocele recurrence and postoperative hydrocele. Given the benefits that sperm counts as well as sperm motility favoring LDU-LV, we recommend that LDU should be routinely used as an effective tool to improve outcomes and safety of laparoscopic varicocelectomy.

Varicocele treatment in paediatric age: relationship between type of vein reflux, surgical technique used and outcomes.

Varicocele is the first andrological disease in adolescent males. The aim of this study was to report our experience with different techniques. We retrospectively analysed patients treated between January 2005 and January 2011. Inclusion criteria for the study were created. Patients were treated with different techniques based on the type of spermatic vein reflux detected on Doppler velocimetry. The following rates were considered as study endpoints: hydrocele rate, rate of relapses, rate of persistence and rate of testicular atrophy. During the study period, 522 surgical varicocelectomies were performed. Patients were treated with videolaparoscopy, open inguinal technique, subinguinal technique and one-trocar transumbilical technique. The laparoscopic and the subinguinal techniques showed a lower rate of hydrocele, and the laparoscopic technique had a lower rate of relapses. Choosing a technique based on the type of spermatic vein reflux can reduce the post-operative complications. The laparoscopic techniques had a lower rate of relapses with respect to other techniques.

Epididymal anomalies in boys with undescended testis or hydrocele: Significance of testicular location.

BACKGROUND: Epididymal anomalies and patent processus vaginalis are frequently found in boys with cryptorchidism or hydrocele. We conducted this study to evaluate the association between epididymal anomalies and testicular location or patent processus vaginalis in boys with undescended testis or hydrocele. METHODS: Children undergoing surgery with undescended testis (group A, 136 boys and 162 testes) or communicating hydrocele (group B, 93 boys and 96 testes) were included. Testicular locations and epididymal anomalies were investigated prospectively. An anomalous epididymis was defined as anomalies of epididymal fusion that consisted of loss of continuity between the testis, the epididymis, and the long looping epididymis. The epididymis was considered normal when a normal, firm attachment between the testis, the caput, and the cauda epididymis was present. RESULTS: The mean ages of groups A and B were 24.6 ± 19.7 (range, 8-52 months) and 31.4 ± 20.6 months (range, 10-59 months). The incidence of epididymal anomalies was significantly higher in group A than that in group B (65.4 % vs. 13.5 %, P < .001). The incidence of epididymal anomalies in boys with undescended testis was significantly different according to testis location. Epididymal anomalies were observed in 100 %, 91.4 %, and 39.3 % of cases when the testis was located in the abdomen, inguinal canal, and distal to the external inguinal ring, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that epididymal anomalies were more frequent in boys with undescended testis than in boys with hydrocele, and that these anomalies were more frequent when undescended testis was at a higher level. These results suggest that testicular location is associated with epididymal anomalies rather than patent processus vaginalis.

Gender-related differences of inguinal hernia and asymptomatic patent processus vaginalis in term and preterm infants.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the gender-related differences of inguinal hernia (IH) and patent processus vaginalis (PPV) in term and preterm infants. METHODS: Over a nine-year-period 411 infants underwent laparoscopic herniorrhaphy within the first six months of life. 246 term (191 male; 55 female) and 165 preterm (118 male; 47 female) infants were included in this retrospective study. Initial presentation of IH and intraoperative anatomical findings of PPV were reviewed. RESULTS: We found that term boys (58.6%) and girls (58.2%) predominantly presented with right-sided IH whereas preterm boys (36.4%) and girls (44.7%) mostly presented with bilateral IH. Female babies had a higher incidence of initial left-sided IH. Term and preterm girls with initial left-sided hernia were found to have highest incidence of PPV. Male term babies with initial left-sided IH were found to have the lowest incidence of PPV (25.0%). The highest incidence of PPV in male was found in preterm boys with either left- or right-sided IH. CONCLUSION: Incidence and laterality of IH and PPV differ between term and preterm girls and boys. In open hernia repair decision concerning contralateral groin exploration should consider term/preterm birth as well as gender.

Exploring hydrocoele surgery accessibility and impact in a lymphatic filariasis endemic area of southern Malawi.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocoele surgery is the recommended treatment for the common clinical manifestation of lymphatic filariasis in men. This study determined the geographical differences in surgery accessibility, and improvements in the quality of life of patients in Chikwawa district, Malawi. METHODS: Surgery records from Chikwawa District Hospital (CDH), between 2008 and 2013, were used to map surgery rates by village, spatial dependence by census enumeration area and relationship of distance (kilometres) to CDH. A subset of patients were selected to quantify and compare their physical and socio-economic well-being and level of disability pre- and post-surgery using a standardised questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 476 hydrocoele surgical cases were identified with 260 cases geo-referenced and mapped. A significant negative relationship between village-level surgery rates and distance to CDH (r=-0.137; 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.26) was found, and clusters of enumeration areas with high surgery rates identified around the CDH. Significant improvements in patients' ability to walk and work were found and the overall level of disability was reduced post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrocoele surgery positively impacted on patients, improving their physical and socio-economic output. Surgical services need to scale-up and expand to reach cases that have less access to the best treatment currently available.

Primary new-onset hydroceles presenting in late childhood and pre-adolescent patients resemble the adult type hydrocele pathology.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of a patent processus vaginalis (PPV) in children of late childhood and pre-adolescence presenting with new onset hydrocele. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All males with hydrocele presenting at our department from January 2011 to January 2013 were followed. Patients with secondary hydroceles were excluded. Demographic data, medical history, clinical symptoms and signs relative to their pathology and U/S findings were recorded. According to their indications, patients were either operated or followed up. Patients surgically treated, consisted our study group. RESULTS: Sixty patients were identified. Thirteen were followed until resolution of their hydrocele. Forty-seven patients were surgically treated. Twenty-seven had right sided hydrocele (57.44%), 13 had left sided hydrocele (27.66%) whereas in 7 patients the hydroceles were bilateral (14.9%). All patients were operated by an inguinal approach. In all 9 patients (19.14%) presenting with new-onset hydrocele at the age >10 years (range: 10-15 years), intraoperative exploration did not reveal a PPV. All patients were followed at least for 6 months post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Early evidence shows that primary new onset hydroceles presenting in late childhood and pre-adolescence seem to be non-communicating and resemble the adult type hydrocele pathology.

Burden of congenital inguinal hernia and hydrocele in northern and southern Nigeria: an opportunity for awareness creation.

BACKGROUND: Nigeria, with a population of >150 million people in which half of the population are children encounters challenges in paediatric surgery practice in rural areas. There are paediatric surgeons in Nigeria, but majority practice in tertiary health facilities in cities. The poor rural dwellers have little or no access to such highly trained specialists. Hence, children with congenital and acquired paediatric surgical pathologies including anterior abdominal wall defects not only grow up with these diseases to adulthood, they are also exposed to various health hazards posed by unqualified personnel. Therefore, we are evaluating the burden of congenital inguinal hernia/hydrocele in northern and southern Nigeria for awareness creation and the way forward. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data obtained from organised free hernia missions to the rural populace from northern and southern Nigeria by the West African Collage of Surgeons in 2010 and Kano State Government in 2013 was analysed. RESULTS: A total of 811 patients aged from 3 months (0.25 years) to 35 years was screened and found to have congenital hernia and/or hydrocele from the two centres. 171 (21.1%) were successfully operated, while the remaining 640 (78.9%) could not benefit from a surgical procedure during the missions. There were n = 46 (26.9%) patients with various forms of genital mutilations/and or surgical mismanagements among the operated patients. CONCLUSION: The burden of congenital anterior abdominal wall defects among Nigerian children is high. A little effort could bring succor and create awareness among this group of people.