Epidemic dropsy is a male disease, which is also known by other names: hydrocele or edema of the testicle. Dangerous pathology is characterized by the formation and accumulation of lymphatic fluid, blood and pus in the shells of the organ, due to a violation of its outflow. This disease can develop not only in mature men, but also in boys.
Causes of dropsy
Complete or partial obstruction of the excretory ducts, which are responsible for maintaining a normal volume of fluid in the scrotum, give different reasons. Specialists identify the following conditions that can trigger the development of a dangerous pathology:
- Infectious diseases;
- Injuries;
- Tumors;
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea;
- Swelling of adjacent organs and lower limbs.
Men at risk are men who have undergone various operations on the perineum or radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer. In boys, hydrocele, as a rule, is a birth defect.
Diagnosis and treatment of
Diagnosis is not difficult for edema. This pathology is established by a specialist based on the following methods:
- Scrotal examination;
- Diaphanoscopy, which is a scrotal examination of the scrotum using a special light source;
- Palpation.
To exclude another disease with similar symptoms, ultrasound is always performed. Also mandatory is a blood test, which allows you to assess the overall condition of the patient.
Operation with dropsy is considered the most effective treatment. Surgical intervention involves, in most cases, the use of general anesthesia. In this case, as a rule, after a couple of hours the patient leaves the hospital. Today, four types of operations are successfully used, which have names by their authors:
- Lord,
- Ross,
- Bergman,
- Winckelmann.
The Lord's operation with a hydrocele involves cutting the water bag and creating special corrugated channels, through which liquid is drained. During the surgical procedure, the testicle is not withdrawn. The advantage of this method is that it is the least traumatic and excludes the occurrence of bleeding.
The operation of Ross, most often, is prescribed in the presence of congenital pathology. Most often, this surgical method is used in the treatment of children under the age of two, after the diagnosis of communicable dropsy. During the operation, which always involves the use of general anesthesia, the doctor makes a small incision in the groin area. Across the resulting incision is the abdominal process, which is bandaged in the lower and upper parts, and then cut. Also, in the shells of the testicles, a small opening is left for the outflow of the resulting liquid in the future. After this, the incision is sutured, and the wound is closed with a sterile dressing. This operation requires the surgeon to be careful and cautious, since there is a great danger of accidental damage to important organs located next to the scrotum.
For adult men, when sealing the membranes and accumulating a large amount of fluid in the scrotum, the Bergman operation is shown. In the process of surgical operations, the incision of the scrotum is performed in the front about 6 cm in length. Then the inner membranes are cut by layers and the accumulated fluid is pumped out. Further, the testicle is excreted into the wound and the envelope adjacent to it is removed. In the remaining shells, the testicle is again filled, and they are sewn layer by layer, and temporary drainage is established in the scrotum.
In adults, Winckelmann's operation is performed with local anesthesia, and in boys under general anesthesia. In the process of surgical operations, a cut of the skin and all internal membranes approximately 5 cm long is performed in front of the dropsy in the region of the scrotum. Winckelmann's method involves removing the testicle in the vaginal membrane into the wound and pumping the fluid with a puncture. After that, the shell is also cut, turned inside out and sewed with catgut threads. After the restoration of the scrotum, temporary drainage is established.
Consequences of the
operationThere are always some complications after the hydrocele operation. This, as a rule, is related to the peculiarities of a particular human body. Some consequences of hydrocele after surgery are considered the norm. So in the postoperative period in the area of the seam can be observed:
- Puffiness for several months. This should not cause concern if the testicles remain soft to the touch.
- Isolation of the syphilis and the presence of hematomas. This is usually associated with loose seams.
- Reddish-raspberry skin color.
It should be noted that dropsy of the testicle after the operation can cause serious complications, which must be paid attention. This:
- Increase body temperature.
- The appearance of pain on the background of an increase in the size of the hematoma.
- Purulent discharge from the seam.
- Decreased sensitivity in the inner thigh area, which is a sign of nerve damage.
Complications of dropsy of the testicle after the performed operation may not appear immediately. A very unpleasant consequence is a recurrence of dropsy. But, as a rule, this complication occurs only with the use of minimally invasive methods of treatment. For example, this often occurs in the case of pumping out the accumulated fluid using the puncture method, if the cause of the pathology is not eliminated.
An incorrectly performed operation may result:
- To excise the spermatic cord, which threatens the infertility of the person who is operated.
- To the atrophy of the testicle, after which it gradually begins to decrease in size during the postoperative period and its natural ability to produce spermatozoa is disturbed.
Rehabilitation period
Hydrocele in the postoperative period requires mandatory rehabilitation. It is necessary to provide for special care for the patient, since the first day he is shown bed rest. In the future it is necessary to comply with all post-operative recommendations of the doctor in charge.
To recover successfully and in a short time, you need:
- It is compulsory to take medications prescribed by your doctor individually.
- To wear for a while a special bandage-suspensions, which will restore normal blood circulation in the scrotum;
- In a day you need to start making daily walks, gradually increasing their range.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- Sleep and rest only on the side or on the back.
- Revise the diet in terms of eliminating constipation, that is, increase the number of vegetables and fruits, as well as fermented milk products.
If the testicle starts to get sick during the postoperative period, it is recommended to make a dry cool compress for about a quarter of an hour. In the case when the suture hurts, it is allowed to take an anesthetic, but anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken only on the advice of a doctor. It is possible to have sex after surgery only after three weeks.
During normal recovery during the rehabilitation period, the doctor should be visited no later than one month after the operation. In addition, it should be remembered that after treatment of hydrocele, it is necessary to undergo prophylactic examinations at a specialist at least once a year.
