Sclerotherapy for Large Hydrocoeles in Nigeria

Sclerotherapy with tetracycline hydrochloride was used to treat 99 patients with large hydrocoeles (range 300–1500 ml). The mean age of these patients was 52 years. In 55.5% of the patients one treatment was adequate. Two treatments were required in 22%; three in 10%; four in 3%; and five in 7% of the patients. In two patients sclerotherapy failed. Complications were minimal. Only 15% of the patients complained of severe pain. The overall success rate was 98%. Tetracycline sclerotherapy for large hydrocoeles is effective, safe and economical and is preferred for older patients who are at risk from anaesthetic complications.