A comparison of a novel endoscopic “Su-Wang technique” with the open “Jaboulay’s procedure” for the surgical treatment of adult primary vaginal hydrocele

This paper was aimed to introduce and compare outcomes of a novel “Su-Wang (S-W) technique” for endoscopic treatment of adult hydrocele with conventional open hydrocelectomy with “Jaboulay’s (JA) procedure” regarding adverse events (AEs) and patient satisfaction. In the randomized controlled trial, adult males with primary hydroceles were prospectively assigned into S-W or JA group. We recorded perioperative data and postoperative AEs (incision length, recurrence, hematoma, wound infection and edema vanished time). Finally, a total of 42 adult patients underwent the S-W (n = 22) or JA (n = 20) procedure. Procedures were successfully completed for all 42 patients. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding age, symptom duration, body mass index, and size of the hydrocele. The incision length was significantly shorter in the S-W group (1.00 ± 0.24 cm) than in the JA group (6.10 ± 1.46 cm). After 6 months’ follow-up, complete data of 90.5% (38/42) were obtained. Severe AEs did not occur in any patient. Recurrence, hematoma, wound infection, edema vanished time values, and satisfaction in the S-W group were superior to those in the JA group. All patients in the S-W group were satisfied with this novel procedure, particularly due to the minimally invasive incision. In conclusion, the novel “S-W technique” for hydrocelectomy provided satisfactory cosmetic results with a 1-cm scrotal incision only. With the near-complete excision of the parietal TV, it resulted in no recurrence, fewer AEs, and rapid postoperative rehabilitation in comparison to the traditional “JA procedure.” The endoscopic “S-W technique” may be a viable alternative for the surgical treatment of adult primary vaginal hydrocele.