HYDROCELE,
OR DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM.
This malady consists of a collection of water in the tunica vaginalis, or membranous sac which contains the testicles. It may affect either one or both sides. In health the sac-like covering, or investing membrane, of the testicle secretes a limpid fluid which lubricates its inner surface. When secreted in excess, it accumulates and constitutes hydrocele.
The tumor commences at the bottom of the scrotum and grows very gradually, while hernia, or rupture, with which it is often confounded, progresses from above downwards and makes its appearance suddenly.
We were recently consulted by an aged gentlemen, whose disease a distinguished surgeon had pronounced double hernia. On examining the enlargement, we found the disease to be dropsy of the scrotum, complicated with varicocele.
Causes. Injuries from blows or bruises are among the most common causes of this disease. It may also result from inflammation of the testicle or from excited action in those parts. It has been known to result from stricture of the urethra, or water-passage, and also from local irritation along that passage.
HYDROCELE.
WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.: