Complaint—Patient entered the hospital on January 21, 1909, complaining of great pain and discomfort in the right inguinal region and in the scrotum of the same side.
Physical Examination—Inspection showed an enormously enlarged scrotum, more marked on the right side, and a prominent swelling along the right inguinal canal, which was most marked when standing. Marked discoloration on the skin of the scrotum and inner side of both thighs, probably due to use of counter-irritants.
Palpation—Mass soft and freely movable, showing no skin attachments; slight impulse on coughing. Slightly painful on pressure. Some gurgling when manipulated.
Percussion—Slightly tympanitic.
Remarks—Contents of the sacs were forced into abdominal cavity after prolonged manipulation, returning to original condition as soon as pressure was taken away.
History of patient shows nothing of interest except that of the present condition, which began suddenly twenty years ago. While lifting a heavy block of stone had a feeling as though something had “given away” in his right side. This sensation was immediately followed by one of intense pain and general discomfort. The day following the patient noticed a small lump in the right inguinal region that disappeared on pressure, returning when he lifted any heavy object.
For eighteen years the condition gave him no serious discomfort except for the wearing of a truss and becoming larger. Two years ago the truss was discarded as being useless.
One week ago conditions grew suddenly worse, and patient was confined to bed. Has suffered a great deal of pain and has been unable to sleep.
On January 22, 1909, patient was operated upon by Professor Winslow. Operation as follows:
Patient was brought to the operating room at 11.30 A. M., anesthetized and prepared for an aseptic operation.