Hernia and Hydrocele

Groin hernia and hydrocele are two of the most common surgical conditions globally. This chapter summarizes the literature on the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and treatment for groin hernia and hydrocele, focusing on unique clinical characteristics and management strategies for these conditions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

We present our estimate of the global and regional burden of disease from groin hernia, the first of its kind in the literature. In addition, we highlight the existing data on the cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment for groin hernia and hydrocele. We document the successful global efforts of Operation Hernia and the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) in combating hernia and lymphatic filariasis, a common cause of hydrocele in LMICs.

Groin hernia repair and hydrocelectomy are cost-effective curative therapies that can improve the quality of life. In addition, herniorrhaphy can prevent life-threatening complications associated with groin hernia. Unfortunately, many people do not have access to safe and effective surgical care for these common conditions.

The treatment of groin hernia and hydrocele should be a high priority on any global surgery agenda. Basic surgical care for these conditions is a crucial part of health care services that should be available at first-level hospitals. Training programs to improve the skills of surgical-care providers in LMICs, in combination with infrastructure investment to build hospital capacity, are urgently needed to increase access to these essential surgical procedures.