Ahorlu C K, Dunyo S K, Asamoah G, Simonsen P E
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, PO Box LG581, Legon, Ghana.
Acta Trop. 2001 Dec 21;80(3):215-21. doi: 10.1016/s0001-706x(01)00159-0.
A study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews was conducted to determine the consequences of hydrocele and the benefits of hydrocelectomy on physical activity and social life in three lymphatic filariasis endemic villages where males had recently been offered surgical operations to repair their hydroceles. Respondents were of the view that hydrocele, especially large ones, severely reduced the patients' work capacity and impaired sexual function, and that overall it had a considerable negative effect on the quality of living for the patients, their families and the community. The main reasons for refusing hydrocelectomy in the past were the high cost of surgery, and to some extent fear of death, impotence and/or sterility that might result from the operation. The recently offered hydrocele operations, which included 40 males, were financially supported and preceded by appropriate counselling, and from the patients' point of view were highly successful. Patients spent between 4 and 12 days in the hospital and there were no post-operative complications. Patients observed that, between 3 and 6 months after surgery, there were remarkable improvements in their work capacity and sexual function, and restoration of self-esteem, thus enabling them to participate more actively in community activities. The need for hydrocelectomy to be incorporated as an important morbidity control measure in lymphatic filariasis control programmes is discussed.
在三个淋巴丝虫病流行村庄开展了一项采用焦点小组讨论和深入访谈的研究，这些村庄的男性近期接受了修复鞘膜积液的外科手术，该研究旨在确定鞘膜积液的后果以及鞘膜积液切除术对身体活动和社会生活的益处。受访者认为，鞘膜积液，尤其是大的鞘膜积液，严重降低了患者的工作能力并损害了性功能，总体而言，对患者及其家庭和社区的生活质量产生了相当大的负面影响。过去拒绝鞘膜积液切除术的主要原因是手术费用高昂，以及在一定程度上担心手术可能导致死亡、阳痿和/或不育。最近提供的鞘膜积液手术有40名男性参与，手术得到了经济支持，并在术前进行了适当的咨询，从患者的角度来看非常成功。患者住院4至12天，没有术后并发症。患者观察到，术后3至6个月，他们的工作能力和性功能有了显著改善，自尊心也得以恢复，从而能够更积极地参与社区活动。文中讨论了将鞘膜积液切除术纳入淋巴丝虫病控制项目作为一项重要发病控制措施的必要性。
