Comparison of polidocanol and tetracycline in the sclerotherapy of testicular hydrocele and epididymal cyst.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effects and side-effects of polidocanol and tetracycline when used as sclerosants for testicular hydrocele and epididymal cyst.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Forty-five men (median age 67 years, range 42-81) with 46 hydroceles or epididymal cysts were assessed. After puncture and aspiration, the empty sac was instilled with either polidocanol or tetracycline, assigned randomly. Patients recorded any treatment-associated pain on a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS:

At 9 months of follow-up, nine of 17 men were cured after sclerotherapy with polidocanol compared with 17 of 20 men treated with tetracycline (P < 0.05). Tetracycline produced some pain for 3 days after treatment while polidocanol therapy was almost pain-free. Re-instillation should be considered for recurrences. At the follow-up after 35 months, 16 of 18 men treated with polidocanol and 20 of 22 men treated with tetracycline were satisfied with the outcome.

CONCLUSION:

Both polidocanol and tetracycline are useful sclerosants for treating testicular hydrocele and epididymal cyst. We prefer polidocanol as a first choice in older patients because there were few short-term side-effects.

• Authors: L Daehlin, B Tønder, L Kapstad
• Journal: British journal of urology (Br J Urol) Vol. 80 Issue 3 Pg. 468-71 (Sep 1997) ISSN: 0007-1331 [Print] England
• PMID: 9313670 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Sclerosing Solutions
• Polidocanol
• Polyethylene Glycols
• Tetracycline

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Cysts (therapy)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Polidocanol
• Polyethylene Glycols (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Sclerosing Solutions (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Sclerotherapy (methods)
• Testicular Diseases (therapy)
• Testicular Hydrocele (therapy)
• Tetracycline (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome