# Filarial hydroceles and chyloceles

Filarial hydroceles and chyloceles

Filarial hydroceles and chyloceles account for up to 80% of hydroceles in tropical countries, where the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti is endemic. Filarial hydroceles follow repeated attacks of  filarial epididymo-orchitis. Occasionally , the fluid contains liquid fat, which is rich in cholesterol. This is caused by rupture of  a lymphatic varix with discharge of  chyle into the hydrocele. In longstanding chyloceles, there are dense adhesions between the scrotum and its contents. Filarial elephantiasis supervenes in a small number of  cases. Treatment is by rest and aspiration with chronic cases treated by excision of  the sac. Otto Eduard Heinrich Wucherer , 1820–1873, German physician who practised in Brazil. Joseph Bancroft , 1836–1894, English physician working in Australia. - 

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Figure 86.11
Ultrasound image of an epididymal cyst (courtesy of
Dr
/uni00A0
Davide Prezzi).