41 to undergo free hydrocele surgery in Upper East

Forty-one persons living with various forms of hydrocele disease in the Upper East Region are expected to benefit from a free hydrocelectomy (surgery to remove a hydrocele, a fluid-filled sac inside the scrotum).

The move is intended to bring to an end their many years of battling the disease.

Hydrocele occurs when abdominal fluid fills a sac in a man's scrotum, causing it to swell, and leading to discomfort and pain.

Hydrocele is more common in infants than adults and they often go away on their own.

However, one may need surgery if it does not go away on its own. 

The free surgery forms part of an ongoing five-day intensive practical hydrocelectomy training of trainers for selected medical officers from seven English-speaking countries in Africa.

The beneficiary countries are South Africa, Liberia, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Ghana and Guinea Bissau.

The training is being implemented by Sightsavers, an international development organisation working with governments in Africa and Asia to eliminate neglected tropical diseases and prevent avoidable blindness, among others, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

The participants will be exposed to the latest surgery techniques for hydrocelectomy surgery, to be able to conduct surgeries in their respective countries and train others as well, thereby playing a vital role in fighting lymphatic filariasis in general. 

After this training, there would be another cascading training for 10 additional Ghanaian medical officers, which would also lead to the conduction of another surgery for 28 more hydrocele patients.

Build capacity

Opening the training at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital last Monday, a Senior Programme Manager at Sightsavers, David Agyemang, said the move was to build the capacity of the participants to deal with the situation.

“This is to ensure that there is the needed capacity in all the beneficiary countries to help in battling lymphatic filariasis and hydrocele, leading to its reduction to the barest minimum,” he said. He added that it was the expectation that the medical officers would gain the skills to enhance their work.

“As an organisation, we are committed to supporting the governments of the beneficiary countries to conduct regular hydrocelectomy for persons living with hydrocele,” Mr Agyemang pointed out.

While appealing for stronger partnership with the GHS to foster continuous innovation, excellence and a shared vision of quality healthcare delivery for all Ghanaians, he stated: “Together, we can build a future where neglected tropical diseases are eliminated.”

Identification of cases

Speaking at the ceremony, the Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Samuel K. Boakye-Boateng, said during morbidity mapping for lymphatic filariasis in 2022 in the region, 2,373 cases of lymphedema and 1,315 suspected hydrocele cases were identified.

Currently, he indicated that 154 validated hydrocele cases were awaiting surgery scheduled for March/April this year, saying:

“We hope this training workshop will address most of these cases in the region.”

He stressed that hydrocelectomy is a valuable treatment option for individuals suffering from hydrocele, offering relief from discomfort and improving the quality of life of the affected persons.

Procedure

By understanding the procedure and recovery process, Dr Boakye-Boateng said patients can approach the surgery with confidence and take the necessary steps to ensure a successful outcome, and, therefore, lauded the intervention which is tailored towards improved access to hydrocelectomy.

“Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by hydrocele in the region and other beneficiary countries,” he stated, and further used the occasion to express appreciation to Sightsavers and other partners for their invaluable support in the management of hydrocelectomies and lymphedema in the region.

In a remark made on his behalf, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, welcomed the intervention by Sightsavers, saying it would go a long way to augment the government’s efforts towards combating lymphedema and hydrocele in the region.

Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh