Patient's question:
My relative's child recently discovered that the left testicle is very large. They went to the hospital for an ultrasound, which revealed hydrocele. The doctor said there was nothing wrong and that there was no medication to treat it. He mentioned that if it couldn't be resolved, surgery would be necessary. However, the surgery requires general anesthesia, and I'm very worried it might affect the child's intelligence. So, I want to ask if there is a Chinese herbal medicine treatment available, and what methods are used for it?Doctor's answer:
Hydrocele, known in traditional Chinese medicine as "water scrotum," is characterized by unilateral or bilateral swelling of the scrotum, resembling crystal without redness or heat. It may cause the testicles to descend downward and the lower abdomen to be drawn upward. Symptoms such as itching, oozing, or the invasion of cold and dampness may occur, and prolonged stagnation can lead to heat, resulting in redness and swelling of the scrotum, as well as short and dark urine. It is often caused by the inability of the liver meridian (Jueyin) to regulate and unblock, compounded by exposure to cold and dampness or the stagnation of damp-heat.Formula One
[Ingredients] Tetracycline fruit (Wubeizi) and (Kufulan) each 10–15 grams.
[Usage] Grind the herbs into coarse powder, add 300–400 ml of clean water, decoct, strain the liquid, and pour into a bowl. When the liquid is lukewarm, immerse the entire scrotum in it for 20–30 minutes. Use once daily, immersing 2–3 times. Reheat the liquid for subsequent use. Before application, rinse the external genital area with warm water.
[Effect] Soothes and reduces swelling. Suitable for primary and secondary hydroceles in children, spermatic cord hydroceles, and communicating hydroceles.
Formula Two
[Ingredients] Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua) and cicada shell (Chantui) each 30 grams, perilla leaf (Zisuye) 15 grams.
[Usage] Add the herbs to clean water and decoct twice, strain the liquid, and mix the two decoctions together. Pour into a bowl and immerse the scrotum when warm, followed by rinsing. Immerse for 30 minutes. Use once daily, immersing 2–3 times.
[Effect] dispels wind, clears heat, and reduces swelling. Suitable for pediatric hydroceles.
Formula Three
[Ingredients] Cinnamon bark (Rougui) 6 grams, calcined oyster shell (Fenlonggu) and tetracycline fruit (Wubeizi) each 15 grams, (Kufulan) 15 grams.
[Usage] First, chop the herbs, add about 700 ml of clean water, decoct for 30 minutes, and pour the liquid into a bowl. When the liquid is lukewarm and similar to skin temperature, immerse the entire scrotum for 30 minutes. Use twice daily, with one set of decoctions used for two days, alternating for 8 sets.
[Effect] warms the meridians, absorbs dampness, and reduces swelling. Suitable for testicular hydroceles.
The above suggestions are for the treatment of "How to treat pediatric hydroceles." Hope this helps you. Wishing you good health!