Techniques – Mini incision and plication (MIP) cure hydrocele: A minimally invasive surgical variation
Idiopathic hydroceles are the commonest cause of chronic benign scrotal swelling, affecting 1% of adult men. Larger idiopathic hydroceles can become symptomatic and affect quality of life. The popular Jaboulay technique described in 1902 is curative and remains the standard for most surgeons. However, it is associated with significant morbidity and has a reported recurrence rate of 5%. Various minimally invasive approaches have been described with fewer reported complications but are of limited efficacy and unacceptable recurrence rates requiring multiple treatments. In this single-surgeon case series of 92 men, we present the mini incision and plication (MIP) cure hydrocele technique for the treatment of idiopathic hydrocele. This minimally invasive open surgical variant achieves the desired eversion and plication with minimal hydrocele manipulation, providing excellent results independent of hydrocele size, with fewer complications and a recurrence rate of <1%.