Case Report: Tuberculosis in hydrocele of the spermatic cord in an older adult

Abstract

Background: Antibioma is a loculated collection in the spermatic cord, which is generally a transparent sterile fluid located above the testis in the inguinal region. It is an acquired congenital anomaly that is commonly observed in infants and children. Infected spermatic cord hydrocele has been reported on previously, but to the best of our knowledge, antibioma of spermatic cord hydrocele in adults has not yet been reported. In specific cases of long-standing abscesses, cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) is used as the final diagnostic tool and can determine whether they are of tubercular pathology. Case: Here we are presenting a case of a 72-year-old male patient reporting to the surgery Outpatient Department, with complaints of swelling in the left inguinal region since birth, along with intermittent pain in the swelling for one year. It was diagnosed as antibioma and was confirmed to be of tubercular origin by CBNAAT following surgical exploration. The patient was started on anti-tubercular management as per the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme protocol. Conclusions: Long standing abscesses are mostly tuberculous. We must look into whether they need urgent attention or can be managed conservatively as a routine procedure.