By Sola Ogundipe

TWO-year-old Joshua Alex, has been diagnosed with hydrocele – a common condition among newborn boys that manifests as a fluid-filled sac around the testicles.

He needs urgent surgery to correct the abnormality but the challenge is the N400,000 cost that his poor parents cannot afford.

Hydrocele occurs when abdominal fluid fills a sac in the scrotum, causing it to swell. The main symptom is swelling, which may cause discomfort or pain.

It is common in newborns and is usually  first noticed as a swelling of the scrotum, and may disappears without treatment within the first year of birth, but in Joshua’s case, it is growing bigger and causing him discomfort.

A main danger of not treating a hydrocele is the discomfort, pain, and increased risk of infection in the scrotum, among other complications.

Narrating his ordeal, Joshua’s father, Bello Alex Abu, said that since the diagnosis, he and his family have been running from pillar to post to find succour for the ailing toddler.

Recounting the  family’s ordeal, Alex, a security guard stated: “Joshua’s mother was bathing him one morning when she noticed the swelling in his scrotal area  She took him to a nearby clinic, and  was advised to take him to Isolo General Hospital, Lagos.

“At Isolo General Hospital,  a scan was done and the result confirmed hydrocele. However, the  doctors said that surgery was required and referred us to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH.”

Further, Alex noted that at LASUTH, they were given a date for the surgery and asked to return  for more tests.

An ultrasound scan report from Isolo General Hospital signed by Dr. Fayemi confirmed a diagtnosis of left hydrocele.

According to the report, “there is a hypodense collection seen within the left hemiscrotum, measuring 1.4cm x 2.7cm x 2.7cm, with a volume of 5.4ml.

“Both testicles are visible and show normal tissue consistency. The left testicle measures 0.7cm x 1.2cm with a volume of 0.5ml, while the right testicle measures 0.9cm x 1.3cm x 1.0cm with a volume of 0.6ml.

“The epididymis on both sides looks normal. No bowel loops are present in the scrotum. Conclusion: Left hydrocele,” the report noted.

Alex who has exhausted all his savings on the malady is seeking assistance from benevolent Nigerians.

“Please help save my son, My wife and I have  spent all that we have, the surgery is only the solution, but I do not have the money,” he appealed.

If you are motivated to assist please send your donation to Bello Alex Abu, Account Number: 2037091389; Bank: UBA. For more details contact 07054444156.