Economic benefit outweighs cost by 15 times

The economic benefit of hydrocele surgery outweighs the cost by 15 times, said International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) on Monday.

It noted that patients with scrotal swelling, known as hydrocele are highly neglected, often socially excluded and deserve support.

icddr,b researchers conducted an outcome evaluation that showed that surgery had a significant impact on these patients' social and economic participation.

The surgical intervention is highly cost-effective (1:15), meaning the economic benefit of the surgery outweighs the cost of surgery by 15 times.

Moreover, these patients are now capable of working for more hours than before, averting their Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).

icddr,b organised a dissemination seminar on Monday to share findings of a recently concluded project titled "Ensuring Health Equity and Economic Participation for Chronic Lymphatic Filariasis Patients through Surgical Intervention in Bangladesh."

It was held at icddr,b's traction meeting room in Mohakhali.

Filariasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans through culex mosquito bites. Swelling of the affected limb followed by fever episodes is the disease's main symptom, which in the long run may cause the person various degrees of disabilities.

Filariasis is also manifested by extensive scrotal swelling, known as hydrocele.

In 10 northern endemic districts of Bangladesh, about 25 thousand suspected cases of hydrocele patients live.

They feel ashamed of seeking healthcare due to social stigma. Additionally, many of these patients cannot afford the cost of hydrocele surgery, leading them to remain excluded from mainstream socio-economic activities.

Since 2022, with support from Bangladesh Bank, icddr,b has provided surgical support with the help of local government hospitals to 203 patients with hydrocele.