An RCT 1 included 45 subjects with hydroceles or epididymal cysts (spermatoceles). After puncture and aspiration with an infusion needle (Venflon®), either polidocanol (2 ml of 3% solution mixed with 5 ml of 2% lignocaine hydrochloride) or doxicycline (500 mg in 2 ml of water mixed with 5 ml of 2% lignocaine hydrochloride) was instilled. At 9 months of follow-up, 9 of 17 men treated with polidocanol compared with 17 of 20 men with tetracycline (p<0.05). Tetracycline produced some pain for 3 days after treatment (in 14 patients the pain was moderate or strong just after the procedure) while polidocanol was almost pain-free. At the follow-up after 35 months, 16 of 18 men treated with polidocanol and 20 of 22 men treated with tetracycline were satisfied with the outcome.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by sparse data and limitations in study methodology (different dosages may have produced different results).
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