Adamu S., 16

Adamu Saleh Saleh is a 16-year-old JSS 3 student who lives with his parents and 10 siblings in a three-bedroom rented apartment. His father is a teacher, while his two mothers are unemployed. The family earns about ₦50,000 monthly, which is barely enough to support the large household. Despite these challenges, Adamu remains focused on his education and dreams of becoming a doctor. Adamu presented with an eight-month history of painless swelling in his right groin and scrotum. The swelling increases with coughing, straining, and prolonged standing, but reduces when he lies down. It has progressively enlarged, causing a feeling of heaviness and discomfort during walking and school activities. Following medical assessment, he requires surgical treatment to correct the condition and prevent further complications.

With surgical repair, the hernia defect will be closed and the fluid collection removed, relieving pain and discomfort so Adamu can resume normal school activities and physical work without restriction. The procedure has a high success rate and significantly reduces the risk of recurrence, allowing him to live a normal, active life. If left untreated, the hernia can become incarcerated or strangulated, which is a surgical emergency and can lead to bowel obstruction or tissue death. The hydrocele may also continue to enlarge, causing chronic pain, infection risk, and further limitation of daily activities.