Samuel A., 4

Samuel is the last child in a family of five. His mother works as a freelance dry cleaner, while his father owns a barbing shop, they both earn approximately ₦20,000–₦30,000 depending on customer patronage. The family lives in their own house on the outskirts of Ijebu-Ode. Due to transportation challenges, Samuel’s father stays in Ijebu-Ode during the week and returns home on weekends. Their limited income makes it difficult to afford Samuel’s treatment. About a year ago, Samuel developed swelling in his scrotum accompanied by pain. His parents took him to the hospital, where he was examined and diagnosed with hydrocele. The swelling has remained a concern for the family, but financial difficulties have made it challenging to access the treatment he needs.

The patient is a 4-year-old male presenting with an increasing and painful left scrotal swelling of two years' duration. Clinical examination confirms a diagnosis of a left hydrocele, and the patient is currently deemed professionally fit to undergo surgical repair. It is critical to proceed with this procedure, as leaving the hydrocele untreated carries a severe risk of the swelling growing excessively large and causing physical obstruction, permanently damaging the testicle, or masking a life-threatening incarcerated hernia.