Efficacy of the Goreisan and Shokenchuto Combination Therapy for Pediatric Hydrocele

Aim: Pediatric hydrocele is caused by the incomplete closure of the processus vaginalis, leading to the accumulation of peritoneal fluid. Recently, its symptom improvement has been observed in patients receiving nonsurgical treatments with goreisan and shokenchuto. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of goreisan and shokenchuto combination therapy against pediatric hydrocele. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 166 patients aged > 1 year who persistently presented with hydrocele. The patients were divided into the untreated group (group 1, n = 105) and the Japanese Traditional Kampo Medicine group (group 2, n = 61). The analysis included age at treatment initiation, treatment efficacy, clinical outcomes, treatment duration, and adverse events. Group 2 was further subdivided into the goreisan monotherapy group (group 2a) and the goreisan and shokenchuto combination therapy group (group 2b). Results: Groups 1 and 2 did not significantly differ in terms of age at treatment initiation and therapeutic duration. However, the treatment efficacy rates significantly differed between groups 1 and 2 (15.2% vs. 45.1%). Groups 2a and 2b significantly differed in terms of the treatment efficacy rates (36.6% vs. 80.0%). None of the patients developed adverse events during the treatment period. Conclusion: Goreisan and shokenchuto combination therapy is more effective than goreisan monotherapy. Hence, it is a viable alternative to surgical intervention. This approach may be useful for pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and parents. Nevertheless, future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the enhanced therapeutic effects of combination therapy.