A CRITICAL REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF VRIDHDDAMAN LEPA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MUTRAVRIDHI (PRIMARY HYDROCELE)

Abstract

Primary hydrocele is a common scrotal swelling caused by abnormal collection of serous fluid around the testis, usually within the tunica vaginalis. In Ayurveda, the clinical condition can be understood under Mutravridhi, which is described as one type of Vriddhi Roga. It is mainly associated with vitiation of Vata and obstruction or abnormal accumulation in the scrotal region. The disease presents with painless or mildly painful scrotal enlargement, heaviness, discomfort, and cosmetic concern. Conventional management often includes aspiration or surgery, but recurrence, fear of surgery, cost, and post-operative discomfort create the need for safer conservative approaches in selected cases. Vridhddaman Lepa is a local therapeutic application described for reducing scrotal swelling and relieving symptoms related to Mutravridhi. The probable action of Lepa Chikitsa may be understood through local absorption, reduction of Shotha, correction of local Srotorodha, and pacification of vitiated Vata-Kapha Dosha. This review aims to study the role of Vridhddaman Lepa in the management of primary hydrocele with special reference to Mutravridhi. Classical Ayurvedic texts, modern surgical literature, and available review-based information were studied to understand the disease concept, pathogenesis, therapeutic rationale, and probable mode of action of the formulation. The study suggests that Vridhddaman Lepa may be useful as a non-invasive, supportive, and symptom-relieving approach in uncomplicated cases of primary hydrocele.