Free bodies are not infrequently met with in the sac. The bodies are somewhat similar to those found in the sheaths of tendons and elsewhere. Their numbers vary in the individual cases, but they have been found up to several thousands in one case.

Tuberculosis of the tunica vaginalis occurs by secondary extension from the testicle on the one hand and from the peritoneum on the other. The latter can only occur when the original communication between the tunica vaginalis and the peritoneal cavity remains open, as in congenital hernia, and a tubercular peritonitis happens to supervene. Several cases of this kind have been observed in children. The testicle is liable to be involved by further extension.

Tumours Of The Tunica Vaginalis

The principal form of tumour observed is the Sarcoma. The tumours are liable to grow round the testicle and to compress it.

Literature

Jacobson, Diseases of the male organs, 1893. Curling, Dis. of testis, 4th ed., 1878; Kocher, Krankh. d. Hodens, 1874. Gangrene - Jacobson, 1. c., p. 55; Nash, St. Barth's. Hosp. Rep., xxix., 193. Tumours - Eve, (Cystic testicle, with literature) Path, trans., xxxviii., 1887; Neumann, (Myoma strio-cellulare) Virch. Arch., ciii., 1886; Paget, (Enchondroma and other tumours) Surg. Path., 1870. Tuberculoma - Reclus, Du tubercule du testicule, 1876; Waldstein, Virch. Arch., lxxxv., 1881. Syphilin - Reclus, Syph. du testicule, 1882, and Gaz. Hebd., 1883. Tunica vaginalis - Sultan, (free bodies, with literature) Virch. Arch., cxl., 1895; Stiles, (tuberculosis) Edin. Hosp. Rep., ii., 1894.