Doctor Thomas Colledge was a British surgeon who spent several years working in south-east Asia. In 1830, Colledge arranged for a Chinese man, Hoo Loo, to visit London for corrective surgery on an enormous scrotal tumour.

According to reports in both medical journals and the contemporary press, Hoo Loo suffered from elephantiasis. The tumour almost completely encased his genitals, dangled down past his knees and weighed 56 pounds.

Surgery to remove this tumour took place in April 1831 and was conducted by Sir Astley Cooper, the preeminent British surgeon of the day. Sadly, Hoo Loo did not survive the operation.

Sources: London Morning Post, April 12th 1831; The Lancet v16 e401, May 7th 1831. Content on this page is © Alpha History 2019-23. Content may not be republished without our express permission. For more information please refer to our Terms of Use or contact Alpha History.