The use of antiseptics in midwifery : their value and practical application / by Robert Boxall.

  • Boxall, Robert.
Date:
1894
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The use of antiseptics in midwifery : their value and practical application / by Robert Boxall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    that all such measures had been everywhere abandoned, and that it had been shown that they were quite super- fluous. I mention this as an example of the erroneous im- pressions which now and again prevail on the subject of asepsis and the use of antiseptics. In order to prevent such misunderstanding, let me briefly mention what are usually considered the essential conditions for insuring asepsis in any such operation. (1) In the first place, before the incision is made, the skin of the abdomen is well washed with soap and water, and subsequently disinfected. This is done in order to free the field of the operation from possible septic material, lest in any way the surface of the body may have been contaminated. (2) From the beginning of the operation until the wound is closed, the greatest care is exercised that the hands, instruments, sponges, ligatures, and, in fact, every- thing brought into contact with the wound or passed through the wound into the abdominal cavity, should be previously rendered aseptic. This is done in order to free what might otherwise serve as vehicles of infection from possible septic contamination. (3) And finally that the dressings, or at any rate such of them as are in contact with the wound, should be .aseptic, and so maintained until the wound has healed. This is done with a view to protect the wound from the possibility of septic contamination after the operation has been completed. In addition to these there are many subsidiary points, some of a general, others of a local significance, which are of great importance in themselves, and on that account alone demand careful attention; but which, if aseptic con- ditions be not otherwise secured, may also be of import- ance in controlling and combating the development of sepsis. Such are—maintaining the general health of the patient ; securing to her healthy surroundings, rest both mental and physical, fresh air, and nutritious food ; guard- ing against infection from zymotic and other febrile dis-