Retrospect of the progress of surgical literature, for the year 1838-9 / by Messrs. Newnham, W. Wickham, and Salter.

  • Newnham, W. (William), 1790-1865.
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Retrospect of the progress of surgical literature, for the year 1838-9 / by Messrs. Newnham, W. Wickham, and Salter. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    from either side of the perinaeal wound, and to unite the two by the quilled suture. It will, however, very generally happen, that by care and the judicious application of caustic, the wound will be healed without this intervention. The diseases of the ovary have also received considerable notice. We mention, first, a proposal of M. Recamier, to obtain an effectual cure of ovarian dropsy, by establishing an opening through the cyst into the vagina; that is, by puncturing the cyst through the linea alba, introducing a gum-elastic tube till it is felt through the vagina, establishing there a counter¬ opening, and preventing for a time the wound from healing. This patient died, yet there were some circumstances to render a repetition of the trial not inadmissible ; and it is evident that, if care be taken to have the bladder empty, it may be accom¬ plished without fear; and then, if the aperture be kept from closing, it must be placing the disease in a position favorable to its entire removal. The extirpation of the ovary is an operation which may present great difficulties, and is always attended with much danger; it is one therefore which, without being absolutely proscribed, is only to be undertaken with extreme caution. This operation has been performed several times in the last year, either in the entire removal of the ovary, or the resection of the ovarian tumour. The tumour should first be diminished by evacuating its fluid contents, in order that it may be drawn through a small aperture. The parietes of the cyst are to be cautiously laid bare; the cyst is to be seized with a double hook; it is to be punctured, and in proportion as the fluid is evacuated, it is to be drawn out through the aperture; finally, placing a ligature at the neck of the tumour, taking care to preserve the threads externally. If it cannot be drawn out, in consequence of adhesion, it should be left to suppurate, and be kept from healing.