46 WOUND TREATMENT 



utes to sterilize, Indeed, this method is also useful in 

 emergency operations, when facilities for boiling are not 

 at hand, or an instrument is required for use at a mo- 

 ment's notice. Corrosive sublimate has a most destruct- 

 ive effect on metallic instruments, therefore solutions of 

 this agent are unsuitable for sterilization purposes. 



As regards the preparation of the patient's skin and 

 the hands of the surgeon, it is not feasible to carry out 

 that tedious technic of sterilization adopted by human 

 surgeons. Fortunately we have in tincture of iodin an 

 agent which renders the skin of the patient and the hands 

 of the operator aseptic. Of course the operation area 

 should first be shaved before the iodin is applied. Two 

 applications are necessary, one about fifteen minutes 

 prior to operation and the other immediately before the 

 operation. Simple incised wounds are those which are 

 most likely to heal by first intention, provided certain 

 details receive attention. 



Primary Union Seldom Secured 



Deeper wounds, as already remarked, generally heal 

 by granulation, but unfortunately in too many instances 

 suppuration occurs in spite of all precautions. But there 

 are degrees of infection depending on the number, char- 

 acter, and virulence of the infecting micro-organisms that 

 gain entrance to the wound ; hence the necessity for sur- 

 gical cleanliness and the judicious employment of anti- 

 septics. 



There are two important points in connection with the 

 subject which cannot be ignored. The first is, that in 

 operations of all kinds the tissues should receive as little 

 damage as possible. Neatness and dexterity in operat- 

 ing exert a marked influence on the healing of the 

 resulting wounds. This is weM exemplified in the opera- 

 tion of neurectomy, when a skillful operator exposes the 



