CHAPTER IX. 



METHODS OF UNITING WOUNDS. 



Healing by first intention with the formation of a mere linear 

 cicatrix is the surgeon's ideal, but can only be attained when the 

 margins of the wound are accurately united and held steadily in 

 position. Given these conditions, healing by primary intention is 

 assured in an aseptic wound. Apposition is best effected by 

 sutures, /. c. by drawing together the edges of the wounds by 

 stitches ; though some wounds may be united by the use of 

 adhesives like collodion, wound gelatine (either alone or with the 

 addition of oxide of zinc), sticking-plaster, emplastrum adhaesivum, 

 pitch plaster, or strips of fabric fastened to neighbouring parts by 

 common glue. 



The wound is disinfected, the hair shaved from the neighbouring 

 parts, the skin dried, and slender strips of plaster applied at right 

 angles to the long axis of the wound. Once these firmly adhere, 

 the edges of the wound are pressed firmly together, the free ends 

 of the strips of plaster carried straight across with some tension, 

 and fastened on the opposite side. Another method is to fix strips 

 on either side alternately, and by drawing in opposite directions 

 on opposing pairs to bring together the lips of the wound. A 

 third method consists in fixing a somewhat broad strip of plaster 

 along each edge of the wound and uniting the strips by sewing. 

 Degive uses rubber bands to draw together the strips in place of 

 sewing. 



In using collodion the edges of the wound are pressed together 

 with the fingers, the collodion applied thickly, and the wound held 

 until such time as the dressing has had time to dr}-. Strips of 

 linen may also be saturated with collodion, and applied rapidly 

 across the edges of the wound whilst the lips are pressed together. 



