200 OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



vessels become thrombosed, and in from three to ten weeks the 

 testicles atrophy. On slaughter of animals thus treated the spermatic 

 vessels are found blocked. The method is still sometimes used in 

 calves. 



3. Torsion of the Spermatic Cord was formerly much employed 

 in France for bulls, and is known as bistotirnagc. The animal's head 

 was fastened up tightly and the operator, standing behind the animal, 

 grasped the scrotum in both hands and drew one testicle as far back- 

 wards as possible. On releasing the scrotum the testicle was drawn 

 upwards. By repeating this manoeuvre several times the cremaster 

 muscle was temporarily paralysed and could no longer retract the 

 testicle. 



As soon as this result was attained the spermatic cord was grasped 

 close above the epididymis with the thumb and first and second fingers 

 of the left hand, while with the fingers of the right hand the testicle 

 was rotated, the lower end being brought to the top. In this position 

 the testicle was grasped with both hands, rotated several times on its 

 long axis, and then thrust into the inguinal canal. The remaining 

 testicle was similarly treated and a ligature applied around the scrotum 

 close to the outer abdominal ring and left in position for forty-eight 

 hours. At first some swelling developed but soon afterwards dis- 

 appeared, and the testicles underwent atrophy. The original pro- 

 cedure, which in practised hands scarcely required five minutes, has 

 since been repeatedly modified, and has been practised on horses. 

 Morot recommends rotating the testicles from 6 to g times in 

 bulls and g to 12 times in rams, and then to allow the testicles 

 to resume their natural position ; the application of a ligature 

 is unnecessary. The animals are said to show less pam and can at 

 once be returned to pasture. This method, however, requires more 

 exertion and skill on the part of the operator. 



4. Subcutaneous Ligation of the Spermatic Cord was first 

 recommended by Martin for bulls, rams, and dogs. It is well adapted 

 for castrating goats provided antiseptic precautions be observed. The 

 animal is placed on its back and its legs are held by two strong assistants ; 

 the hair is shaved away from either side of the neck of the scrotum and 

 the skin disinfected secnndinn aricni. The spermatic cord of one side 

 is then thrust against the outer wall of the scrotum by means of the 

 finger and thumb and a tolerably strong silk thread passed from behind 

 forwards through the neck of the scrotum on the inner side of' the 

 spermatic cord by means of a needle about two inches long. The free 

 end of the silk thread is then passed through the eye of an otherwise 

 similar but 6/;/7z/-pointed needle which is returned, first through the 



