214 



OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



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'V,^> 



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covering the testicle is next rendered tense and a long incision made 

 through it, parallel to and about an inch from the scrotal raphe, by 

 means of a sharp convex knife. This incision divides the outer skin, 

 tunica dartos, and other loose coverings, and may extend into the 

 substance of the testicle itself without detriment. Some operators first 

 incise only the skin and tunica dartos, opening the sac of the tunica 

 vaginalis with a second incision. Nothing is gained b}- this method. 

 It is, however, of great importance to make the incision in all three 

 coats as large as possible, in order to provide for effective drainage at a 

 later stage. This is particularl}' true in the case of the sac of the tunica 

 vaginalis. The testicle will often appear even if the scrotum be insuffi- 



cientl}' opened, but such 

 1, . ' a method is to be 



avoided. Pflug and 

 Briicher recommend 

 first incising the tunica 

 vaginalis reflexa in front 

 and afterwards behind, 

 leaving a portion in the 

 middle undivided, and 

 afterwards uniting the 

 two incisions. This en- 

 sures a long opening, 

 which, if necessary, ma}' 

 be extended with scis- 

 sors. 



\\'hen performing 

 castration aseptically, 

 however, the exit should 

 be small, as healing is 

 thereb}- fa\-oured. 

 The operator now discards the knife, grasps and draws forward the 

 exposed testicle with the right hand, whilst with the left he thrusts 

 back the scrotum and other loose envelopes, so as to expose the cord 

 sufficiently to permit of the application of clams. iMore extensive 

 exposure than this should be avoided, as it only favours infection. At 

 this moment, as a rule, animals endeavour to retract the testicle by 

 means of the cremaster. One therefore waits a few moments, 

 exercising strong but steady traction on the testicle, and drawing it 

 forward sufficiently for the clams to be applied above the epididymis. 

 The necessary movements should be made slowly, and excessive 

 tension or dragging on the cord should be avoided. Should contrac- 



FiG. 243. 



