AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS. 663 



the urethra is next cut through transversely, opposite the base of 

 the V, its inferior surface dissected free from all the exposed tissues, 

 and its edges are afterwards sutured to those of the cutaneous 

 wound ; lastly, the penis is cut through opposite the point where 

 the urethra was divided, and the chief vessels closed by means of 

 ligatures or forceps. A preferable method, so far as checking 

 haemorrhage is concerned, consists in applying an elastic ligature 

 opposite the base of the wound, and amputating the penis an inch 

 or so below. 



The procedure is as follows : — 



The animal having been cast on the left side, the right hind limb 

 is lifted, carried forward, and fixed to the corresponding forearm, 



Fig. 439. — Amputation of the penis by the elastic ligature. 



as in castration ; the penis is disinfected, together with the posterior 

 abdominal and scrotal regions. 



Having introduced a catheter into the urethra for a distance of 

 10 to 12 inches, an assistant covers the free portion of the penis with 

 a cloth, and draws it gently forwards. Another assistant, placed 

 behind the patient, draws the skin covering the base of the penis 

 towards the perineum. A ligature is then applied to the base of 

 the penis. 



A little above the point where amputation is to be performed 

 two lines, starting from above the urethra and diverging towards 

 their free ends (an inverted V in fact), are traced on the inferior sur- 

 face of the penis, the extremities being about 1J to 1| inches apart. 

 The base of these incisions is united by a transverse incision, and the 

 triangle of skin thus delimited is removed. The subjacent tissues 



