14 SPRING-TIME SURGERY 



Asepsis and Disinfection.— Another point 

 of very great importance is the question of dis- 

 infection of the operative area, and the main- 

 tenance of asepsis. The problem is somewhat 

 ahke, whether the incision be made in the scro- 

 tal, inguinal, prepubian or flank region. In the 

 horse, the incision is usually made in the scrotal 

 or inguinal region, while in other animals it is 

 best made in the upper flank. While the skin of 

 the scrotal and inguinal regions is very thin, soft, 

 and usually almost hairless, it is nevertheless 

 thickly covered with sebum, which is very insolu- 

 ble and difficult to remove. Washing for a few 

 minutes with any ordinary antiseptic, even though 

 preceded by soap and warm water, is of scant, 

 if any value. The problem of the practical dis- 

 infection of this region has not been solved. The 

 profuse application of alcoholic or ethereal solu- 

 tions excoriate the delicate skin. 



Careful investigations need be made toward 

 solving this problem. Possibly a good method 

 would be to wash the parts thoroughly, an hour 

 or two prior to the operation, with soap and hot 

 water, perhaps mixed with kerosene in emulsion, 



