10 SPRING-TIME SURGiKY 



Other less essential elements entering into the 

 surgical problem of cryptorchidy are whether the 

 testicle is abdominal or inguinal in location, and 

 to what species the animal belongs. 



Cryptorchid castration, like many surgical pro- 

 cedures, was at first chiefly empiric in character, 

 and in fact is still largely practiced as an empiric 

 operation, the operation being largely taught and 

 learned in a manner devoid of scientific knowl- 

 edge. 



Preparation. — The preparation of an animal 

 for the cryptorchid operation does not differ ma- 

 terially from the general rule for other abdominal 

 operations. We desire that the patient shall be 

 in prime physical condition, having had abundant 

 exercise or work to place him in good, vigorous 

 health. Before the operation, the alimentary tract 

 should be emptied either by restricted diet or by 

 hypodermic catharsis. Fullness of the alimen- 

 tary tract should be obviated for general surgical 

 reasons and for the special purpose of facilitating 

 the operation, by affording greater intra-abdomi- 

 nal room and preventing prolapse of abdominal 

 viscera through the wound. 



