OBSTETRICAL OPERATIONS. 



Obstetrical operations are of great importance. The prac- 

 tical application of the data contained in the previous chapters 

 and the operative aid rendered in most cases by the obste- 

 trician shall be discussed here. 



A thorough knowledge of topographical anatomy is in this 

 instance just as essential as in operative surgery, among which 

 the operations on the mother animal may be classed. Knowl- 

 edge of the mechanism of parturition may form a valuable 

 guide in the modus operandi. 



The operations on the foetus are either of a bloodless or 

 bloody nature. To the former belong the diagnosis and repo- 

 sition .of abnormal presentations ; to the latter, partial and 

 complete embryotomy. 



I. 

 OPERATIONS ON THE PARENT. 



1. — Vaginal Hysterotomy. 



Definition. — By hysterotomia vaginalis is understood the 

 forcible dilatation of the cervix uteri, by incisions into superior 

 and lateral walls of the canal, which do not extend beyond the 

 circular muscular layer. 



Topographical Anatomy. — The cervix uteri constitutes the 

 most posterior portion of the uterus, and represents the con- 

 nection between the body of the uterus (corpus uteri) and the 

 vagina. In the vagina it appears as a round, free body, having 

 a diameter of 4 cm., exhibiting many folds, and is termed the 

 vaginal portion (portio vaginalis) of the uterus. The cervix is 

 composed of three layers. The internal layer, a mucous mem- 



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