Diseases Immediately Connected with Parturition, ly^ 



inflammatory oedema, in which the tissue swells, becomes 

 tumid, and its interstices filled with fluid, small cells, and a 

 gelatinous semi-solid material. The muscular tissue is 

 swollen and softened, and a dark fluid flows from it." 



Treatment. — In all-cases of septic inflammation, prompt 

 measures, both for the removal of the cause and effect, are 

 demanded. The former consists in cleansing, by injections 

 of warm water, those parts of the genitals upon which the 

 infecting material is present, and also disinfection of wounds 

 or abrasions. 



Fleming observes : " The genital canal should be 

 thoroughly cleansed by injections of warm water, and the 

 wounds dressed with carbolic acid and olive-oil (i to lo) 

 applied by means of a brush or feather ; or salicylic acid i 

 part, spirits of wine 20 parts, warm water 24 parts. 



" After the interior of the uterus has been cleansed by 

 injections of warm water, an injection of carbolic acid solu- 

 tion (i to 20 — 50) should be made every day, and the 

 wounds, if accessible, must be dressed at the same time. 



" Permanganate of potash (i to 50 of water) may be em- 

 ployed to inject into the genital canal, when the disease is 

 less acute. 



" With regard to constitutional treatment, this must be 

 directed towards neutralising the effects of the septic 

 matter by the exhibition of antiseptic remedies, and 

 reducing the high temperature ; as a long continuation of 

 this leads to rapid consumption of the tissues, and is 

 fraught with danger to the system. 



" There is no specific remedy with which to neutralise 

 the action of the septic matters in the blood and tissues. 

 The sulphites of soda and potash have been recommended, 

 as well as sulphurous acid. These appear to have acted 

 favourably in some cases. Carbonate of soda and perman- 

 ganate of potash have also been well spoken of, as well as 



* Ibid., pp. 635, 636. 



