78 ANBIAL CASTRATION 



coveiy is stinuilatcd by the making' of a Free incision 

 into the tissues, exposing the affected cord, and the 

 removal with a curette of the necrotic tissue followed 

 by the injection of tincture of iodin. Where a large 

 encapsulated mass exists indicative of much tissue pro- 

 liferation, there is need for either complete removal 

 of the degenerated structures or their destruction by 

 means of chemicals. In cases where the diseased cord 

 aiul surrounding hypertrophic mass attain very large 

 proportioFiS, the complete surgical amputation of such 

 structures is accompanied by fatal shock in many in- 

 stances. Experience has taught that in cases where 

 the scirrhus cord constitutes as much as eight or ten 

 per cent of the body weight of the subject, its com- 

 plete removal bj^ surgical means is likely to result 

 fatally. These cases are therefore best treated by mak- 

 ing a free opening into the encapsulated mass which 

 is adherent to the end of the cord, and allowing escape 

 of the usually ichorous contents. This having been 

 done, the cavity may be packed with three or four 

 drams of powdered copper sulphate, which is held in 

 place by means of absorlient cotton. Injection of tinc- 

 ture of iodin following this first treatment in about 

 two weeks is sufficient to bring a1)out complete recov- 

 ery in most cases. 



Where the diseased cord with proliferation of tissue 

 has assumed the Form of an encapsulated mass that 

 is not too large, the surgical removal by dissection 

 and amputalion of the diseased stump of the cord with 

 the emasculator is indicated. The cavity should be 

 packed with sterile gauze which is retained in posi- 

 tion by means of scrotal sutures, the gauze to be 

 removed in 24 hours. No fui'ther after-care is ordi- 

 narily necessary. 



