CASTRATION OF CRYPTORCHIDS 15 



where he cannot retreat or readily modify his 

 plans. We believe in general anesthesia in all 

 cases. 



Diagnosis. — iSome advise rectal exploration 

 prior to securing the patient for operation. The 

 procedure has certain value. In those cases of 

 monorchidy where the scrotal testicle has been 

 removed (a very unfortunate and inadvisable 

 procedure) , the operator may determine definitely 

 upon which side the hidden testicle is located. It 

 may further give him important information as 

 to whether the retained gland falls within our 

 first, second, or third class. Should it belong to 

 the second or third class, the examination reveals 

 to the operator the nature of the conditions, fore- 

 warns him of the obstacle to be overcome, and en- 

 ables him to plan his operation. 



On the whole, rectal exploration prior to opera- 

 tion is largely impracticable. It is generally in- 

 convenient to make such examination until im- 

 mediately prior to the operation, and at that time, 

 it is as a rule imprudent because of the difficulty 

 of cleansing the hands properly after they have 

 been soiled by feces. 



