312 



WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



Fig, 



tance, and especially during and after operations where there is 

 much blood lost. The wound and everything coming in contact 

 with it, also the tissues surroundiug it, should be carefully rendered 

 antiseptic. The hair has to be shaved or cut very close, the skin 

 washed with ether and benzoin in order to remove all the fatty 

 matter lying in the skin. Follow this by washing with antiseptic 

 fluids (1 per cent, solution of sublimate, 3 per cent, carbolic acid, 

 2 per cent, creolin). Any existing wound has to be treated in the 

 same manner. If there is a wound the shape of which forms a 

 cavity, an antiseptic solution must be injected into it and come 

 in contact with all parts. The irrigator shown 

 in Fig. 69 is especially adapted to that purpose. 

 For cleansing wounds do not use sponges un- 

 less they are thoroughly aseptic, also disinfect 

 the gauze and dressings (tampons). Instru- 

 ments and the operator's hands must also be 

 carefully attended to. The former should be 

 placed in an antiseptic solution of carbolic acid, 

 5 per cent., or a 2 per cent, solution of creolin. 

 Do not use corrosive sublimate solution for in- 

 struments, as it leaves an insoluble coating of 

 mercury on the steel. The hands and nails 

 have to be brushed and washed with carbolic 

 solution, or sublimate soap. During the oper- 

 ation the wound should be disinfected from 

 time to time — that is to say, it should be 

 washed or wiped with the solutions referred 

 to above. 



2. Future Treatment of the Wound. This 

 consists of various measures, according to 

 whether there is hemorrhage and the con- 

 dition of the wound. 



Stopping all Hemorrhage. If the blood which runs into a 

 wound is left there, it has a bad effect, preventing an adhesion of 

 the surfaces of the wound, and also being a favorable ground for 

 the development of microbes. 



Drainage of the Wound. By this we mean the removal of 

 wound secretions, especially pus, by means of drainage-tubes. 

 The regular drainage-tubes are made of rubber, having numerous 



Apparatus forthe antisep- 

 tic irrigation of wounds. 



