376 DISEASES OF THE EAR. 



syringe or aspirator. The secretion is then removed and a solution 

 of iodoform and ether (10 to 20 per cent, of iodoform) is injected. 

 The needle must remain in the cavity for some time in order to 

 allow the vapor of ether to escape. We then apply a compressing 

 dressing in the following manner : 



The ear is turned up and laid on the top of the head and cov- 

 ered with antiseptic wadding oq both surfaces. It is then held in 



position by means of an ear-cap 

 Pig 83 (Fig. 83). This dressing must 



not be displaced, but allowed to 

 remain for eight days. 



[Hobday has recently intro- 

 |fe>>. duced a very practical method of 

 ^ij-1%*^ treatment for this condition. He 

 carefully removes the hair from 

 the ear and renders it aseptic, 

 and either paints the ear with 

 Ear-cap. cocaine or administers chloroform 



(the translator prefers ether). A 

 longitudinal incision is made into the sac and it is completely 

 emptied ; sutures are then inserted, about one-third of an inch apart, 

 directly through the ear and tied on the outer or hairy side, thus 

 producing a firm pressure between the two surfaces of the sac and 

 by that means get prompt union; the ear must then be irrigated 

 with an antiseptic solution, carefully removing all blood, etc., and 

 dressed with antiseptic wadding, and further covered with an ear- 

 cap. It should be dressed every second day.] 



2. The second method is to be resorted to if the first does not 

 answer the requirements, or if we find pus in the swelling. 



The swelling is opened at both ends — that is to say, at the base 

 and inferior line of the lobe — and a drainage-tube placed in it, 

 which must be kept in place by means of a tape or rubber fasten- 

 ing. The irritation caused by this seton is generally sufficient, 

 and it is not necessary to inject any stimulating liquid like tinc- 

 ture of cantharides or nitrate of silver, but simply remove the 

 seton twice daily, cleaning out the cavity and disinfecting it by 

 means of antiseptic irrigations. After a certain time we replace 

 the drainage-tube by a smaller one, and finally we remove it 

 altogether. 



