I02 



URETHROTOMY. LITHOTOMY. 



of the pelvic urethra with the Hthotome can be undertaken 

 as a last resort. Introduce the instrument and divide the 

 urethra upward and laterally as the instrument is withdrawn. 

 In order to prevent injury to the rectum it should be emptied 

 before the operation is undertaken. After the removal of 

 the stone, push the catheter again over the ischial arch and 

 unite the lips of the wound in the urethral mucous mem- 

 brane by means of intestinal sutures. Flush the bladder 



Fig. 8, Urethrotomy (life size), h, skin ; a, retractor penis muscle; 

 b, bulbocavernous muscle; c, spongy urethra; «, urethra ; k, 

 catheter. 



and urethra by means of a warm, 3 per cent, boric acid solu- 

 tion injected through the catheter and then withdraw the 

 latter. Finally, suture the skin wound and insert a drainage 

 tube or iodoform gauze in the lower angle. The whole wound 

 may be left entirely open and dressed daily with antiseptics. 

 In case the pelvic urethra has been divided the suturing of 

 the external wound is of questionable utility. 



(For student practice on an anaesthetized horse, intro- 

 duce a stone into the bladder through the urethral wound 

 and practice grasping and removing it with the lithotomy 

 forceps.) 



