6 
F. MAURI. 
of his theory, that “ on account of the absence of a vaginal 
sac one would be obliged, after dilating the inguinal canal, to 
make an opening in the peritoneum in order to reach the 
gland, a step which offers almost insurmountable difficulties, 
besides the danger which is always present in cases of trau¬ 
matism of the peritoneum. The operation, however, be¬ 
comes easier when the testicle is engaged in the ring, and the 
difficulties are still lessened as the gland drops down more 
and more in the inguinal tract, and is therefore more easily 
reached by the operator. 
“ In any case, one must be sure beforehand by rectal ex¬ 
ploration of the position of the testicle. The operation may 
be attempted, even if not to be completed, if the testicle is 
too deeply situated to permit its being removed without dan¬ 
ger to the life of the patient. But if the organ is found to be 
engaged partly or entirely in the ring, castration may be at¬ 
tempted, as it always offers some chances of success.” 
As shown, Gourdon positively declares that “ inguinal 
cryptorchidy alone may be performed usefully and with a 
chance of success, while abdominal cryptorchidy constitutes 
a case of noti me tangere . Castration in this case is an opera¬ 
tion of so hazardous a character that one may well be ex¬ 
cused for declining to recommend it.” 
Serres, in his Guide Hygienique et CJiirurgicalde la Castration , 
has a special chapter on cryptorchidy, which he studies from 
the point of view of anatomy and physiology. As to the sur¬ 
gical side of the question, he agrees with Gourdon. He says, 
“ It is not to be doubted that cryptorchids may be rendered 
useful by castration, but is this operation practicable in all 
cases and all species ? ” “No; for solipeds, when the testicle 
has not passed the superior opening of the canal, rightly an¬ 
swer Van Haelst and Goubaux.” The indication to ignore 
the operation is, with the first author, when it is necessary to 
enlarge the ring. The second author adds, “ especially when, 
on account of the absence of the vaginal sac in the inguinal 
tract, it becomes necessary for the incision to reach the testi¬ 
cle. It is then only as an experimental means that castration 
can be attempted.” 
