When the operator has decided to take away the spermatic glands

When the operator has decided to take away the spermatic glands

When the operator has decided to take away the spermatic glands

When the operator has decided to take away the spermatic glands, he does so at the commencement of the operation. With one cut he lays the scrotum open, and pulling forth the testicle, divides the nerve; then with the edge of a blunt but coarse knife, scrapes it as the cords lie upon his finger. Having done this on one or both sides, as the case may require, he inspects the tumor, the substance of which is now exposed to view. By the aspect of the growth he decides upon the course he will next adopt; or rather shapes the manner he had proposed to proceed. Seldom will it occasion him to change his plan; but he must be prepared to do so, if the appearances should be contrary to his anticipations. The skin is here of primary importance; wherever it is not involved, it is dissected back, and every portion of hard or gristly matter scrupulously sought for and cut away. All such substance being excised, care is then directed to bring the edges together. A pair of scissors may be required to make them exactly even, but the less snipping there may be the better. To retain the lips of the wound in the places desired, collodium will be found far superior to sutures or plasters. It is with a camel's hair pencil laid in bands along the parts, which are held in their intended situations while it dries. A few threads of linen are embedded in it while it is in a liquid state, so as to increase its strength; and layer after layer is added until the mind is assured the purpose is obtained. The application must on no account be made in one continuous sheet; for before union can take place suppuration must be established, and spaces are necessary to allow the matter to escape. Therefore, in several fine strips stretching over the wound, and holding its edges close, the collodium is to be employed; and this being ended, subsequent attention is generally required only to regulate the health, on which the healing process will greatly depend.