The principles and practice of obstetrics . lated by their relaxing effects to remove the stric-tured condition of the uterus, such, for example, as have beenrecommended in spasm of the cervix. As I have already remarked,I have great confidence, with a view of removing this stricture andrestoring the uterus to its normal state, in the efficacy of fatiguingthe muscular fibres, and for this purpose I would suggest the fol-lowing plan: The hand should be in-troduced into the cavity of the organ ina conical form, and this form maintainedwhile the hand remains within the cavity;it is then passed up
The principles and practice of obstetrics . lated by their relaxing effects to remove the stric-tured condition of the uterus, such, for example, as have beenrecommended in spasm of the cervix. As I have already remarked,I have great confidence, with a view of removing this stricture andrestoring the uterus to its normal state, in the efficacy of fatiguingthe muscular fibres, and for this purpose I would suggest the fol-lowing plan: The hand should be in-troduced into the cavity of the organ ina conical form, and this form maintainedwhile the hand remains within the cavity;it is then passed up to the constrictedportion (Fig. 61); and the fingers, repre-senting the summit of the cone, are madeto push gently, but firmly, against thecentre of the contracted orifice; equableand continued pressure will thus tend tobreak the force of the spasm ; the stric-ture is overcome, and the after-birth canthen be removed without difficulty. Itwill occasionally, however, happen thatthe hand becomes so severely cramped, and the resistance of the. Fig. 61. THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF OBSTETRICS. 383 constricted portion so great, that the accoucheur is under thenecessity of withdrawing his hand without accomplishing theobject. * Under these circumstances, I have on two occasions hadrecourse to a method, which I do not remember to have seen men-tioned by any author, and to which I attach more than ordinaryimportance, it is this—take a small piece of prepared sponge, of aconical shape, well enveloped in soft linen, and completely saturatedwith olive oil, or simple cerate ; this is to be inclosed in the hollowof the hand, and then introducing the hand into the uterus, theapex of the sponge is applied against the constricted orifice ; by firmand properly directed pressure, causing the sponge to act on theprinciple of a wedge, the spasm is removed, and all difficulty at anend. I submit this method to the test of future trial, believing, asI do, that it will be found, under the circumst
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1860, bookpubli, booksubjectobstetrics
