The uterine sound / by Murdoch Cameron.

  • Cameron, Murdoch.
Date:
[between 1875 and 1895?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The uterine sound / by Murdoch Cameron. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    females who have never had children, the index finger will be sufficient to guide the sound. If the os is directed downwards and forwards, the instrument is passed into the cavity without rotating the handle; if the os is, however, directed downwards and backwards, the instrument is only allowed to enter the external os, and then the handle is turned so that the point of the sound may be directed upwards and forwards. If there be any difficulty in making the instrument enter, this is often overcome by slipping the point of the instrument from the finger tip into the os. We noticed previously that the instrument usually passes into the uterine cavity for two and a half inches, as indicated by the nodule upon the convex edge of the sound. To meas¬ ure the distance it has passed, place the finger point firmly upon the portion at the os, and, keeping it there, withdraw the instrument, when you can at a glance observe by the engraved figures how far the sound has passed. With suffi¬ cient care, we can usually succeed in passing the sound into the healthy womb ; but the most experienced finds it often exceedingly difficult to introduce it in certain affections of this organ. In the various flexions and versions, as also neoplasms pro¬ jecting into the cavity, we find much to oppose our attempts to pass the sound. In some cases you will even fail, and it is only by the greatest patience that success may reward your efforts. Generally its introduction is free from bleeding, and if traces of blood are seen, it is usually the result of conges¬ tion, cancer, fibroids, or polypi. Force should never be used, as you will simply expose your patient to much danger. To lay down special rules were vain, for experience must guide you in each case. Every instrument should have a mark upon the flat surface of the handle, so that the operator may have no difficulty in seeing at once how the instrument is situated. In replacing the displaced organ, say in displace¬ ment backwards, the movement is effected by a rotation of the handle through half a circle, so that the portion acting within the uterus may rotate in the smallest degree. A simple twisting of the handle is apt to give pain, and may cause injury. In conclusion, the uterine sound, as before stated, should never be used without previously making a careful examination. So much is this overlooked that a very eminent obstetrician proposes to have a uterine sound made, having for its handle a small representation of a foetus, which may be the means of causing the operator to pause before using the instrument.