Generally speaking, the chief factors desired in the routine treatment of epididymitis are rest, cold or heat, compression, and suspension. The value of compression, especially in the latter part of the disease, is admitted by the best authorities and is attested by the various methods that have been advocated with this purpose in view, such as strapping with adhesive plaster, the application of thin rubber bandages and the use of a large number of suspensories.
An attempt to utilize any one of these plans of treatment will readily demonstrate their serious disadvantages. Strapping with adhesive plaster works well for the first twenty-four hours until the swelling has yielded to the compression, then no further benefit can be obtained without reapplying it. The manipulation and handling required for this procedure usually causes sufficient irritation to counteract the good effect of the compression. The plaster also frequently irritates the skin. So much