A paper, bearing the above title, was announced to be read before this Section by Dr. Joseph Price of Philadelphia. I am sure we all regret the inability of Dr. Price to be present. These remarks are intended as a practical reply to his question, rather than as an exhaustive article on vaginal vs. suprapubic incision.
Many years ago I became convinced that, excepting in very rare and unusual cases, puncture of the abdominal cavity for inflammatory conditions was unsurgical. I accordingly began to make use of exploratory incisions, which permitted the proper inspection of the parts affected, avoided the dangers of the blind puncture and allowed drainage, the latter becoming a safeguard or a means of treatment. I have learned to recognize the value of a vaginal incision over a vaginal puncture, when the abdomen was opened by this route.
About five years ago, after having had considerable experience,