This is not so difficult or so dangerous an operation as it might at first appear.

Various more or less complicated methods have been suggested, but experience has taught us that the greatest success attends the more simple forms of procedure. As the operation is a painful one it is desirable that chloroform should be first administered. The organ and the sheath should then be thoroughly washed with soap and water, and disinfected with carbolic solution. A ligature of tape is now applied round the neck of the penis immediately behind the glans, and another of strong cord higher up, above the point of incision. The body of the organ may now be divided either with a sharp knife or the ecraseur; if with the knife, the cut surface should be cauterized with the hot iron, and the large vessels which run along the upper border of the organ should be ligatured with strong silk.

If the ecraseur is employed, cauterization will not necessarily be required. Should bleeding follow the operation cold water is to be applied to the sheath and region of the groin and a cold wet cloth to the loins.