Page:Tropical Diseases.djvu/650

604 from the surface having been carefully ascertained by means of the aspirator and noted, the aspirator is withdrawn and an incision, about 1 in. in length, made through the skin at the site of the puncture. The trocar and cannula are then thrust into the abscess and the trocar withdrawn. After allowing a small quantity of pus to escape, so as to relieve any tension that may be present in the abscess sac,

Fig. 84.—Apparatus for operation for abscess of the liver ($a$ and $b$ reduced).

the stretched drainage-tube, perforated end first, is slipped into the cannula and carried to the back of the abscess. Holding the stretched drainage-tube firmly, and maintaining it carefully in contact with the back of the abscess with one hand, withdraw the cannula with the other. The drainage-tube still firmly grasped, the button on the free end of the apparatus is slipped off the stilette, the end of which is made to perforate the drainage-tube close to the button. This it readily does, and the drainage-