OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS.Read in the Section on Obstetrics and Diseases of Women at the Forty-fifth Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association held at San Francisco, June 5-8, 1894.

Abstract

Under three heads may be considered the operative treatment of fibroids of the uterus: 1. Hysterectomy. 2. Removal of the appendages. 3. Vaginal ligation of the broad ligaments. The only absolutely sure cure for fibro-myomas of the uterus lies in the total removal of the uterus. This may be accomplished when the accompanying tumors are small, by vaginal hysterectomy, but as a rule abdominal hysterectomy alone is reserved for these difficulties. While in hysterectomy, we have a certain remedy for the removal of fibroids, we also have in the method a definite percentage of danger. While experience, antiseptics and skill have put the method on high scientific grounds, and made it highly justifiable, yet even in the hands of the most experienced, when we operate on each new case, no matter how favorable it may appear, the grave responsibility of that certain mortality of 5 per cent, hangs over us.