Fig. 128.—Hydrocephalus. (Bumm.)
The gauze and vaseline are changed whenever saturated with urine. Healing ought to be complete by the seventh day. The nurse should examine the dressing at frequent intervals during the first twenty-four hours, since serious hæmorrhages may occur from vessels that have not been included in the sutures.
Priapism is a condition of functional fullness and firmness of the penis that is more than ordinarily constant. Its importance lies in the fact that it may be a symptom of spinal irritation, balanitis, worms, or phimosis.
Spina bifida is the most common congenital deformity. It is characterized by a fluid tumor, which protrudes from an opening in the vertebral column. It may appear anywhere along the spine, but is found most frequently in the lumbar or cervical region. The deformity is supposedly due to an arrest of development. It is nearly always fatal inside of two weeks, though cases have been known to reach mature years.
Fig. 129.—Anencephalus. (Williams.)
There is no treatment except protection from injury.
Hydrocephalus is sometimes, but not necessarily, associated with spina bifida.
The ventricles of the head are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, and the fontanelles are widely separated. The cause of the anomaly is unknown.
This condition may render labor difficult or impossible until the diagnosis is made and the skull perforated. Rupture of the uterus may result from the futile efforts to expel the child. If born alive, the child nearly always dies, or if it grows up, the intelligence is imperfect in most cases.