It is understood that the syringe must be taken apart for sterilization at all times.
Lubrication, to facilitate operation, is never required, since the nature of the mixture used in the syringe answers this purpose in every way.
Owing to the greater amount of metal in the solid piston itself, the latter is very likely to expand under dry heat sterilization or boiling, so much so that for a moment it cannot be introduced within the barrel. This can be quickly overcome by dipping it into cold sterile water or absolute alcohol, which brings about its contraction.
After using, the syringe should be emptied entirely, unscrewed and sterilized, and placed in the metal case furnished for it. A screw cap is furnished to take the place of the needle when not in use.
The method of filling and using the syringe will be considered later.
PREPARATION OF THE SITE OF OPERATION
The same surgical precautions should be observed when a paraffin injection is to be undertaken, as with a minor surgical operation.
It is hardly found necessary to prepare the site of operation the day before, nor need the patient be detained for such time for the purpose of making him ready.
With careful observance of ordinary surgical technique, both as to surgeon and patient, all of this class of operations can be performed in any physician’s office, providing that both instruments and the mass to be injected have been rendered sterile.