If torsion has been clumsily performed, or if the ligature becomes displaced, the testicle may descend and the cords untwist; the latter then appear to have lost the firm, tense consistence which they presented after operation. To prevent slipping of the ligature and untwisting of the cord, Guittard suggests the use of an iron needle, with which the scrotum is pierced through the median line, just beneath the testicles when at their highest position; above this is placed the ligature, which then cannot possibly slip.
The Basque operators, in order to avoid untwisting, exercise vigorous traction from above downwards after rotating the testicle. In this way ruptures occur which diminish the elasticity of the cord and the epididymis, and tend to check the untwisting of the former.
When the operation has succeeded the testicles gradually atrophy. They do not disappear completely, and may sometimes be found several years later of the size of a hazel-nut or a chestnut and of fibrous consistence. It need scarcely be said that in the event of bistournage failing, cutting operations can always be resorted to.
MARTELAGE.
The process of martelage consists in mutilating with a mallet the testicular cord whilst still covered by all its envelopes. This mutilation injures the walls of the arteries, causing the formation of a clot, which cuts off the supply of blood to the testicle and causes the gland to atrophy.
The practice is very ancient.
The animal is fixed by the horns as if for bistournage, and the limbs are secured by two strips of webbing or two ropes, as in the former case, though some practitioners neglect the latter precaution.
Two cylindrical rods the size of broomsticks and a wooden mallet or farrier’s hammer are the instruments employed.
The method, however, is barbarous, cruel, and of doubtful value. It would never be countenanced in England.