The Operation of Lithotomy in Women is usually perform'd by the lesser Preparative, which is done by putting the Fore-finger and Middle-finger into the Vagina Uteri, or into the Rectum in young Virgins, to draw the Stone to the Neck of the Bladder, and keep it steady, so that it may be taken out with a Hook, or other Instrument.
This Operation may also be effected in Women, almost in the same manner as in Men; for after having caus'd the Female Patient to be set in the same Posture or Situation as the Men are usually plac'd, according to the preceeding Description, the Conductors may be convey'd into the Ureter, to let in the Forceps between 'em, with which the Stone may be drawn out: But if it be too thick, a small Incision is to be made in the Right and Left side of the Ureter.
The lesser Preparative was formerly us'd in the Lithotomy of Men, after this manner: The Finger was put into the Anus, to draw the Stone toward the Perinæum; then an Incision was made upon the Stone on the side of the Suture, and it was taken out with an Instrument.
C H A P. XVII.
Of the Operation of the Puncture of the Perinæum.
This Operation is necessary in a Suppression of Urine, where the Inflammation is so great, that the Probe cannot be introduc'd. Then an Incision is to be made with the Knife or Lancet, in the same Place where it is done in Lithotomy; and a small Tube or Pipe is to be put in the Bladder, till the Inflammation be remov'd.