Sponge tents
Sponge tents. From Sims JM: Clinical notes on uterine surgery,
New York, 1869, Williams & Wilkins.
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Sponge tents were tapering, conical cylinders made of elastic material
such as tupelo wood or laminaria (seaweed). Sometimes the tents were soaked in iodoform or ether for 48 hours before use.
Insertion of sponge tent into cervical os.
From Sims JM: Clinical notes on uterine surgery, New York,
1869, Williams & Wilkins.
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A sponge tent was slipped into the cervix, and over several hours it
expanded and dilated the cervix. A larger tent could subsequently be placed if more dilatation was desired.
In 1869, J. Marion Sims wrote, "The sponge should be of good quality,
but not too soft and yielding. Of course, it should be thoroughly cleaned; but not bleached, for the bleaching process deprives it of all elasticity....
Being introduced without grease, except a little suet just on the point, they seldom slip out of position. If, however, there is a disposition
on the part of the cervix to eject the tent, a small pledget of lint or
cotton laid on the cervix after the tent is introduced, will effectually prevent this accident... We should explain to the patient first, that it may possibly produce a little uneasiness, which is usually very bearable.
Second, that it will certainly produce a dirty, disagreeable, bad smelling, watery discharge, from which the person and clothing must be protected by napkins, to be changed as often as necessary. And, 3rd: that it will be necessary to see her in six or eight hours to remove the tent..." (
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