Three Years’ Experience with 
the Electrical Treatment 
of Fibroid Tumors 
of the .Uterus 
WITH A REPORT OP FORTY-POUR CASES 
W. L. BURRAGE, A.M.. M.D., 
Electrotherapeiittstr Free Hospital for 
Women; Surgeon to Diseases of Women, 
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital; Gynecol- 
ogist to Out-Patients, Carney 
Hospital; Clinicallnstructor 
in Gynecology, Har- 
vard University, 
Boston, Mass. 
REPRINTED FROM 
The American Journal of Obstetrics 
Vol XXIX. No 3,1804. 
NEWYORK 
WILLIAM WOOD & COMPANY. PUBLISHERS 
1894 THREE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE WITH THE ELECTRICAL 
TREATMENT OP FIBROID TUMORS OP THE UTERUS.1 
WITH A REPORT OP FORTY-FOUR CASES. 
May 9th, 1891, I had the honor to read before this Society a 
paper on the technique of the Apostoli method of treatment, 
and announced at that time my purpose later of reporting 
results. In a paper published in the Boston Medical and Sur- 
gical Journal for June 16th, 1892, I gave some results in the 
treatment of pelvic inflammation. I wish now to give results 
in the treatment of fibroids. 
My interest in this subject was especially aroused by a visit 
to Apostoli at his clinic in Paris in the summer of 1889. Al- 
though I treated several cases of fibroids with electricity during 
the following year, it was not until the establishment of the 
electrical clinic at the Free Hospital for Women in this city, in 
October, 1890, that the opportunity was afforded me to apply 
electricity to any considerable number of patients. 
It is now ten years since Apostoli first called the attention of 
the profession to the electrical treatment of fibroids. The sub- 
ject is still under judgment, and it is my purpose in presenting 
this paper to add my mite toward the determination of the place 
that electricity should hold in the treatment of this very com- 
mon disease with which women are afflicted. I approached my 
task in an unprejudiced frame of mind, having read, on the one 
hand, Apostoli’s articles, and also the Keiths’ book, in which 
they declared their intention to lay aside the knife in favor of 
electricity; and, on the other, the attacks of Lawson Tait and 
•other abdominal surgeons on this therapeutic measure. I have 
tried not to be biassed and to give the treatment a fair trial— 
to see facts as they are, and not as I should like to have them. 
1 Read by invitation before the Obstetrical Society of Boston, January 13th, 
1894. 2 
BURRAGE .* ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF 
The diagnoses are my own, though sometimes I have had the 
corroboration of such men as Drs. W. H. Baker, F. 11. Daven- 
port, J. B. Swift, F. W. Johnson, and the late Dr. C. P. Strong, 
all of whom kindly sent me cases. I want here to express my 
obligations to them and to the many other practitioners who 
have referred cases for treatment. The diagnoses have been 
confirmed by repeated examinations extending over months and 
often years, and under varying conditions. 
During the three years from October 18th, 1890, to October 
18th, 1893, I have seen in hospital and private practice ninety- 
eight cases of fibroid tumor of the uterus. Forty-four of these 
were treated with electricity and received at least six treat- 
ments each. I present the chief facts as to these forty-four cases 
in tabular form to-night. The cases treated with less than six 
applications have been excluded from consideration. Ho men- 
tion is made, also, of the cases of doubtful diagnosis. A number 
were treated tentatively, and it has been only in those instances 
where the diagnosis was reasonably sure after numerous exami- 
nations that they have been included in the tables. In an ex- 
perimental way were treated two cases of ovarian cystoma (dia- 
gnosis confirmed by celiotomy in one); a cyst of the broad 
ligament (celiotomy); a case of cancer of the uterus (micro- 
scopic examination of piece removed for diagnosis) ; a fibroid 
with malignant degeneration; and many cases of pus tubes, 
several verified by subsequent operation. I satisfied myself in 
these cases that electricity had no effect except in a majority 
to relieve pain. In a considerable number of the cases included 
in the tables I was favored in making a diagnosis by an ether 
examination, and in a few by an ether examination at the begin- 
ning and another at the end of treatment. 
At the Free Hospital electrical clinic there were made during 
the three years 2,176 applications of electricity. Hot all of 
these were to fibroids, as the clinic is for the application of 
electricity in the diseases of women. 
For the details of treatment you are referred to my paper on 
the technique before spoken of. It was published in the Bos- 
ton Medical and Surgical Journal for Hovember 26th, 1891. I 
have followed Apostoli’s methods rigidly, except in one particu- 
lar, and that is, I have given vaginal galvanism in certain cases 
where experience taught favorable symptomatic results were to 
be expected, and where it was an anatomical impossibility to FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
3 
give intra-uterine treatment or impossible or inexpedient to 
puncture. The treatment was usually begun with vaginal ap- 
plication. Apostoli, as you know, claims that vaginal galvanism 
is useless. 
A word as to instruments used. For battery, Law cells, forty- 
eight at the hospital and sixty-five at my office ; for faradism, 
Waite & Bartlett’s three-coil Dubois-Reymond apparatus ope- 
rated by four Law cells; for galvanometers, the Gaitfe and 
Mclntosh; for rheostats, the Bailey and Massey ; for clay plate, 
that manufactured by Waite & Bartlett—clay in muslin, ten by 
twelve inches; for intra-uterine electrodes, platinum tips, one- 
inch and two-inch; for vaginal electrodes, a brass ball covered 
with thick layers of absorbent cotton and gauze; for faradism, 
the vaginal and intra-uterine bipolar electrodes of Apostoli; 
for puncture, the gold-tipped Apostoli needle. The measure- 
ments, both uterine depth and circumference of the abdomen, 
have all been made with the same steel tape graduated in 
centimetres. Measurements of the abdomen were in every 
case taken with the patient lying on the back with knees bent 
and all clothing loosened. 
The following measurements were taken: Circumference at 
umbilicus ; circumference at largest part; distance from tip of 
ensiform cartilage to the umbilicus, from umbilicus to pubic 
symphysis, and from umbilicus to the anterior superior spine 
of the ilium on each side. And here let me say it has been a 
constant source of regret that exact measurements of the size 
of fibroid tumors cannot be made. The condition of fulness 
or emptiness of the intestines, bladder, and rectum, the varying 
thickness of the fat of the parietal walls and omentum, and the 
changing shape of the tumor with accompanying alteration in 
direction and length of the uterine canal, effectually prevent 
accurate measurements with calipers or otherwise. We have to 
be governed by tactile sense, and by repeated examinations 
under as nearly similar conditions as possible, before deciding 
on the relative size of a given tumor. The fact that fibroids 
are smaller just after the catamenia and larger during and just 
before, and also that they vary in size from day to day owing 
to temporary engorgement or depletion, has been forcibly im- 
pressed on me since I have followed up this subject. 
The intra-uterine measurements were taken with the greatest 
possible precision, careful attempts being made to get the ex- 4 
BURRAGE : ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF 
treme depth in every instance ; measurements with the steel 
tape direct from the sound or probe. The treatments have 
been made twice a week as a rule, and of an average duration 
of from four to eight minutes. 
Cleanliness and antisepsis have been the practice. For de- 
tails I must refer to my former paper already alluded to. It 
has been my custom to give personal attention to tbe details, 
and I have myself examined all the cases and kept track of 
them from the beginning of treatment. 
My aim has been to follow up the patients for as long a time 
as possible, in order to gain reliable information as to the per- 
manency of results. Three years seems to be a reasonable 
length of time for an investigation of this sort. 
In the tables the ° mark means milamperes. Unless other- 
wise specified, the treatments are with galvanism, P is for 
positive, IS" for negative. F, M, and C are for fine, medium, 
and coarse coils. The faradism is bipolar vaginal, unless some 
other form is indicated. In analyzing the results I shall con- 
sider the cases first from an anatomical standpoint—the increase 
or decrease in size of the tumor; and, second, from a symptoma- 
tic point of view—the effect on pain, hemorrhage, and general 
liealth. 
Although forty-four cases are included in the tables, we shall 
consider only thirty-five in our analysis of anatomical results, for 
the reason that nine of tbe forty-four have either not had suffi- 
cient intra-uterine application, or have not been under observa- 
tion what, to me, seems a proper length of time. The nine cases 
are JS"os. 36 to 44 inclusive. Each of the thirty-five cases has 
had at least six treatments with galvanism, either intra-uterine 
or by puncture, and with intensities rising fifty milamperes, 
and in addition has been under observation at least four months 
from the beginning of electrical treatment, a majority from one 
and a half to two years. When possible, and in most instances, 
I purposely refrained from prescribing tonics or any other treat- 
ment, local or general, so that the results might be fairly attri- 
buted to the electricity. In speaking of the symptomatic re- 
sults I include the entire forty-four cases, except in estimating 
permanent benefit, where a minimum of four months under 
observation will be adhered to, thus limiting the number to 
thirty-five. 
First, anatomical results—the effect of galvanism on the size FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
5 
of fibroids. Of thirty-five cases, nine, Nos. 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 16, 
16, 19, and 27, showed a decrease in size at the end of periods 
ranging from one to eight months from the beginning of treat- 
ment. But in six of these nine, Nos. 1, 10, 14, 16, 19. and 27, 
at the end of periods of time varying from one and a half to twro 
and a half years the tumor was as large as at the beginning, or 
larger: Nos. 1, 10, 16, and 19 were larger, Nos. 14 and 27 were 
the same size. The other three, Nos. 3, 7, and 15, were lost 
track of in eight months, four months, and eight months respec- 
tively. That is to say, we have no positive evidence that any 
of the tumors were permanently lessened in size as a result of 
electrical treatment—a showing not at all in accordance with 
the published results of Apostoli and others. Seven out of 
thirty-five, Nos. 1, 4, 9, 10, 12, 16, and 19, were a little larger at 
the end of one and a half to two and a half years. Four of these 
were treated with galvano-puncture : No. 9 by puncture through 
the abdominal walls with two steel needles by Dr. Baker, a 
current of one hundred and twenty-five milamperes for ten 
minutes being used ; the other three were treated by vaginal 
puncture after the method of Apostoli. The seven cases had 
treatments in number as follows : No. 1, 50 ; 4, 49 ; 9, 40 ; 10, 
18 ; 12, 20 ; 16, 13 ; and 19, 41. No. 4 increased a little in size 
in eight months and then remained stationary for a year and a 
half. In No. 10 a myomectomy was done and opportunity of- 
fered to measure the fibroid nodule exactly. Myomectomy was 
also done in No. 33 of my series. In No. 16 a hysterectomy 
was performed, the tumor proving to he rather soft from a pre- 
dominance of the muscular elements. Deducting from thirty- 
five the seven cases in which the tumor became larger and the 
three cases in which it was smaller when the patient was last 
seen, and we have left twenty-five as the number of cases in 
which the tumor remained of the same size. 
It has been my experience that galvanism clears up pelvic 
inflammatory exudate and improves the physical condition of 
inflamed tubes and ovaries, unless there is pus present. A fib- 
roid uterus, fixed and immovable, after treatment with galvan- 
ism becomes free ; a mass in the pelvis made up of tube, ovary, 
and exudate disappears. Such a result was noted in seven of my 
cases, Nos. 1, 5, 8, 23, 27, 29, and 31. The only other change 
in the physical conditions that seemed to be due to electrical 6 
BUEEAGE 1 ELECTEICAL TEEATMENT OF 
treatment was an increase in the panniculus adiposus of the 
abdominal j>arietes. 
The uterine measurements show very little change as a result 
of treatment, in this respect varying from some of the results 
reported by other observers. Every effort was made to take 
the uterine depth always in the same manner. Fractions of a 
centimetre must be allowed for the tip of the probe going into a 
horn of the uterus, for its catching on a projection in the canal, 
and for uneven pressure on the crown of the cervix by the 
registering finger or forceps. 
Intra-uterine applications of galvanism, positive, have a tem- 
porary curative effect on the endometritis of fibroids, but not a 
permanent effect. An illustrative case is ISTo. 27, who had the 
most thorough intra-uterine treatment with positive galvanism. 
The large gas-carbon electrodes and high intensities were used 
with prolonged applications, the uterine cavity being accessible 
and carefully gone over from fundus to external os. One year 
after the electrical treatment I curetted her and obtained abun- 
dant tissue, which Dr. F. B. Mallory, the pathologist, examined 
microscopically and said was from hyperplastic endometritis. 
F7o. 16, the case of hysterectomy, is another instance. When I 
laid open the tumor at the close of the operation, abundant soft, 
pink, velvety tissue, easily scraped off a glistening white sur- 
face, lined the entire uterine cavity; and, by the way, neither 
the pathologist nor I, after a careful search, could find any evi- 
dence of a cicatrix in the mucous membrane of the canal. 
Cervical stenosis following high intensities has occurred in 
many of my cases. It prevents subsequent treating the interior 
of the uterus with large electrodes. It has not caused dysmenor- 
rhea in my experience, and the stricture has never been so tight 
as to prevent the passage of a probe. In using high intensities 
it has been my aim to get the tip of the electrode as near the 
fundus as possible, to obviate the annoyance that might result 
from a stricture low down. 
Second, the symptomatic results. It has seemed simplest and 
best first to classify the thirty-five cases under four headings, 
as follows: 1,, those that were relieved of pain permanently; 
11., those that were relieved of flowing permanently; 111,, 
those in whom there was improvement of general strength and 
ability to work; and, IY., those that experienced no permanent 
benefit. Of I. (those relieved of pain) there were eleven cases, FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
7 
Hos. I, 2, 4, 9, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, and 25, out of nineteen 
cases in which pain was a prominent factor. Of 11. (those 
relieved of flowing) there were seven cases, Nos. 4, 5, 8, 12, 30, 
31, and 32, out of twenty-three cases in which flowing was a promi- 
nent symptom. Of 111. (those improved in general health and 
ability to work) there were twenty-one, Hos. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 
11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31, and 32, out 
of twenty-five cases where relief was possible. Adding these 
figures together, and subtracting twelve for numbers inserted 
more than once, and we have twenty-seven as the number that 
received symptomatic benefit. The remaining eight of the 
thirty-five, Hos. 7, 10, 16, 26, 28, 33, 34, and 35, come under 
heading IY. as having received no permanent benefit. If we 
analyze the eight cases of IY. we find that four of them may be 
classed as having received temporary relief. Hos. 10, 26, and 
33 were relieved while under treatment, but became as bad as 
ever when the treatment was stopped. Ho. 7 complained only 
of sterility. 
Looking now at temporary symptomatic benefit, we may in- 
clude the entire forty-four cases in the tables. Of the thirty- 
five just considered we found there were four who were not 
benefited at all either permanently or temporarily. In the 
remaining nine of the forty-four, Hos. 36 to 44 inclusive, three 
received no benefit (they were Hos. 39, 41, and 44), and six, 
Hos. 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, and 43, were benefited. That is, thirty- 
seven out of forty-four cases treated, or eighty-four per cent, 
experienced relief of some sort as a result of electrical treat- 
ment. It must be taken into account, in a discussion of these 
figures, that the patients were treated for the most part at an 
out-patient clinic. Many of them, better treated at home, were 
obliged to travel long distances and await their turn for treat- 
ment, and then go home, often after a tedious ride in the cars 
and in inclement weather. 
To sum up, seventy-seven per cent of the thirty-five cases re- 
ceived permanent symptomatic benefit, and eighty-four per cent 
of the forty-four cases received temporary symptomatic benefit. 
As regards particular symptoms, two patients, Hos. 23 and 43, 
were afflicted with a profuse watery drain that was constant and 
required the use of a napkin. The electrical applications failed 
to relieve this permanently in either instance. In one, Ho. 23, 
it relieved temporarily. One patient, Ho. 24, has developed a 8 
burrage: electrical treatment oe 
watery leucorrliea lately, a year after ceasing electrical treat- 
ment. Nos. 23 and 33 suffered with the uterine cough spoken 
of by French writers ; galvanism relieved this in a very marked 
degree in both. No. 23, who had been in the care of a promi- 
nent practitioner in town, had made use of nearly every known 
remedy without result; the cough was entirely cured by gal- 
vanism. Palpitation, a common symptom in fibroid cases, and 
not confined to those suffering with anemia from loss of blood, is 
favorably affected by galvanism. 
Glancing over the results obtained, from an anatomical stand- 
point I confess to a feeling of disappointment. I have main- 
tained a constant sharp lookout for miracles in the way of sud- 
den disappearance of tumors and marked diminution in size, 
but as yet have failed to observe any. I do not deny that 
fibroids sometimes undergo rapid absorption without the aid of 
electricity. It has been my lot not to see any such. I have, 
however, seen masses of inflammatory exudate disappear under 
electrical treatment with a celerity that was almost miraculous. 
Twenty-five of my cases, or seventy-one per cent, remained 
stationary in size. Assuming that fibroids if untreated will in- 
crease in size, we are justified in the conclusion that galvanism 
has an inhibitory effect on the growth of a majority of tumors. 
Until we know more of the conditions that favor increase or 
diminution in the size of these tumors, the laws of their patho- 
logical growth, we cannot say more. Temporary decrease in 
size was noted in nine cases, or 25.7 per cent. The decrease 
was proved to be temporary in six, and the remaining three 
were lost sight of in four, eight, and eight months respectively. 
The tumors in my series that increased in size were mostly 
large multiple growths, and dense rather than soft. They were 
seven in number, or twenty per cent. The increase in size was 
in no instance very great. Those that remained of the same 
size were interstitial and softer.] 
I have seen individual nodules reduced a third in size follow- 
ing puncture—e.g., No. 3. Large fibroids are seldom single. 
Looking over the symptomatic results, we see a highly satis- 
factory showing. Of the cases in which pain was a prominent 
symptom sixty per cent were permanently cured and a con- 
siderable portion of the remaining forty per cent were tempo- 
rarily relieved. Of those in which flowing was an important FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
symptom, only thirty per cent were permanently cured, al- 
though a much larger percentage were temporarily benefited. 
I am aware that this low percentage of cures in the hemor- 
rhagic cases does not coincide with the results obtained by other 
observers. It seems to me that galvanism affects flowing in 
fibroids in two ways: first, by its tonic effect on the blood ves- 
sels and nerves of the pelvis; and second, by direct effect on 
the endometrium. As regards the first, galvanism is of great 
benefit in my experience. It generally regulates the flow in 
time, but in most tumors is not potent enough to check a de- 
cided hemorrhagic tendency. As to the second, we have seve- 
ral factors to consider—the size and shape of the electrodes, 
the duration of the treatments, whether the electrode shall be 
moved about, and, if so, how often, the intensity of the current, 
etc. But chief and foremost is tbe possibility of making a dry- 
ing galvano-caustic application to the entire bleeding surface ; 
for it is taken for granted that the source of hemorrhage in 
fibroids is a condition of endometritis of the entire uterine 
cavity—a thick, spongy, bleeding membrane or an atonic, thin 
membrane filled with venous radicles. Now, with a patulous os 
externum and a straight canal of only three inches in length, it 
is, in my experience, an impossibility to go over every portion 
of the walls of the uterine cavity with any electrode or series of 
electrodes made. When the uterine canal makes a sharp turn 
and is from four to eight or nine inches in length, the absurdity 
of trying to reach all parts of the interior is at once apparent— 
this even supposing the external os to be large; if it is small the 
difficulty is increased. It is a mechanical impossibility to guide 
the tip of a flexible electrode after it has gone round a corner 
in a tight canal; a rigid electrode cannot be passed. A con- 
siderable portion of fibroid tumors are so distorted that no intra- 
uterine treatment can be given. To this fact in part may be 
attributed the comparatively small percentage of cures of flowing 
in the cases presented. The cases that were treated most care- 
fully, with approved electrodes and high intensities, had a return 
of endometritis, just as we find is the case in those fibroids that 
have been curetted. Intra-uterine treatment with galvanism, 
where feasible, has the advantage over curetting that it does not 
subject the patient to the discomfort and risks of etherization, 
and is followed by no systemic reaction, which is often observed 
after curettement, especially in large tumors. Where the uterine 10 
BURRAGE ; ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF 
interior is easily accessible cnrettement is more thorough; 
where it is not, electrical application is, in my opinion, the best 
means of local and general treatment. It far outranks topical 
applications of carbolic acid, iodine, etc., and is more effective 
and preferable to ergot and hydrastis, as it has a beneficial in- 
stead of a deleterious influence on the digestive organs and the 
system at large. Many of my cases were helped by galvanism 
after months of fruitless dosing with ergot and other drugs. 
Galvanism relieves for about the same time as curetting, allow- 
ing for its diminished thoroughness. I want to call special 
attention to Case No. 8. Here a submucous, pedunculated 
fibroid, one and a half inches in diameter and having a pedicle 
three eighths of an inch through, springing from the fundus 
uteri, was made to present at the external os as a direct result 
of two intra-uterine galvanic treatments of eighty and eighty- 
five milamperes positive. The pedicle was then cut, the tumor 
delivered, and the patient recovered from her flowing. She 
had previously had a trachelorrhaphy performed at one of our 
leading hospitals, and later on had been curetted by a well-known 
operator, without the presence of the polyp being detected. 
Here is a good place to speak of the alleged danger of electri- 
cal treatment. Some abdominal surgeons have said that it causes 
abscesses and adhesions. It has done neither in my experience. 
It is contra-indicated in but two conditions, and those are preg- 
nancy and the presence of acute inflammation. In a paper 
on the treatment of pelvic inflammation with electricity, pub- 
lished in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal of June 
16th, 1892,1 cited a case of acute pelvic inflammation that I once 
treated experimentally with galvanism. She had salpingitis, 
confirmed by abdominal section. Her symptoms were aggra- 
vated by the electrical treatment. The proper application of 
electricity in the diseases of women is absolutely without danger, 
even in the presence of pus in the pelvis. I have treated a num- 
ber of cases with such a condition for months, and later operated 
on them and removed the disease. 
I recall one case in particular, and with your permission will 
outline it in brief. M. P., 39 years old, the mother of two chil- 
dren, proved on operation to have disorganized tubes and ovaries 
with abscesses on both sides. She was much benefited temporarily 
by both intra-uterine galvanism and bipolar vaginal faradism. 
She was under treatment a year, and had sixteen treatments FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
11 
■with galvanism (P. 8, N. 8, 40°-70°) and seven treatments with 
faradism (M. 70°-100°), and then consented to operation. 
Some of the patients having pus in their Fallopian tubes are 
very sensitive to galvanism, but they are not, in my experience, 
uniformly so, and I cannot agree with Apostoli that electricity 
is of value in diagnosing this condition. I shall refer to this 
matter again. 
A word as to the claim that electricity causes adhesions. By 
reference to my records I find that I have opened the abdomen 
in eight patients whom I had previously treated for longer 
or shorter periods with galvanism. In six of the eight, well- 
defined adhesions were to be made out by bimanual examina- 
tion before the patients were treated with electricity, and the 
adhesions were found when the abdomens were opened. I 
have found just as extensive and as strong adhesions in patients 
on whom no electricity had been used. Of the other two cases, 
one, No. 10 in my tables to-night, showed no vestige of an 
adhesion. The other was most interesting for two reasons : 
there were no adhesions, and, although extremely sensitive to 
galvanism, there was no pus present. The facts are these : I. 
F., 29, married and the mother of three children, had a lacerated 
cervix and prolapsed tubes and ovaries. There was great tender- 
ness on light pressure in the region of the right tube, this symp- 
tom having been present two years before, previous to the birth 
of her last child. I had seen her myself at that time and had 
noted the condition carefully. She was treated with vaginal 
galvanism for two months, receiving treatments as follows: N. 
5, 20°-25° ; P. 1, 25° ; bipolar vaginal faradism F. 2, 40°. Hav- 
ing at that time just read Apostoli’s article on the diagnostic 
value of sensitiveness to galvanism as an indication of the pre- 
sence of pus in the tubes, I was on the lookout to test the prin- 
ciple. Here seemed to be a suitable case. Mrs. F. could not tol- 
erate the galvanism, even in the small dose of 20°; she was not 
relieved of great pain in the lower abdomen by faradism, except 
very temporarily. I diagnosed pus tube and operated. On 
opening the abdomen I found small, prolapsed, cystic ovaries, and 
tubes that to every appearance were perfectly normal. There 
was no adhesion of any sort. She was entirely cured by curet- 
ting the uterus, free puncture of the ovarian cysts, and hystero- 
pexy. 
(Continued on page 20.) 12 
BDRRAGE : ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF 
| Case No. 
N ame, age, social 
condition. 
Pregnancies. 
■ 
Description of tumor. 
1 Depth of uterus at 
1 beginning, in cm. 
Flowing. 
Pain. 
1 
M. L., 35, 
m. 
3 children, 
1 abortion. 
Multiple, nearly filling 
pelvis; hard; a nodule 
at each cornu; mobil- 
ity limited; lacerated 
cervix and perineum. 
11.5 
Profuse at regular 
periods; 17 nap- 
kins. 
Constant pain in 
right groin for 
6 years; dys- 
menorrhea. 
2 
E. M., 34, 
m. 
1 child, 13 
years. 0 
abortion. 
Small, in posterior wall; 
retroversion; mobil- 
ity limited. 
(Ether examination.) 
7.9 
Scanty; periods 
regular. 
Constant pain 
across abdo- 
men; cramps 
first day or two 
of catamenia. 
3 
E. H., 32, 
s. 
Multiple, rising out of 
pelvis; hard; nodules 
to right and behind; 
fundus in front and to 
left. 
(Ether examination.) 
10.2 
Regular; 5 days; 
6 to 10 napkins. 
Pain across ab- 
domen for sev- 
eral months; 
cramps with 
catamenia. 
4 
D. F., 24, 
m. 
0 children, 
1 abortion 
at 3 mos. 3 
years ago. 
Multiple, nearly to um- 
bilicus; large masses 
behind; fundus in 
front and to right. 
12.2 
Profuse, every 3 
weeks, since 
abortion 3 years 
ago; irregular. 
Dysmenorrhea 3 
years; constant 
pain in left low- 
er abdomen. 
5 
M. L. P., 
46, s. 
Small, interstitial; sym- 
metrical; retrover- 
sion; uterus fixed. 
9.2 
Excessive flowing 
with periods for 5 
years; irregular; 
3 weeks; 50 to 75 
napkins; lasting 
two weeks. 
Cramps with flow 
6 
M. F., 48, 
m. 
5 children, 
youngest 8 
years; 1 
miscar- 
riage at 6 
months. 
Small, interstitial; fun- 
dus forward on blad- 
der; cervix in hollow 
of sacrum and ante- 
flexed; symmetrical. 
10.5 
Severe flowing at 
periods for 1 
year; 2 weeks’ 
flow; 12 napkins. 
No pain.. 
7 
H. S., 43, 
m. 
0 children, 
abortion at 
6 weeks 9 
mos. ago. 
Multiple; size of a co- 
coanut; 2 lobes; mo- 
bility good. 
(Ether examination.) 
8.5 
Regular; 12 nap- 
kins. 
8 
C. S., 40, 
m. 
7 children, 
youngest 6 
years; 0 
abortion. 
Small, interstitial; also 
pedunculated submu- 
cous If inches by 1) 
inches; salpingitis 
right side. 
(Ether examination.) 
9. 
Bad flowing spells 
for 2 years, a 
sheet at a time. 
Pain in right 
groin and low- 
er abdomen for 
7 months. 
9 
A. C., 27, 
s.; col- 
ored. 
Interstitial, cocoanut; 
rising out of pelvis; 
rather soft; symmet- 
rical. 
(Ether examination.) 
9.5 
Scanty; regular... 
Cramps across 
abdomen. 
10 
M. McK., 
40, s. 
Small, in anterior wall, 
size of marble; ante- 
flexion. 
(Ether examination.) 
7. 
Scanty; regular; 1 
day. 
Constant pain in 
back and ab- 
domen for 10- 
years; dysmen- 
orrhea. FIBEOID TUMOES OF THE UTEEUS. 
13 
General condition. 
Number of months 
under observation. 
Number of months 
from first to last 
treatment. 
Number of treat- 
| ments. 
Description of 
treatments. 
Results. 
Depth of uterus at 
end, in cm. 
Of stout build; ner- 
vous ; a great suf- 
ferer with pain. 
30 
23 
50 
Intra-uterine, 60°- 
130°; P. 28, N. 
19. 
Vaginal faradism, 
F. 3. 
Much relieved of pain; not per- 
manently. At end of 1 year 
tumor a little smaller and mo- 
bility good; one nodule pedun- 
culated. At end of 24 years 
tumor larger, slightly. Flow- 
ing about the same. 
12.8 
Fair 
5 
5 
8 
Intra-uterine, N. 
5. 32°-55°; P. 3, 
55°-70°. 
Flowing increased. Dysmenor- 
rhea relieved. Constant pain 
relieved for 3 weeks at a time. 
7.6 
Mental depression; 
an inmate of in- 
sane asylum. 
8 
8 
21 
Intra-uterine, N. 
19, 50°-120° 
Vaginal punc- 
tures, N. 26° 6 
minutes, N. 80° 
5 minutes. 
At end of 8 months mass re- 
duced one-third. Mental con- 
dition improved. 
Pallor and anxious 
expression of 
countenance; a 
great sufferer; 
chronic constipa- 
tion; girth of ab- 
domen, 80 cm. 
24 
16 
49 
Intra-uterine, N. 
13, P. 18, 60°- 
1T5.° 
Vaginal punc- 
tures, N. 14, P. 
1. 65°-120°. 
Vaginal faradism, 
F. 3. 
Intra-uterine, P. 
29, N.2,50°-125°. 
At end of 8 months uterus mea- 
sured 14 cm. and girth of ab- 
domen 81.5 cm. At end of 2 
years exactly the same mea- 
surements. Flowing less. Pain 
and dysmenorrhea relieved. 
Catamenia regular. 
14. 
In bed for 2 or 8 
days with each 
flowing; unable 
to go up-stairs; 
iron and ergot 
for 8 months 
made her worse. 
34 
10 
31 
In 2 months had the best period 
in 5 years. In 3 months had 
gained 20 pounds in weight and 
not confined to bed with flow; 
able to go up- and down-stairs. 
1 year, flow of 20 napkins; 
uterus freely movable; no 
cramps 3 years, flow of 20 
napkins; regular to a day; has 
to keep still 2 days. 
8.9 
Of large frame; 
poorly nour- 
ished; unable to 
work; had taken 
ergot for 9 mos. 
without effect. 
25 
6 
16 
Intra-uterine, P. 
13, 40°-125°; N. 
3, 30°-60°. 
After three treatments could do 
all her work except the wash- 
ing. After 6 months, flow re- 
duced one-half. MenopauseIn 
1| years. 
Sterility her only 
complaint. 
4 
3 
16 
Intra-uterine, N. 
16, 50°-125°. 
At end of 4 months mass not as 
large. 
7.5 
Blanched and 
weak; trachelor- 
rhaphy 6 months 
ago and curet- 
ting 1 month ago. 
25 
4 
2 
5 
Intra-uterine, P. 
2, 80°-85°‘ 
P. 2, 60°-120°; N. 
3, 15°-100°. 
After 2 positive intra-uterine 
treatments the pedunculated 
fibroid appeared at os exter- 
num and was removed with 
scissors. Salpingitis the im- 
portant factor. Refused ope- 
ration. Too weak to take elec- 
trical treatment. After 1 year 
flow regular, not profuse. 
General strength very good. 
8.8 
Unable to stoop; 
had noticed lump 
in abdomen for 4 
years; girth of 
abdomen, 68 cm. 
26 
23 
40 
Intra-uterine, N 
39, 60°-90Q. 
Abdominal punc- 
ture, 125° 10 
minutes. 
F. 1, 40 F. 4 min- 
utes. 
At end of It months girth of ab- 
domen 69.5 cm.; at end of 16 
months girth of abdomen 74.5 
cm.; at end of 24 months girth 
of abdomen 74.3 cm. Patient 
much stouter, however. Tu- 
mor, I think, same size. Re- 
lieved of cramps. Able to 
stoop. 
11.3 
A great sufferer 
with dysmenor- 
rhea; frequency 
of micturition. 
13 
1 
18 
Intra-uterine, N. 
6, 48°-70°. 
Vaginal, N. 12, 
45°-80°. 
At end of 1 month fibroid small- 
er and dysmenorrhea some- 
what relieved. Dudley’s ope- 
ration for anteflexion. 1 year 
after cessation of treatment 
fibroid larger, dysmenorrhea 
worse. Myomectomy. 14 
BITERAGE : ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF 
| Case No. 
Name, age, social 
condition. 
Pregnancies. 
Description of tumor. 
Depth of uterus at 
beginning, in cm. 
Flowing. 
Pain. 
11 
◄ 
2 children, 
youngest 
26 years. 
Subserous; cocoanut; 
from left wall; dense; 
salpingitis. 
(Ether examination.) 
9. 
Regular; 3 to 6 
days; 6 to 10 nap- 
kins. 
Pain in left side 
and back for 6 
months; severe 
dysmenorrhea. 
12 
A. R. N., 
39, s. 
Multiple, nearly filling 
pelvis; one mass size 
of small cocoanut on 
left, another, size of 
orange, on right; mo- 
bility good. 
(Ether examination.) 
Bad hemorrhage 1J 
years ago; flow 
increased for 3 
years; irregular; 
9 days; 50 nap- 
kins. 
Slight dysmenor- 
rhea. 
13 
M. B., 42, 
m. 
2 children, 
13 and 11 
years; no 
abortions. 
Interstitial, fetal head; 
asymmetrical; larger 
on right; mobility 
good; lacerated cer- 
vix. 
10.8 
Periods every 3 
weeks; more flow 
every other peri- 
od; not profuse. 
Constant severe 
pain in back; 
dysmenorrhea. 
14 
M. H. L., 
50, w.; 
colored. 
1 child, 1 
abortion. 
Multiple, filling pelvis; 
dense; immovable; 
cervix so distorted 
that probe cannot be 
passed more than li 
inches. 
Profuse flowing at 
periods for 4 
years; 8 days’ 
flow every 2 
weeks; 8 nap- 
kins a day. 
Constant severe 
pain in back, 
worse on walk- 
ing; also pain 
in abdomen. 
15 
E. A., 30, 
m. 
2 children, 
1 abortion. 
Interstitial, fetal head; 
dense; symmetrical; 
mobility good; lace- 
rated cervix; salpin- 
gitis. 
Flow rather pro- 
fuse every other 
month; regular. 
Pain in left side 
and back; bear- 
ing-down feel- 
ing; dyspareu- 
nia. 
16 
E. F., 33, 
m. 
1 child, 7 
years. 
Interstitial, cocoanut; 
rather soft; more on 
left; mobility good. 
10.2 
Rather profuse and 
prolonged; regu- 
lar; 28 days. 
Constant bear- 
ing-down pain 
in abdomen; 3 
attacks of bad 
abdominal 
pain in last 10 
months. 
17 
S. T., 41, 
m. 
3 children, 
1 abortion. 
Large interstitial, ris- 
ing above umbilicus; 
umbilical hernia. 
20.5 
Profuse; regular; 
watery leucor- 
rhea; 10 napkins 
a day and 4 nap- 
kins a night. 
18 
S. H., 38, 
m. 
4 children, 
13 to 5 
years; 0 
abortion. 
Interstitial, cocoanut; 
dense; freely mov- 
able; lacerated cer- 
vix. 
13 
Profuse flowing for 
l£ years; a nap- 
kin every hour 
when bad; of 9 
days’ duration; 
regular every 26 
to 30 days until 
li years ago. 
Dysmenorrhea 
for l.i years, in- 
creasing in se- 
verity. 
19 
K. C., 32, 
m. 
0 children, 
1 abortion 
at 9 weeks 
2 years 
ago. 
Subserous, orange; to 
right and behind fun- 
dus; mobility good. 
7.8 
Rather profuse; 
regular. 
Constant pain in 
left side and 
back for 
years. 15 
FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
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a. 
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General condition. 
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Description of 
treatments. 
Results. 
2 O' 
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Fat and hysterical; 
14 
9 
39 
Intra-uterine, N. 
Unable to determine exact size 
unable to do 
17, 35°-65°. 
of tumor at end of treatment 
much work; hy- 
persensitive. 
Vaginal. N. 7, P. 
without anesthesia; think it 
2, 35°-50°. 
Vaginal faradism, 
F. 13, F. 50°-100°. 
was the same. Sensitiveness 
relieved temporarily. Dys- 
menorrhea relieved. Able to 
Anemic; of stout 
24 
do more work. 
11 
20 
Intra-uterine, P. 
Flow relieved; 20 napkins; not 
build; confined 
2, N. 7, 40°-70°. 
Vaginal puncture 
regular. Able to work after 3 
to bed with each 
months’ treatment. At end of 
flowing. 
under ether by 
1 year tumor larger; at end of 
Dr. Baker, 125°, 
2 years tumor larger. 
N. 15. 
Vaginal gal van- 
ism, N. 8, 35°- 
60°. 
Fair; constipated.. 
Faradism 3, F. 70. 
18 
17 
61 
Intra-uterine, P. 
Periods regular every 4 weeks. 
11. 
36, 60°-90°; N. 
19, 40°-75.° 
Bipolar vaginal 
faradism, F. 6, 
Flow a little increased in 
amount. Pain in back uni- 
formly relieved for 2 days af- 
ter each treatment, then to 
Weakness from ex- 
100.° 
return. Tumor same size. 
18 
18 
29 
Intra-uterine, P. 
After 8 months tumor smaller, 
cessive flowing; 
19, N. 3,50°-100°. 
after li years tumor same size 
painful micturi- 
Vaginal, P. 4, 50°- 
Flowing, 8 napkins a day for 3 
tion and defeca- 
60°. 
or 4 days instead of 8 days 
tion. 
Bipolar vaginal 
faradism, F. 3, 
every 3 weeks. Constant pain 
relieved. 
Of stout build; neu- 
75°-100°. 
8 
7 
13 
Intra-uterine, N. 
At end of 8 months tumor re- 
rotic. 
7, P. 2, 40°-70. 
Vaginal, P. 2, N. 1, 
duced to size of large orange. 
Flow as before. Pain relieved. 
40°. 
Improved strength. 
Faradism, F. 1, 
60°. 
Intra-uterine, N. 
Much pulled down 
18 
3 
13 
At end of 3 months tumor small- 
12.2 
by attacks of 
11, 40°-70°. 
er. Flow decreased, but every 
3 weeks. Pain relieved. No 
abdominal pain; 
Vaginal, P. 1, 35°. 
frequency of mic- 
Faradism, M. 1, 
attacks of abdominal pain. 
50°. 
At end of 1 year tumor larger. 
Flow profuse. One attack of 
abdominal pain. Very mise- 
rable. Hysterectomy (Baer’s 
Annoyed by size of 
18 
4 
26 
Intra-uterine, P. 
method). Recovery. 
At end of 5 months girth of ab- 
tumor; watery 
17,100°-175°; N. 
domen 108 cm.; at end of 1| 
drain and gene- 
ral weakness; 
girth of abdomen 
9, 75°-200°. 
years girth of abdomen loi 
cm. Increase of fat in parie- 
tes; had worn an umbilical 
103 cm. 
truss for 6 months. More 
room in abdomen. Increased 
strength. Watery drain and 
flow same. 
Increased pain for S weeks after 
Large, stout; very 
12 
2 
8 
Intra-uterine, N 
4, P. 2, 60°-100°. 
nervous; easily 
last treatment. At end of 1 
startled; alco- 
Vaginal, P. 3. 15°- 
year tumor same size. Flow- 
holic (?). 
70°; F. 3, 70°. 
ing and pain 4 months after 
cessation of treatment; an 
abortion 6 months after. Pe- 
riods regular (26 to 30 days) 
4 to 6 napkins, since. Able to 
Fair 
work more. 
18 
15 
41 
Intra-uterine, P. 
At end of 6 months tumor small- 
9^ 
23, 35°-150; N. 
er; at end of 1) years tumor 
larger. Flow increased in 
11, 50°-100°. 
Vaginal, N. 2, 50°- 
80°. 
amount and periods prolonged 
Pain relieved for a few days at 
Puncture, N. 1, 
a time. On the whole mnoh 
50°; F. 4. 
less pain than years ago. 16 
BIJRRAG-E : ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF 
Case No. ! 
Name, age, social 
condition. 
Pregnancies. 
Description of tumor. 
Depth of uterus at 
beginning, in cm. 
Flowing. 
Pain. 
20 
A. R. H„ 
38, s. 
Subserous; goose egg, 
from right side of fun- 
dus. 
(Ether examination.) 
8.2 
Rather profuse; 
regular. 
Dysmenorrhea; 
moderate. 
21 
J. S. R., 
43, m. 
2 children, 
19 and 17 
years; 0 
abortion. 
Multiple and intersti- 
tial, filling cavity of 
pelvis; large lobe be- 
hind. 
8.6 
Regular; normal.. 
Frightful cramps 
with periods, 
causing her to 
give up work 
for 6 years. 
22 
F. M. S., 
36, s. 
Subserous; hen’s egg, in 
left lateral wall of 
uterus; retroversion; 
mobility good. 
(Ether examination.) 
9.5 
Profuse for2 years; 
catamenia every 
23 days; 50 nap- 
kins. 
Constant pain in 
back; unable to 
turn over in 
bed. 
23 
M. H. H., 
40, m. 
0 children, 
0 abortion. 
Interstitial, cocoanut; 
mobility limited. 
(Ether examination.) 
9.3 
Menorrhagia for 6 
years; flow every 
3 weeks; 30 to 40 
napkins; shreds 
and clots; a clear 
watery discharge 
between periods. 
Dysmenorrhea 
for first 3 days. 
24 
M. A. S., 
36, s. 
Multiple, large, to edge 
of ribs; 2 lobes, large, 
and smaller above and 
between. 
(Ether examination.) 
19. 
Menorrhagia for 2 
years; every 3 
weeks; 21 nap- 
kins. 
Dysmenorrhea.. 
25 
N. O’H., 
30, m. 
1 child, 10 
years; 0 
abortion. 
Interstitial, orange; tu- 
mor more on left; 
mobility good. 
8.4 
Menorrhagia for 2 
years; every 30 to 
32 days; 5 days; 
20 napkins. 
26 
M. C., 38, 
m. 
4 children, 
youngest 
12; 0 abor- 
tion. 
Interstitial, small; sym- 
metrical, except 
slightly larger on left. 
(Ether examination.) 
8.9 
Profuse flowing 
every 4 weeks for 
9 months; 40 nap- 
kins; 4 to 5 days. 
27 
E. P. C., 
35, m. 
3 children, 
youngest 
9; 0 abor- 
tion. 
Interstitial, small; 
mostly in posterior 
wall; retroversion; la- 
cerated cervix; mass 
in cul-de-sac (tubo- 
ovaritis). 
(Ether examination.) 
9.2 
Profuse flowing off 
and on for 7 
years; nearly 
constant; free- 
dom for 3 mos. 
once during that 
time. 
28 
H. B., 43, 
m. 
3 children, 
youngest 
15; 1 abor- 
tion at 8 
months. 
Interstitial, small; in 
posterior wall from 
external os to one-half 
inch of fundus; lace- 
rated cervix and peri- 
neum; retroversion. 
(Ether examination.) 
9. 
Profuse flowing for 
3 months; me- 
trorrhagia; cata- 
menia always 
profuse. FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
17 
General condition. 
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Description of 
treatments. 
Results. 
+3 
c3 
CO 
2 . 
50 
P O 
BB 
(j) <v 
0 . 
N eurotic; stout; 
nervous prostra- 
tion 6 months 
ago; consulted 
physician be- 
cause of frequen- 
cy of micturition. 
27 
24 
45 
Intra-uterine, N. 
28, P. 9, 35°-70°. 
Vaginal faradism, 
sF. 8, 50°-100°. 
Treatment followed curetting 
and was in 3 periods of 3 
months each. Tumor changed 
location, moving down to cer- 
vix; at end of 2 years same 
size (ether examination). Ner- 
vous symptoms and frequency 
of micturition relieved. Bad 
flowing, had to curette. 
8.2 
8.6 
9.5 
A hard-working 
woman of spare 
build; chief com- 
plaint, cramps; 
soreness across 
abdomen. 
27 
25 
24 
Puncture in lobe 
behind, N. 8, 
35°-230°; p. 3, 
60°-80°. 
Intra-uterine, N. 
8, 50°-80°; p. 5, 
40°-50°. 
Seen at infrequent intervals. 
Cramps entirely relieved after 
first treatment for 5 months, 
then 2 cramps. Treatment 
for 1 month and no further 
cramps. At end of 2 years 
tumor same as at beginning. 
Great gain in flesh and strength 
A great sufferer 
with pain; diffi- 
culty in walking 
because of pain; 
general health 
good. 
36 
24 
41 
Intra-uterine, N. 
17, P. 5, 50°-80°. 
Vaginal, N. 18, P. 
1, 60°-100°. 
Faradic, F. 2, 75°- 
100°. 
At end of 6 months backache al- 
most entirely relieved. Cata- 
menia of 25 napkins, and pain- 
less. At end of 3 years tumor 
same size; .no pain. Has had 
no treatment for If years. 
Flow regular. 
Very anemic; dys- 
pnea; cough; 
general weak- 
ness; curetting 3 
times, a year 
ago. 
12 
9 
28 
Intra-uterine, P. 
28, 40°-130°. 
Vaginal, P. 4, 50°. 
Faradic, F. 1. 
After 2 months, had not had so 
little watery discharge for 5 
years. Flow of 15 napkins. 
Cough relieved; strength im- 
proved. After 1 year, flowing 
severe, requiring packing, 
tumor same size. Oophorec- 
tomy and cure. 
9.3 
Of large frame; 
nervous temper- 
ament; general 
health good; 
girth of abdo- 
men 94.5 cm. 
19 
2 
12 
Intra-uterine, P. 
11, 100°-160; N. 
1,100°. 
Prolonged treat- 
ments with 
large tips. 
After 3 months girth of abdo- 
men 102.5 cm.; after If years 
girth of abdomen 106 cm. 
Tumor a little larger. Flow 
regular every 4 weeks, 18 
napkins. A watery discharge 
lately. 
19. 
Constant pain 
across abdomen; 
unable to sleep 
because of pain. 
6 
3 
12 
Intra-uterine, P. 
1,50°; N. 7, 50°- 
70°. 
Vaginal, 1, 75°. 
Faradic, F. 3, M. 
At end of 6 months tumor same 
size. Pain entirely relieved. 
Flowing same. 
8.4 
Weakened by re- 
peated flowings; 
nervous, and sen- 
sitive about ute- 
rus; treatment 
followed a curet- 
18 
1 
6 
50°-60°. 
Intra-uterine, P. 
6, 55°-75°. 
Flow of 14 napkins 10 days after 
cessation of treatment; an- 
other of 20 napkins 1 month 
after treatment. At end of 
If years flowing irregular but 
profuse. 
8.9 
ting. • 
Stout; flesh flabby; 
nervous prostra- 
tion 15 years ago, 
and never well 
since; treatment 
followed a cu- 
retting. 
18 
14 
20 
Intra-uterine, P. 
17, 65°-125°. 
Vaginal, P. 3, 60°- 
85°. 
In 6 weeks mass in cul-de-sac 
had disappeared and uterus 
freely movable. At end of 7 
months, flow of 20 napkins 
each month for 3 months, then 
amenorrhea for 4 months. At 
end of If years, flow regular 
(7 days, 10 napkins). Curet- 
ting and trachelorrhaphy. En- 
dometritis. 
8.9 
Small frame; poor- 
ly nourished; 
anemic; under 
observation for 9 
years. 
9 
2 
6 
Intra-uterine, P. 
6, 50°-80°. 
After 2 treatments, flow the 
same. Curetted, and relief for 
3 months, then bad flowing. 
Ether, and finger in cavity of 
uterus, curetting, and further 
intra-uterine galvanism. No 
flow for 3 months, then as be- 
fore. 
9. 18 
BDRRAGE : ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF 
[3 
6 
u 
ime, age, soc 
condition. 
CO 
*3 
§ 
a 
£ 
Description of tumor. 
is 
©•~, 
<H-S 
o*3 
rfl.9 
ts 
Flowing. 
Pain. 
d 
ft 
30 
E. B., 28, 
m. 
0 children, 
0 abortion. 
Interstitial, small; in 
posterior wall just 
above os internum; 
anteflexion; retropo- 
sition. 
(Ether examination.) 
8.9 
Menorrhagia for 1 
year; catamenia 
regular; 16 nap- 
kins; leucorrhea. 
Dysmenorrhea; 
headaches. 
30 
M. W., 50, 
m. 
5 children, 
youngest 
20. 
Interstitial, cocoanut; 
symmetrical; mobili- 
ty good; lacerated 
cervix and perineum; 
cystocele. 
9.5 
Bad “flooding” 4 
months ago; ca- 
tamenia regular 
until then and 
since; menor- 
rhagia 4 months. 
Continuous pain 
in small of 
back. 
31 
M. P. P., 
30, m. 
2 children, 
13 and 11 
years; 13 
abortions 
at 3 to 6 
months. 
Interstitial, small; sym- 
metrical; solid tumor 
right ovary size of 
duck’s egg; syphilis. 
(Ether examination.) 
7.2 
Severe flowing 
every 2 weeks for 
3 mouths; 25 nap- 
kins; last abor- 
tion 6 months 
ago. 
Headaches 
32 
33 
34 
35 
M. D., 37, 
s. 
C. B., 40, 
m. 
K. B., 47, 
s. 
S. G., 33, 
m. 
Subserous; English wal- 
nut, from left wall of 
fundus; anteflexion; 
symmetrical enlarge- 
ment; mobility good. 
(Ether examination.) 
Subserous; goose eggs, 
one on each side of 
fundus; retroversion; 
prolapsed and adhe- 
rent adnexa. 
(Ether examination.) 
Interstitial, cocoanut; 
dense: symmetrical; 
retroflexed. 
Interstitial, cocoanut; 
symmetrical; retro- 
posited. 
8.7 
2 children.. 
7.8 
7.8 
lar catamenia for 
U years. 
Catamenia irregu- 
lar; 5 days; 10 
napkins. 
Regular every 23 
days. 
Every 14 to 21 days; 
5 to 6 days’ flow; 
12 napkins. 
Pain in back and 
across abdo- 
men. 
Dysmenorrhea 
0 children, 
0 abortion. 
7.5 
always pre- 
sent, increas- 
ing in severity; 
now in bed 3 
days with cata- 
menia. 
Slight dysmenor- 
rhea. 
36 
M. B., 35, 
m. 
Interstitial, nearly fill- 
ing pelvis; dense; sub- 
peritoneal nodules; 
old cicatrices in va- 
gina from pelvic ab- 
scesses. 
9. 
Dysmenorrhea.. 
1 abortion 
at 3j- mos. 
Oi 
OO *5 
A. A., 47, 
m. 
E. L., 43, 
m., col- 
ored. 
3 children, 
youngest 
14; 2 abor- 
tions. 
1 child, 18 
years. 
Multiple, nearly filling 
pelvis; 2 lobes. 
Interstitial, cocoanut; 
mostly in right wall 
of uterus; a few small 
subserous nodules on 
the left. 
11. 
9+ 
Metrorrhagia; pro- 
fuse for last 3 
mos.; previously 
regular; 2 or 3 
napkins a day 
for 2 weeks. 
Regular every 4 
weeks; 1 week; 
10 napkins. 
Pain in right ab- 
domen for 6 
years. 
Pain in back and 
loins for 3 
years; pain 
worse for 4 
weeks; unable 
to sleep, it is so 
severe.  
General condition. 
Number of months 
I under observation. 
Number of months 
from first to last 
treatment. 
Number of treat- 
j ments. 
Description of 
treatments. 
Results. 
Depth of uterus at 
end, in cm. 
Never in rugged 
health; 8 attacks 
of “inflamma- 
tion of womb ”; 
tumor removed 
from cervix 3 
years ago; treat- 
18 
6 
34 
Intra-uterine, P 
7, N. 9, 25°-45°. 
Antiseptic cata- 
phoresis with 
creosote, 8 N., 
25°-40°. 
Vaginal, N. 6; P. 4. 
Flow reduced in amount; ir- 
regular. Leucorrhea not re- 
lieved. Pain relieved. Gene- 
ral strength improved. 
ment followed 
curetting. 
16 
11 
9.6 
Stout; nervous; 
hot flashes for 6 
months; “sag- 
ging of womb.” 
27 
Intra-uterine, P 
15, 35°-100; N. 3 
60°-100. 
Vaginal, N. 6, 25°- 
60°. 
Faradic, F. 3, 70°. 
Flow decreased in amount; ir- 
regular after 5 months; occa- 
sional flowing spells since, 
every 4 to 6 months. Hot 
flashes absent 5 months after 
beginning treatment; returned 
in 5 months, though less trou- 
blesome. Less pain in back. 
Tumor same. 
Of small frame; 
anemic; hyper- 
sensitive about 
uterus; unable to 
work; treatment 
followed curet- 
ting. 
24 
4 
30 
Intra-uterine, P. 
6, 60°-60°. 
Vaginal, right, P. 
7, 50°-60°; N. 17, 
30°-50°. 
After 1 month flow of 16 nap- 
kins. Ovarian tumor one-half 
former size. After 3 months 
ovary twice normal size, and 
has remained same size. Be- 
came pregnant. Able to do 
hard work. Uterus same as 
before. Local sensitiveness re- 
lieved, and headaches by po 
tassium iodide. 
7. 
Anemic from loss 
of blood; dyspep- 
tic; treatment 
followed curet- 
ting. 
18 
2 
9 
Intra-uterine, P. 
6, 55°-90°. 
Vaginal, P. 3,15°- 
50°. 
After 4 months had flowing of 
24 napkins, then regular, 12 
napkins or less. At end of H 
years no further flowing. Oc- 
casionally skips a month. 
Dysuria; cough; 
syphilis. 
7 
6 
18 
Intra-uterine, N. 
8, 40°-80°. 
Vaginal, N. 8, 20°- 
60°. 
Faradism, M. 2, 
35°. 
At end of 7 months tumors same 
size. Relieved of cough, not 
of dysuria. Myomectomy in 7 
months. Relief. 
7.8 
Well except at 
time of catame- 
nia. 
12 
10 
21 
Intra-uterine, N. 
6, 50°-70°. 
Vaginal, P. 4, 30°- 
60°; N. 6, 35°- 
100°. 
F. 5, M. 50°-100°. 
At the end of 1 year no relief of 
dysmenorrhea. Skips a month 
every few months. Tumor 
same size. 
Unable to work; 
hurts her to sit 
down. 
9 
8 
9 
Intra-uterine, P. 
8, 50°-100; N. 3, 
50°-60. 
Vaginal, P. 3, 60°. 
Faradic, F. 35. 
Flow increased in amount. Tu- 
mor same size. 
7.5 
Chief complaints 
are lumps in ab- 
domen and ab- 
dominal tender- 
ness; under ob- 
4 
2 
9 
Faradism, vagino- 
abdominal, F. 8, 
70°-100°. 
Vaginal galvan- 
ism, P. 1, 30°. 
Tenderness of abdomen invari- 
ably relieved by faradism. 
Galvanism caused increased 
tenderness and pain. 
serration at Free 
Hospital for 9 
Alcoholism 
2 
2 
6 
Intra-uterine, P. 
6, 50°-70°. 
Flow diminished. Had a hemor- 
rhage from the lungs, and 
very sick at home. Passed 
from under observation. 
Loss of flesh; hot 
flashes that make 
her weak. 
2 
2 
8 
Intra-uterine, N. 
5, P. 1, 40°-70°. 
Vaginal, N. 1, 50°; 
P. 1, 35°. 
At end of 2 months pain much 
relieved. Hot flashes less 
troublesome. 
FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 20 
BURRAGE : ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF 
I Case No. 
Name, age, social 
condition. 
Pregnancies. 
Description of tumor. 
Depth of uterus at 
beginning, in cm. 
Flowing. 
Pain. 
39 
M. B., 
27, 
Multiple, filling pelvis 
and part of abdomen; 
a portion submucous 
and presenting at os 
externum, which was 
dilated to size of a 
silver dollar. 
13 
Severe flowing 8 
months ago and 
for last 3 weeks; 
previous to 8 
months, regular; 
4 to s days; 10 
napkins. 
s. 
1 year. 
40 
K. C., 
m. 
40, 
0 children, 
0 abortion. 
Interstitial, coc oanut; 
most of tumor in an- 
terior wall of fundus; 
mobility good. 
10 
Irregular flowings 
for last 7 years; 
very bad of late; 
24 napkins every 
2 weeks. 
Pain in right hip. 
41 
m. c., 
39, 
Interstitial, cocoanut; 
uterus distorted; os 
externum on side; 
dense; hemorrhoids. 
Multiple, large, half 
filling abdomen; 2 
lobes. 
Catamenia profuse 
for 2 years; 16 to 
20 napkins; clots. 
Regular; 4 days; 
8 napkins. 
42 
S. 
A. V., 
m. 
45, 
0 children, 
0 abortion. 
11.6 
7 years; dys- 
menorrhea, se- 
vere ; has to 
give up work 
for 4 days each 
time. 
Pain in back for 
2 years. 
43 
T. S., 
m. 
37, 
13 children, 
oldest 17, 
youngest 
2; 0 abor- 
tion. 
Interstitial, small; sym- 
metrical; dense; tubo- 
ovaritis right side; 
mobility good; lace- 
rated cervix and peri- 
neum. 
10.8 
Menorrhagia, pro- 
fuse for 10 mos.; 
worse every sec- 
ond month. 
Pain in back for 
2 years, so bad 
that she cannot 
sit or walk. 
44 
R. R. G., 
40, m. 
3 children, 
youngest 
8; 3 abor- 
tions. 
Interstitial; small; sym- 
metrical ; retroverted; 
hard; lacerated cer- 
vix and perineum. 
10.2 
Regular every 3 
weeks; 6 days; 12 
to 14 napkins. 
Pain across ab 
domen. 
A year ago I was present at an oophorectomy performed by 
one of the leading operators in Boston. The case was a large 
fibroid that had been treated, a year before the operation, by 
puncture through the abdominal walls with steel needles. It 
so happened that I was present also when the punctures were 
made, one in January and the other in March, and know that 
the first was of one hundred and twenty milamperes for twelve 
minutes, and the second of one hundred and twenty-five milam- 
peres for the same length of time. When the abdomen was 
opened there were no adhesions; and moreover, after careful in- 
spection of the tumor, there were no vestiges of the punctures to 
be seen on its surface. I have been informed by several opera- 
tors that they have had similar experiences. While we are on 
the subject of puncture I wish to say that I have punctured FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
21 
General condition. 
1 Number of months 
I under observation. 
Number of months 
from first to last 
treatment. 
1 Number of treat- 
1 ments. 
Description of 
treatments. 
Results. 
Depth of uterus at 
end, in cm. 
Thin; anemic; a 
chronic tea 
drinker; very 
nervous; hardly 
strong enough to 
report at clinic; 
timid. 
2 
2 
9 
Punctures in sub- 
mucous mass in 
os externum, P 
135°, N. 125°- 
150°. 
Electrode in os, P 
3, 36°-40°; N 2 
50°-100°;F. 100°' 
A lively hemorrhage after one of 
the punctures controlled by 
gauze packing. Not strong 
enough to follow up treat- 
ment. Pain relieved. Tumor 
same size. 
Of spare build; 
poorly nourished. 
u 
U 
6 
Intrauterine, p 
6, 65°-100°; F 
100°. 
After first treatment back felt 
better than it had felt for 13 
months. One flow of 12 napkins 
and 1 flow of 5 napkins. By 
breaking of rheostat patient 
received a shock. Never seen 
Occasional vomit- 
ing. 
u 
U 
8 
Vaginal, P. 2, 50°- 
60°;N. 6,40°-60°. 
again. 
Pain and vomiting increased. 
Treatment preparatory to 
puncture, but patient intole- 
rant. Unable to trace her. 
Loss of flesh 
1 
1 
6 
Intra-uterine, p 
1, 70°; N. 5, 50°- 
100°. 
Treatment caused some flowing 
and pain. Patient did not 
continue under observation. 
Wrote 1 year later that she 
had had electricity at home 
9.6. 
Stout; flesh flabby; 
anxious expres- 
sion to face; very 
miserable with 
pain; hyperes- 
thesia of abdo- 
men. 
u 
n 
10 
Intra-uterine, p. 
10. 35°-100°; p. 
100° with same 
electrodes as for 
galvanism and 
following it. 
After 2 weeks and 6 treatments 
pain gone. Able to walk and 
sit. At end of li months pain 
relieved. Patient left town 
and lost track of. Tumor 
smaller. 
Of large frame; 
flesh flabby; ane- 
mic; previous 
treatment with 
tonics and pes- 
sary for li years. 
3 
3 
8 
Intra-uterine, P. 
2, 63°-65°; N. 4, 
35°-65°. 
Positive with car- 
bon tips and fol- 
lowing negative. 
F. 20. 
Flow rather increased. Size 
about the same. 
9.9 
with two needles through the abdominal walls, the patient being 
under ether, several times. No harm resulted in the cases I did. 
Nevertheless the method does not appeal to me. I fear intra- 
peritoneal hemorrhage or accidental puncture of the boweli 
Puncture through the vagina, using as the other pole the clay 
plate on the abdomen, I have done a great many times, without 
ether as a rule, and exceptionally with it. I have never had a 
bad result. The chief objection to the method is its painful- 
ness if used without anesthesia. It is applicable in only a lirm 
ited number of cases, because of the danger of wounding the 
bladder, ureters, or rectum. 
Intra-uterine treatment is to be preferred to puncture. This 
is often painful if high intensities are used, especially in the case 
of small tumors. We have not here in Boston such phlegmatic 22 
BURR AGE I ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF 
patients as are seen in the clinics abroad. It is a mistake to- 
begin electrical treatment with intra-uterine applications and 
with high intensities. Many of onr nervous single women, es- 
pecially those in the higher walks of life, have to be handled 
very carefully. Even when a patient has become accustomed to 
intra-uterine treatment she may not be able to tolerate more 
than sixty or seventy milamperes; it is common to see patients 
who cannot. Treatments should, as a rule, be begun with 
vaginal galvanism or faradism. The larger the tumor, other 
things being equal, the greater the tolerance to intra-uterine and 
puncture treatment and to high intensities. Here let me tes- 
tify to the good results obtained from the use of faradism from 
the fine coil for the dissipation of the pain caused by galvanic 
treatment. Bipolar vaginal or intra-uterine has, in my hands, 
yielded most gratifying results. As a rule, it may be said that 
the pain of fibroids is best relieved temporarily by faradism and 
permanently by galvanism. 
Coming now to my third classification of symptomatic results, 
we find that twenty-one cases were improved permanently 
in general health and rendered better able to work. Leaving 
out of consideration those that were not benefited because the 
flowing or pain with which they suffered were not relieved, we 
have twenty-one out of twenty-five cases, or eighty-four per cent, 
permanently cured. It is often surprising to see the improve- 
ment in general health following one or two treatments with 
electricity. A patient previously a great sufferer with pain, 
emaciated, of anxious countenance, unable to go up- or down- 
stairs, to sweep, dust, or in fact to do any of her own work, 
after taking a few treatments becomes cheerful, loses that 
drawn, worried look, can endure more, and gradually gains 
flesh. Nothing in my experience has been capable of produc- 
ing such results in fibroids as galvanism, and galvanism applied 
locally. I have tried general electrization in these cases, but 
without any such marked improvement as characterizes local 
galvanization. Surely it is more rational to apply the remedy 
as nearly as possible at the seat of the disease. 
I think that every patient suffering with a fibroid tumor of 
the uterus should be under competent medical supervision. 
She should be seen from time to time, and, if the symptoms 
warrant, should be treated. In this way only have we any 
surety that the patient will not be subjected to needless dangers FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
23 
and distressing symptoms later on. Fibroids, I believe, are not 
the harmless tumors they have been thought to be ; although 
they seldom kill quickly, they wear out slowly, and many a 
woman leads a life of misery and suffering because the profes- 
sion has believed and advised that nothing but hysterectomy 
could relieve. It is my experience that women with fibroids do 
not arrive at the menopause until from seven to ten years after 
the age at which most women reach the climacteric. dSTot only 
that, but they are more subject to pain, flowing, and exaggerated 
and distressing nervous symptoms, to say nothing of the dangers 
of malignant degeneration and kidney disease from pressure, 
during the period of life from 40 to 60 years of age, than is 
commonly supposed by the profession at large. Besides this, 
a great many fibroids are not absorbed after the climacteric; 
certain of them undergo degeneration, and some become malig- 
nant. As we learn more and more about these tumors, and 
better appreciate the symptoms to which they give rise, their 
laws of growth, the dangers to the economy from long-continued 
pressure, and as the technique of hysterectomy is improved 
and the mortality lowered, it is my opinion that the operation 
for total removal will be practised more and more often, and 
earlier and earlier in the life history of fibroids. When patients 
are in such poor condition from long neglect that such a radical 
measure is contra-indicated, electricity offers us a means to pre- 
pare them for the great strain of an operation. I believe that 
the results of hysterectomy will be better when the patients are 
more carefully prepared. There will always be a large number 
of fibroids where operation is inexpedient or refused and where 
the suffering is considerable. As physicians our duty is to 
relieve this suffering, and because too much has been claimed 
for electricity is no reason why we should neglect it altogether. 
It is, in my opinion, the best therapeutic measure at our com- 
mand with which to treat fibroid tumors of the uterus, because 
most tumors treated with it do not increase in size, because it is 
absolutely safe, because it will relieve pain in a very large num- 
ber and hemorrhage in some, and because it is sure to improve 
the general health and strength. 
Conclusions.—l. Hysterectomy is contra-indicated in a ma- 
jority of cases of fibroids because of the high rate of mortality 
and because it unsexes the patient—the latter an important 
consideration in younger women. BURR AGE : FIBROID TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 
2. Electricity is the best therapeutic means at our disposal to 
combat pain, hemorrhage, and impaired health and strength. 
3. Intra-uterine galvanism is most advisable. 
4. We must not look for a permanent reduction in the size of 
the tumor. 
5. Galvanism—vaginal, intra-uterine, or by puncture—does 
not cause abscesses or adhesions. 
6. Galvanism is of no use as a means of diagnosing the pre- 
sence of pus. 
7. Treatment by electricity after the Apostoli method is 
absolutely safe. 
8. Every case of fibroid tumor of the uterus should be under 
■competent medical observation, because of the danger of malig- 
nant degeneration, kidney disease from pressure on the ureters, 
complications during pregnancy, and the liability of the occur- 
rence of pain and hemorrhage, and functional nervous disorders, 
especially during a delayed and protracted menopause. 
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