WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE AUTHOR. 
HYDRO-GALVANISM OF THE 
URETHRA. 
BY ROBERT NEWMAN, M. D., New York. 
Consulting Surgeon to Hackensack, Bayonne and McDonough 
Memorial Hospitals, German Dispensary West Side, N. Y. and Home 
in Yonkers, etc., etc. 
Reprinted from Transactions of Electro-Therapeutic Association. 
1895. HYDRO-GALVANISM OF THE ITRETIIRA. 
ROBERT NEWMAN. M. I). New York. 
Consulting Surgeon to Hackensack, Bayonne and McDonough 
Memorial Hospitals, German Dispensary West Side, N. Y. and Home 
in Yonkers,etc.,etc. 
The instrument, which will be displayed here for the appli- 
cation of urethral hydro-galvanism has been so devised as 
means to apply galvanism to parts of the genito-urinary tract 
without bringing the instrument in actual contact with the parts 
to be benefited thereby. 
The principle is that of an electric bath; the electrified water 
gravitates in the cavites, which are thereby expanded, so that 
the whole surface of the cavities is more completely electrified 
than it could be with, and without possibility of the irritation 
which might arise from the use of the metal electrode. The 
instrument being only a vehicle for conveying the electrified 
fluid. 
As the electricity acts differently under different conditions 
and applications — it will be in order to give here some defini- 
tions of terms; 
Voltaic Electricity (galvanic) of low potential difference and 
large current intensity; electricity such as produced by a gal- 
vanic battery; a current or dynamic electricity as opposed to 
static electricity. 
Hydro-electric Pertaining to, employed in or produced by — 
the evolution of electricity by means of a battery in which 
liquids are used, (or by means of steam). 
Hydro-galvanic produced by or consisting of electricity 
evolved by the action or use of fluids, as hydro-galvanic currents. 
Electrolysis is the decomposition or the separation of a 
chemical compound into its constituent parts of elements by 
the galvanic current — Each pole has its peculiar action. 
Cataphoresis a factor in electrolysis, can act by itself — gnd 
thus is an electric osmosis — a transfer (or rather a transmis- 
sion) of substances in solution through porous membranes, 
under the influence probably of electrolysis, but without them- 
selves being decomposed. 
As an electro-therapeutic agent cataphoresis is used for the 
transmission of medicines through the cutaneous or mucous 
linings into the body of the patient. 
Galvanopuncture or Electro-puncture is an electrolysis by 
needles, the current increased to a grade of destruction of 
tissues. 2 
Galvano-Cautery is the short circuit of galvanism to heat a 
platinum wire or burner. It is used as an ecraseur, knife, caut- 
ery or simply as a rubefacient. 
HYDRO-GALVANIC ARPLICA LIONS. 
History. 
All that has been said about the electric baths has reference 
to the origin of this method. Beard and Rockwell have called 
attention to hydro-electric applications. Boudet (of Paris,) 
methods have been written of by Dr. Larat in 1892. Dr. Max 
Einborn has used the direct applications through the fluids of 
the stomach. The writings of W. H. Hedley of Brighton, Eng- 
land and Newman Lawrence of London deserve mention. 
These last two have written on “ Hydro-Electric Methods ” and 
“ The Electric Douche ” and “ Hydro-Electric Therapeutics of 
the constant current.” 
Clemens has written of “ Die Galvaniche Douche ” Deutsche 
Klinik Berlin in 1859 and i860. As far as I am aware, the first 
practical employment of hydro-electric applications was made 
by Dr. W. H. King of N. Y., who constructed in 1889 a rectal 
electrode for hydro-electricity. A drawing of that instrument 
appeared about the same time in Waite and Bartlett’s catalogue. 
The writer has used the principle of hydro-galvanism in the 
female bladder four years ago. The instruments used are 
described in Tieman’s reprints number 10. The paper was read 
before the American Electro-Therapeutic Association in 1893 
in Chicago.* A guarded electrode was used in the water which 
filled the female bladder. 
Dr. Margaret A. Cleaves read a paper at the meeting of the 
American Electro-Therapeutic Association in New York in 
September 1894, on “Special Hydro-Electric Applications” in 
which she exhibited a series of her instruments for special parts 
of the body. The Urethral Hydro-galvanic instrument designed 
by the writer is new and does not infringe on any other appli- 
ance before presented. 
Theory of Hydro-Galvanism. 
The theory is to electrify the fluid used by the continuation 
of the current through the water to the platinum wire of the 
instrument, the same as in an electric bath. If a coin is placed 
in a dish of water, in which both poles of a battery are immersed 
and the current turned on, the water will be so strongly electri- 
fied, that the coin cannot be removed by the hand. The theory 
as a practical application is well expressed by Newman Law- 
rence. “ All that is necessary, to insure, that the water or other 
* (Times and Reg. Nov. 11th, 18!(3). 3 
fluid is electrified when it reaches the patient, is to have the 
nozzle so constructed that the jet or jets of water form continu- 
ous streams for a reasonable distance after they leave the 
metal conductor within the nozzle.” To electrify the fluid by 
the continuation of the current through the water to the plati- 
num wire of the instrument, the same as in an electric bath. 
Description of the instrument. 
The instrument is a conical tube of hard rubber, which can 
be inserted into the urethra from one to two inches, a soft rub- 
ber ring pushed against the meatus prevents leakage. A stop- 
cock regulates the supply of the fluid, the top of which is used 
as one binding post to attach the tip of one rheophore. The 
other end of the tube is used for the attachment of the rubber 
tube for the introduction of the fluid. The tube is lined with a 
platinum wire for the conduction of the electricity. 
Urethral Hydro-Galvanic Instrument. 
A. to B. A conical hard rubber tube. 
A. Small holes for the passage of the fluid into the urethra. 
C. Movable soft rubber ring. 
D. For the attachment of one cord of the battery. 
E. Stopcock. 
B. to F. Corrogated metal tube for the attachment of the 
rubber tube for the introduction of the fluid. 
G. Platinum wire lining the hard rubber tube for the con- 
duction of the electricity. 
Modus operandi—The fluid used may be simple salt water, 
bicarbonate of soda or any other medication as the symptoms 
may indicate. As a reservoir for this fluid the writer uses a 
glass cylinder so as to ascertain by sight the quantity of the 
fluid used. The lowest part of this cylinder and the portion of 
the instrument B. F., are connected by a rubber tube for the 
transmisssion of the fluid through the instrument. The glass 
reservoir is placed at such a height, that the fluid will, by its 
own gravity, enter the parts to be electrified without any undue 
pressure. 4 
For the indifferent pole use either a pad placed on any part 
of the body or a sponge electrode in the hand—the latter is 
preferable, The active pole of the battery is connected with 
the instrument at D. 
The end of the instrument at A. is slightly lubricated and is 
introduced into the meatus so far that the conical part fills up 
the orifice. 
The instrument has been made conical in order that the 
orifice may be filled, as the sizes of the meatus and calibre 
of the urethras differ in different people. When the conical 
tube has been inserted as far as is intended, a rubber ring, C, 
is pressed against the outside of the meatus to prevent any 
leakage of the fluid. One hand only is needed to keep the in- 
strument in place, while the other one is used to turn the stop- 
cock “ E ” which allows and controls the afflux of the fluid to 
the parts) and also to regulate the current strength of the 
battery. 
The galvanic current will be used in strength from 5 to 20 
M. A., according to effects desired. 
The stopcock should be so regulated as to keep the parts 
well filled with the electrified fluid or even dilated so that it 
enters all the rugae of the canal. 
If it is wished to change the electrified fluid the instrument 
may be withdrawn, slightly, to allow an escape of the solution, 
and then the stopcock may be turned on to give a fresh supply. 
The average time for a seance will be about ten minutes. 
Before finishing the treatment the current of the battery 
should be slowly reduced to zero. 
Experiment. 
Action of a galvanic battery, six cells for six minutes. In- 
strument attached to positive pole; a platinum needle to nega- 
tive pole in a solution of Iodide of Potassium, one drachm to 
one ounce of water. 
Iodine at the positive pole and for a considerable distance 
towards the negative pole, manifested by a deep brownish 
yellow color proved the electrolytic action. 
Therefore this instrument can be used in electrolysis just as 
well as for general galvanization. The most important part 
will be the stimulating of the mucous lining, healing of ulcera- 
tions, absorption of pathological conditions, restoring general 
debility, and improving chronic inflammations. If the fluid be 
properly medicated cataphoresis or electrolysis may be applied. 
Methods in the treatment of genito-urinary diseases differ 
widely. The surgeon using the knife stands directly opposite 
the electro-therapeutics. This can only be fully understood by 5 
a comparison of treatment with the knife against electro- 
therapeutics. About strictures of the urethra the author feels 
compelled to make some comparisons and mention different 
methods. 
The general surgical practice in urethral strictures consists in : 
(1) — Gradual dilatation, which cures in only small percentage 
of cases. As a rule it enlarges like the stretching of a rubber 
band, which contracts again after the stretching is left off. 
In suitable cases it is a rational method and will not injure if 
used with care and skill, but in most cases it does not cure. 
(2) —Divulsion may also cure in some cases, but in the major- 
ity it is dangerous; caused by rupture, traumatism, and may 
produce death. At the present time it is abandoned by most 
surgeons. 
(3) —Urethrotomy is the favorite operation of today, and in 
the opinion of many, nevertheless the most unrational method. 
If the cut made heals by first intention the calibre of the 
urethra is not enlarged; if the gap is kept apart by stretching 
cicatrices must form, which are nothing else than strictures of 
a worse character. 
In opposition to this old method the writer has treated 
urethral strictures by electrolysis for 29 years, has compiled 
and reported in 1893—1755 successful cases by different opera- 
tors, all of whom vouch for the correctness of their statistics. 
The writer’s statistics have been examined during a whole 
year, by a committee, who reported the statistics correct. 
However he cannot endorse other methods of so-called 
electrolysis, like “Forte’s linear electrolysis,” which is an 
operation consisting partly in forcible divulsion with a small 
dose of galvano-puncture, both objectionable features; nor 
the instrument of “ Gautier,” which principle has been aban- 
doned by the writer more than 24 years ago. 
The hydro-galvanic instrument may be used in tortuous ure- 
thral strictures of small calibre, in which it is difficult to pass 
a filiform guide and the urethra very sensitive, in order to 
dilate, to lessen the tortuosity, allay the irritability, and heal up 
any sore or bleeding point, and thus prepare the case for the 
regular electrolytic treatment. This is as a rule not necessary 
for the expert, but some operators may find the hydro-galvanism 
an aid in beginning the treatment, particulary when they find 
difficulty in introducing an electrode, or even a filiform guide. 
Diseases of the seminal vesicles consist mostly in inflamma- 
tions, sometimes being one of the causes of impotence, and, 
also connecting with the prostatitis. 6 
The hydro-galvanism has been easily used in these cases 
with marked benefit, and has cured several cases, in which 
other methods only partly allayed the severe symptoms. If 
inflammation is present the introduction of instruments is 
generally very painful, and often causes derangements of the 
bladder. If the hydro-electric galvanism is, and undoubtedly 
does, pacify these parts, it will facilitate the treatment after- 
wards. 
In genito-urinary surgery we are advised to keep the parts at 
rest, which is good treatment. 
It may be a surprise for many that a recent publication 
teaches that the majority of sexual derangements in the male 
are caused by pathological processes in or about the seminal 
vessels, and that it takes extraordinary skill and long experience 
to make a correct diagnosis. 
More plausible and rational methods for diagnosis and treat- 
ment of chronic inflammation of the seminal vesicles are stated 
by H. Feleki. 
(i)—Centbts f.d. Krukhtn d. Harn and Sex organ, 1895, P- 
467 and 512: For diagnosis he uses the “ three glass test ” with 
digital examination, and the treatment consists in massage, for 
which he has devised an instrument, for this purpose, as being 
less disagreeable to both physician and patient, and believes 
that results are more quickly obtained by its use than the 
finger massage. 
Diseases of the Prostate consist mostly of inflammations 
and hypertrophies—what has been said about inflammation of 
the seminal vesicles may also be applied to prostatitis. 
In hypertrophy of the prostrate the surgeon goes from one 
extreme to the other. Formerly the advise was given to use 
the catheter always, and wait till death comes, as nothing else 
can be done. Recently enterprising surgeons have practised 
castration and ligation of the vas deferens. Dr. Mansell 
Moullin reports twelve cases of orchotomy of which two died 
after the operation, two died six months after, and two suffered 
from traumatic delirium. Dr. Moullin thinks that perhaps un- 
ilateral orchotomy or even resection of the vas deferens may be 
followed by good results. 
Lallemand’s method with his “ Cache caustique” never be- 
came popular, notwithstanding it appeared very rational. 
Galvano-cautery has also been used and the writer has made 
positive cures with his “galvano-cautery sound.” 
The passing of instruments through inflamed parts is gener- 
ally very painful, and often causes derangements of the bladder. 
If the hydro-galvanic application will, and undoubtedly does 
pacify these parts, it will facilitate the treatment afterwards of 
other applications. It is a new field in prostatic diseases and 
the probability is that it will cure some maladies of the pros- 
trate gland, superseding the former, doing nothing plan, and the 
present tendency to cutting and mutilating operations. So far 
hydro-galvanism has allayed irritation, cured prostatitis, and 
some cases of impotence. 
Urethritis. 
The failure to abort urethritis has been due principally to the 
fact that the inflammation has caused such an irritable state and 
pain, which makes it impossible to introduce an instrument, 7 
syringe or any medication. The important part is to make use 
of a certain stage inwhich the inflammation has assumed such a 
degree of irritability that the instrument under consideration 
can be used. This or a modification of it can be used with 
more ease than any other instrument. Simple water may be 
used with a weak current of five milliamperes and according to 
circumstances salt or even any other medication indi- 
cated. Electrolysis given by a metallic electrode, or bulb, is 
apt to create more inflammation and possibly a degree of cauter- 
ization. The hydro-electric galvanism is milder and is better 
to abort the urethritis and even arrest inflammation. 
Chronic Urethritio and all pathological discharges will be 
more safely cured by this method than by any other which 
dilates the calibre of the urethra and puts the mucous lining 
on a stretch, cleanses and washes all parts alike. 
The electric current is equally divided in every part of its 
course, the milder application of electricity will be better toler- 
ated by the patient and the curative process takes plade which 
will not be accomplished by direct applications. It may be ob- 
jected to that by an introduction of an instrument of two 
inches, the deeper portion of the urethra may not be elec - 
trifled. By practical observation however, it has been found 
that any part of the urethra can be electrified and if the instru- 
ment be rightly handled the fluid will penetrate any depth of 
that organ. If any doubt arises we have two means to make 
a sure thing still more certain. First is to hang the reservoir 
containing the fluid higher, in order to increase the pressure 
from above; experience has shown that under such circum- 
stances the fluid will even enter and fill up the bladder. The 
other is to have the instrument made longer. It has been 
found from experience, however, that the latter is not necessary. 
Urethritis of the deep urethra. 
As a subdivision of chronic urethritis may be mentioned the 
urethritis of the deep urethra inwhich generally the prostatic and 
even the neck of the bladder is involved. Celebrated special- 
ists have been in the habit of treating such patients with injec- 
tions of nitrate of silver, often so strong as to drive patients 
mad and the case has been made worse. It stands to reason 
that such severe measures are uncalled for and cannot cure, as 
the solution will diffuse itself all over alike diseased as normal 
tissue. A better treatment is the use of solid medications to 
the affected parts only, either by brush, ointment or prostatic 
bougies. An urethroscope may be used in order to have an 
ocular inspection, which will enable the operator to apply the 
remedies in site to the affected spots only. 
The passage of instruments over inflamed surfaces of the 
mucous lining is often too painful and the patient will not en- 
dure the introduction of instruments or local medication. Such 
cases have been particularly benefitted bp the application of 
the hydro-galvanization—in such manner, that the patients con- 
sidered themselves cured. In some of these cases the inflam- 
mation is so great that the disease will be carried into the 
bladder and diseases of the bladder have been cured by hydro- 
galvanization in different ways of application—just as well in 
males as in females. A longer instrument is however desirable 
which can be introduced into the bladder, which has been 
filled with four to six ounces of either plain water or a 8 
medicated solution. Then the catheter is placed inside the 
bladder in the water which indirectly galvanizes the whole 
viscus. 
Excoriations and Ulcerations. 
Excoriations and ulcerations, particularly the latter, are very 
hard to cure in the urethra by ordinary means. Our hydro- 
electro-galvanism will breach over the first part of the treat- 
ment in which the irritability of the parts prevents the applica- 
tion with direct electricity. After a few seances with this 
method, treatment of indirect electricity may be used. 
Poles. 
The operator must decide how the poles of the battery are 
used according to indications, and he must know what action 
he desires, what effect he wishes to produce, and accordingly 
selects the poles. As a rule the instrument will be used as the 
negative pole, but in cataphoresis certainly the positive pole 
has to be selected. In these cases the instrument is the active 
pole. The other indifferent pole is either a pad placed on any 
part of the body or a sponge electrode held in the hand by the 
patient. The latter plan is preferred in most cases. However 
if a more direct action is desired the indifferent pole may be 
applied nearer to the active pole. 
The Current to be used is from 5 to 20 milliamperes. The 
writer prefers weak currents, say 5 M. A., which he has found 
sufficient in most cases, while stronger currents are apt to over- 
stimulate and even cause inflammations and consequently dis- 
charges. The success depends on sound judgment, careful 
manipulation, and perfect understanding of the laws of elec- 
tricity and the instruments. 
The solution used is in many cases plain water, but salt water 
may be or any other medication as indicated. 
Conclusions. 
1— One proposition is that the present ways of genito-urinary 
surgery need reformation, 
(a) As they are too severe and painful 
(b) The failures are in too large a percentage compara- 
tively with cures, 
(c) Some mutilations, as cures, appear barbarous 
(d) Some measures generally used are based on erroneous 
theories. 
2— Electrolysis in the treatment of urethral strictures has 
proved a success in a practice of 30 years, after patients, meth- 
ods, statistics and documentary evidence have been examined 
by an impartial committee. 
3— Hydro-electric methods are nothing else than the electric 
bath localized to a certain part of the body, the current trans- 
mitted by pure or medicated water electrified. 
4— The instrument devised by the writer is introduced to this 
society for what it is worth and for the good it has done, and 
solely for that; nothing more is claimed. 
5— The hydro-galvanism by this instrument will not replace 
the direct electric current. 
7—The hydro-galvanism in genito-urinary surgery wrongly 
applied by the tyro in electricity may do harm, but scientifi- 
cally conducted is useful, and in many cases paves the way for 
other treatment or other applications of electricity.