The Sushruta Samhita — trans. Bhishagratna

6.

p. 34

266 THK SUSHRUTA SAMIIITA. [Chap. II.

Their definitions:— A traumatic ulcer which is oblique or straight and elongated is called a Chhinna l^cut) ulcer, while a complete severance of a part or member of the body is also designated by that name, A perforation of any of the cavities or receptacles of the body by the tip of a Kunta, spear, Rishti, or a sword or by a horn, attended with a little discharge, constitutes what is called a Bhinna (punctured) wound or ulcer. The Amas'aya (stomachy the Pakv^saya (intestines), the Agnyasaya (gall-bladder ?\ the Mutras'aya (urinary bladder), the Raktasaya (receptacle of blood), the heart, the Unduka and the lungs constitute what is called the Koshtha (viscu>). A perforation (of the wall of any) of the As'ayas causes it to become filled with blood which is discharged through the urethra, the anus, the mouth or the nostrils and is attended with fever, thirst, fainting fits, dyspnoea, burning sensations, tympanites, suppression of stool, urine and flatus (Vata) with an aversion for food, perspiration, redness of the eyes, a bloody smell in the mouth, and feted one in the body and an aching pain in the heart and in the sides. 7 — 10.

Now hear me discourse on (their) detailed symptoms. A perforation of the wall of the Ama'saya (stomach) is marked by constant vomiting of blood, excessive tympanites and an excruciating pain. A perforation of the Pakva's'aya fills it with blood and is attended with extreme pain, a heaviness in the limbs, coldness of the sub-umbilical region, and bleeding through the (lower) ducts and orifices of the body. Even in the absence of any perforation, the Antras (intestines) are filled with blood through the small pores or apertures in their walls in the same manner as a pitcher with its mouth firmly covered may be filled through the pores (in its sides), and a sense of heaviness is also perceived in their inside, r i-i 3.

Chap. 110 CHIltlTSA STHANAM. '267

Chap. 110 CHIltlTSA STHANAM. '267

A wound or an ulcer caused by any sharp pointed Salya (shaft) in any part of the body other than the aforesaid As'ayas with or without that Salya being extricated is called a Viddha (pierced one). An ulcer which is neither a cut nor a perforation or puncture but partakes of the nature of both and is uneven is called a Kshata (wound). A part of the body with the local bone crushed between the folds of a door or by a blow becomes extended and covered with blood and marrow and is called a Pichchita (thrashed) wound or ulcer. The skin of any part of the body suffering abrasion through friction or from any other such like causes and attended with heat and a secretion is called a Ghrisbta (mangled or lacerated) wound or ulcer. 14-17.

Their Treatment : —A part or member of the body any wise cut, perforated, pierced or wounded which is attended with excessive bleeding and with the local Vayu enraged or aggravated by the incidental bleeding, or haemorrhage will occasion excruciating pain. Potions of Sneha (oily or fatty liquids) and using the same as a washing (in a lukewarm state) should be advised in such cases. Preparation of Ves'avaras and other Krisaras largely mixed with oil or clarified butter should be used as poultices and fomentations with the Masha pulse, etc., and the use of oily ungents and emulsive Yastis (enematas)* prepared with decoctions of Vayu-subduing drugs should be applied. A crushed or thrashed wound or abrasion is not attended wi:h any excessive bleeding an absolute absence whereof, '^on the contrary) gives rise to an excessive burning sensation and suppuration in the affected part. Cold washes and cooling plasters should be used in these cases for the alleviation of the

* Snehapana is recommended when the ulcer is in a region above the umbilicus and Vasti-karma when the ulcer is in a subumbilical region.

268 THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA. [Chap. IT, burning and suppuration as well as for the cooling of the (incarcerated) heat. What has been specifically said of these six forms of ulcers, or wounds should be understood to include the treatment of all kinds of traumatic wounds or ulcers as well. i8 — 20.

Treatment of cuts or incised wounds

What has been specifically said of these six forms of ulcers, or wounds should be understood to include the treatment of all kinds of traumatic wounds or ulcers as well. i8 — 20.

Treatment of cuts or incised wounds

&C : — Now we shall discourse on the medical treatment of Chhinna cuts. An open mouthed ulcer on the side of the head* should be duly sutured as described before and firmly bandaged. An ear severed or lopped off should be sutured in the proper way and position and oil should be poured into its cavity. A Chhinna cut on the Krikatika (lying on the posterior side of the junction of the neck and the head) and even if it allow the V^yu t (air) to escape through its cavity should be brought together and duly sutured and bandaged in a manner (so as not to leave any intervening space between\ The part thus adhesioned should be sprinkled with clarified butter prepared from goat's milk. The patient should be made to take his food lying on his back, properly secured or fastened with straps (so that he might not move his head and advised to perform all other physical acts such as, urination, defecation etc , in that position). 21-24

In the case of a lateral and wide-mouthed wound (sword-cut, etc.) on the extremeties, the bone-joints should be duly set and joined together as instructed before and the wound should be sutured and speedily bandaged in the manner of a Vellitaka bandage, or t The dictum that a hurl on any of the wind-carrying sounding channels is pronounced to be incurable, should not be supposed to hold good in the present case.

* Several commentators explain those that are situated either on the head or on the sides.

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with a piece of skin or hide in the Gophana or such other form as would seem proper and beneficial and oil should be poured over it. In the case of a wound on the back the patient should be laid on his back, while in the case of its occurring on the chest the patient should be laid on his face* 25-27.