History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c21.s4.t6.2

v1.c21.s4.t6.2

The entire quantity of the morbific fluid should not be allowed to ooze out in a single day, inasmuch as thirst, fever, aching of the limbs, dysentery, dyspnoea and a burning of the feet might supervene in consequence, or as it might lead to a fresh accumulation of matter in the abdomen, in the event of the patient being of a weak constitution. Therefore, it should be gradually tapped at intervals of three, four, five, six, eight, ten, twelve, or of even sixteen days. After the complete outflow of the ascitic fluid, the abdomen should be firmly tied with a piece of flannel, silk-cloth or leather, so that gases may not cause distension.