Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c11.44

c11.44

All such operations are very dangerous because one has to operate by mere perception of touch and only with one hand amidst organs like the vagina, liver, spleen, uterus and other sensitive organs and then has to perform manipulations of extracting, pressing, cutting and other things. The surgeon must, therefore, secure the permission of the ruler (*adhipati*, *īśvara*) and must take great pains for the operation. According to Bhav 2.4.189 the treatment is, on the contrary, to be entrusted to women midwives who have gained fame by many successful deliveries even under difficult circumstances. A clever and fearless woman experienced in surgery should insert the knife in the vagina if the foetus is dead.