Sut′ure-lig′a-ture.
(
Surgical.) A device for closing sutures, as in cleftpalate, recto-vaginal, vesicovaginal fistula, etc.
Dr. Sims's method is as follows: The thread is passed through both sides of the incision; the two ends are brought out together, passed through a small hole in a
shot (say size No. 1); the shot is then seized with a pair of strong forceps and pushed up the ligature until it comes in close contact with the incised edges, bringing them in apposition or contact.
The shot is then squeezed or pressed flat by the forceps, so that the suture is held tight.
See also Staphyloraphic instruments.
See
Dunglison's “Dictionary” for instances of capital operations in ligating.