Since October, 1886, I have performed the operation of shortening the round ligaments, known as Alexander's operation, twelve times. My object in presenting a report of the cases operated upon is three-fold: 1. To elicit a discussion of the subject; 2. To record, as a part of the history of the operation, a number of successful cases; and, 3. To add a few original observations, and to call attention to what has in my experience seemed to be an improvement in the mode of operating.
This operation has been brought forward as a desirable substitute for many of the operations and appliances which have so long been used in the treatment of procidentia and retro-displacements. Uterine prolapse in its various degrees, and backward displacement of the uterus are among the most common, and certainly not the most curable, of the ailments with which the gynecologist is called upon to deal.