Dictionary.net

A modification of the old dilators for strictures of the urethra. It consists of tube of oiled silk, lined with the thin gut of some small animal to make it air-tight, and fixed on the extremity of a small canula. by which it is distended with air or water, from a bag or syringe at the outer end, whilst a stop-cock or valve serves to keep the air or water in, when received. As soon as the bag is passed within the stricture or strictures, as much air is to be injected into it as the patient can easily bear. The instrument is not much used.