Edoardo Porro's intent was to avoid the possibility of the escape of post-partum uterine fluids into the abdominal cavity but rather discharging them externally under antiseptic dressings. This required that delivery of the fetus be performed in the traditional fashion followed by exteriorizing the uterus and passing a wire ligature about the neck of the uterus and tightening it by screw power;  the organ is cut away above the loop and the stump secured in the lower angle of the abdominal wall.