Anomalies and Curiosities of MedicineGould, George M. (George Milbrey)
Science
Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine
Gould, George M. (George Milbrey)
Abnormalities, Human; Medicine -- Anecdotes
In some cases there is extensive sloughing of the genitals after
parturition with recovery far beyond expectation. Gooch mentions a case
in which the whole vagina sloughed, yet to his surprise the patient
recovered. Aetius and Benivenius speak of recovery in such cases after
loss of the whole uterus. Cazenave of Bordeaux relates a most marvelous
case in which a primipara suffered in labor from an impacted head. She
was twenty-five, of very diminutive stature, and was in labor a long
time. After labor, sloughing of the parts commenced and progressed to
such an extent that in one month there were no traces of the labia,
nymphae, vagina, perineum, or anus. There was simply a large opening
extending from the meatus urinarius to the coccyx. The rectovaginal
septum, the lower portion of the rectum, and the neck of the bladder
were obliterated. The woman survived, although she always experienced
great difficulty in urination and in entirely emptying the rectum. A
similar instance is reported in a woman of thirty who was thirty-six
hours in labor. The fundus of the uterus descended into the vagina and
the whole uterine apparatus was removed. The lower part of the rectum
depended between the labia; in the presence of the physician the nurse
drew this out and it separated at the sphincter ani. On examining the
parts a single opening was seen, as in the preceding case, from the
pubes to the coccyx. Some time afterward the end of the intestine
descended several inches and hung loosely on the concave surface of the
rectum. A sponge was introduced to support the rectum and prevent
access of air. The destruction of the parts was so complete and the
opening so large as to bring into view the whole inner surface of the
pelvis, in spite of which, after prolonged suppuration, the wound
cicatrized from behind forward and health returned, except as regards
the inconvenience of feces and urine. Milk-secretion appeared late and
lasted two months without influencing the other functions.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account