Treatment of hemorrhoids, and other non-malignant rectal diseasesAgnew, W. P. (William Penn)
Science
Treatment of hemorrhoids, and other non-malignant rectal diseases
Agnew, W. P. (William Penn)
Hemorrhoids; Rectum -- Diseases
Both of these gentlemen had been told time and again that the carbolic
treatment was ineffectual and dangerous. One ex-army surgeon and college
professor said he would not attempt any of the heroic operations in the
second case, as there was too much tissue involved; that he would only
agree to treat it by making local applications twice a week.
And further, he would not promise any results inside of ten months,
asking twenty dollars per month. He would not swerve from his opinion,
and could not say that a permanent cure would then be effected.
Mrs. Jane D., nearly 80, afflicted many years, had consulted fifteen
different physicians, all of whom refused anything more than temporary
relief because of extreme age; having always been considered delicate,
with cataract now forming in both eyes. Would be satisfied if she could
live not more than two years after a cure.
The tumors were “old bronzed veterans,” tough and unyielding. One side
was taken at each operation and although confined to the bed mostly for
the first seven or eight days after operation, could get out and in at
any time without assistance. Had no constitutional disturbance, never
missed a meal and was able to get up and down stairs inside of eight days
unattended.
The dead piles embraced in the coagula were much longer in separating
from the bowel, and base of attachment longer in healing than in the
average case. Hot water sponge compresses were used frequently, together
with opium suppositories for the first 24 hours, then occasionally for
the next three days; after which hot water irrigation and iodoform
suppositories. Later bismuth, eucalyptol and oxide of zinc ointment. An
occasional dose of sulphur and pot. bitart. was given and the bowels
moved by flushing of the colon; which was resorted to but twice.
In this case the edges of the thickened, calloused mucous membrane of the
bowel where it joined the hemorrhoids, appeared to be so cartilaginous
in places, that I expected hard ridges would be left; but they all
disappeared and softened down by the use of eucalyptol, buckthorn and
stramonium ointment. At one point a small polypus sprang up, which
withered from the injection of a few drops of pure carbolic acid, like a
tender sprout, after being frozen, under a scorching sun.
The lady could not repress her feelings of emotion, in expressing
gratitude for the services rendered, but gave way and freely cried.
Although in rather poor circumstances, she did not think a charge of
fifty dollars sufficient and afterwards returned, saying that she felt
that she would not die happy unless I was better paid, and insisted upon
my taking another “twenty.”
RESUMÉ.
Do not operate during an attack of piles.
Operate with the tumor, or tumors, on the upper side.
Handle the parts with extreme gentleness and deliberation.
See all that can be seen and treat all that can be treated without the
aid of a speculum.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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