Practical observations on the chronic enlargement of the prostate gland in old people; with suggestions for the improved mode of treatment ... to which is prefixed ... remarks on the ... diseases to which the prostate is liable at all periods of life / [F.B. Courtenay].

  • Courtenay, Francis Burdett, 1811-1886
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Practical observations on the chronic enlargement of the prostate gland in old people; with suggestions for the improved mode of treatment ... to which is prefixed ... remarks on the ... diseases to which the prostate is liable at all periods of life / [F.B. Courtenay]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    urethra, it is highly desirable to retain a catheter, as the passage of the urine through it prevents the escape of that fluid into the fistulous openings, and thereby increases the prospect of their healing. When, however, the retention of the catheter produces an abundant and acrimonious secretion from the urethra, it must be withdrawn, for such a discharge escaping into the fistulous openings would, in all likelihood, prevent their healing quite as much as the urine itself. Under such circumstances, it is best to pass the instrument when the patient desires to urinate. Amongst the latter, are cases of permanent stricture, accompanied ])y violent spasms. But that I may not extend these observations to too great a length, I shall refer the reader to the cases annexed, in which he will find examples of the efficacy of this mode of treatment in a modified form. I cannot, under any circumstances, recommend the retention of the catheters for the length- ened period that French surgeons advise their reten- tion, namely, for many days, nay even weeks,without cessation; in my opinion, they should never be retained more than twenty-four hours at one time. When kept in longer, the most serious irritation is very frequently excited in the urethra, prostate, bladder, and contiguous parts; besides great constitutional disturbance.
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