Observations on the diseases of the rectum / by T.B. Curling.

  • Thomas Blizard Curling
Date:
1855
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the diseases of the rectum / by T.B. Curling. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    21/184 (page 5)
    It may seem superfluous to remark, that no opera- tion, even of a trivial character, should be performed on the anus or rectum without due inquiry into the state of the patient's general health. I have heard of diffuse inflammation of a fatal character arising after the removal of a small excrescence from the anus, and after the division of a fistula; and of phlebitis occurring from the removal of hjemorrhoids; and although all operations are more or less liable to ill consequences, they very rarely happen except where the precaution alluded to is neglected. No prudent surgeon would undertake an operation on these parts in a person with a broken-down constitution, or with organic disease of the lungs or liver, or with albu- minous urine; but with ordinary caution in the selec- tion of cases, and with common care in performing the operations necessary, and in conducting the after- treatment, they are as successful and satisfactory as any belonging to surgery. CHAPTER 11. IRRITABLE ULCER OF TIIE RECTUM. The mucous membrane of the lower part of the rectum is arranged in longitudinal folds, which disappear in the expanded state of the bowel. These folds termi- nate below at the external sphincter. Just within this structure, and between the folds, the mucous mem- brane is slightly dilated, variously in different subjects, but in many to such an extent as to form small sacs or pouches. Besides these folds, and in the spaces