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.

    61/184 (page 45)
    H^.MORRIIOIDS. ^'J of ligatures to piles is entirely exceptional; and, with common precautions, this proceeding must he regarded as safe as any operation in surgery. The symptoms of haemorrhoids appear to admit of some temporary relief from mechanical pressure. For this purpose, hougies have heen introduced into the rectum, and retained there for a certain period daily; and short metaUic plugs have been worn for the same purpose. The principle of giving support to weak and dilated veins by mechanical means, is of the utmost value in surgery, but it is obviously impossible to apply this with effect to the hsemorrhoidal veins; and, though some benefit may be derived from the instru- ments alluded to, the relief is too slight and transient, and the treatment of too disagreeable a character, to render these plans of much value in practice. In persons, however, advanced in life, with a weak sphincter and relaxed rectum, especially in men with enlarge- ment of the prostate gland, the hsemorrhoidal growths and the adjoining mucous folds slip down so readily when the patient stands or walks about, that it is often necessary to adopt some mechanical means to support them, and prevent their protruding. Such measures are chiefly required in cases where the patient is very reluctant to undergo an operation, or is an unfit subject for one. There is an instrument in com- mon use consisting of a steel band to encircle the pelvis, from the back of which a slightly curved spring descends to a point corresponding to the anus, at which extremity a conical ivory or india-rubber pad is attached. The pad, pressed upwards by the spring, supports the rectum, into which it slightly enters. Some of these instruments possess the advantage of not being exposed to displacement in the changing posi-