Operation for artifical anus / By J. Mason Warren, M.D.

  • Warren, Jonathan Mason, 1811-1867.
Date:
[1848]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Operation for artifical anus / By J. Mason Warren, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    character than usual. There had been no discharge from the wound since the day before. A gentle compression was made by means of a compress and bandage on the openings in the groin, and the orifices ordered to be touched daily with the nitrate of silver. The patient improved in health, rapidly acquired her strength, and there was no farther discharge at the artificial anus from the day of the separation of the instrument until she left the hospital, at which time the openings in the groin had almost completely cica¬ trized. On July 29th, being very eager to return home, she was dis¬ charged from the institution at her own request, but against my wishes, as I was anxious to watch the progress of the case to its very close. From a desire to learn the final result of this case, I have lately addressed a letter to Dr. Brown, of Horton, N. S., her physician, and received a reply bearing date May 5th, 1848. In his answer this gentleman informed me, that immediately upon her return my patient was greatly improved both in health and spirits, the feces had their natural exit, and every thing looked very promising. In a short time, however, owing to over-indulgence in the use of coarse, flatulent food, and the want of that general surveillance so neces¬ sary for this class of patients, fecal matters had again appeared at the old orifice, as well as at several places on the hip, some of which were fresh outlets. This was the condition of things in December, when Dr, B. was summoned to a meeting of the legislatue at Hali¬ fax. “ On my return in April,” writes this gentleman, “ about a week ago, I was quite taken by surprise to find our patient perfectly re¬ covered, looking as plump and gay as ever, and busily employed about her house. Being in haste, and she being busy, I did not examine her, but she informed me that all the ulcers as well as the original outlet were entirely healed, except one new one, and that had not discharged fecal matters for some time, and was in fact nearly healed; that the hip had greatly decreased in size, and had assumed quite a natural appearance; that her bowels were entirely regular, and she could take any kind of food without the least in¬ convenience. She even said, she had not enjoyed so good gene¬ ral health for several years previous to her misfortune, as now.” On reviewing the above case, it will be perceived that it presented difficulties of a formidable character. In the first place the extreme debility and emaciation of the patient, and her great mental depres¬ sion, were obstacles almost as troublesome to contend with, as the disease itself. Twice after much labor had been expended, and some progress made in the preliminary treatment, she insisted on relinquishing it at once and returning home ; and on the day when the instrument was to be applied, she declared that she was certain