Surgery.

Date:
[1913]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Surgery. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Describe Cancrum Oris. Cancrum oris is a virulent form of gangrene which com- mences as an ulcerative stomatitis. The condition most commonly occurs in weakly children suffering from scarlet fever, measles, or typhoid ; a similar form of gangrene known as noma may affect the vulva. The cheek is gradually perforated, the floor of the mouth, and even portions of the jaws may become involved. Marked constitutional reaction takes places, and evil-smelling, blood-stained saliva dribbles from the mouth. Treatment consists in freely and widely excising the affected tissues. Grafting will be necessary at a later period. Describe Phagedena. Phagedena is the name given to acute infective gangrene. The tissues are destroyed, leading to extensive ulceration, and the part is swollen and dark purple in colour. The condition was common in the pre-antiseptic era and is now only seen in the penis following neglected cases of venereal disease. Enumerate the Circulatory Lesions which may cause Gangrene. Disease of the arterial wall, e.g. arterio-sclerosis, thrombo- angiitis obliterans. Obstruction of the lumen, e.g. embolism, thrombosis. Pressure from without, e.g. prolonged application of tourniquet, plaster too tightly applied. Chemical, e.g. ergot and carbolic. Vasomotor, e.g. Raynaud’s disease. Other causes are acute pyogenic infection, e.g. cancrum oris, phagedena and gas gangrene. Describe Gas Gangrene. Gas gangrene results from the infection oi a wound with anaerobic organisms of the spore-bearing Clostridium type. The organisms commonly found are B. Welchii, Vibrion septique, and the bacillus of malignant oedema. The organisms flourish in dead tissue, particularly muscle, and are often found in the vicinity of a foreign body. They all
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