On diseases of the rectum and anus / by Harrison Cripps.

  • William Harrison Cripps
Date:
1907
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On diseases of the rectum and anus / by Harrison Cripps. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    154/704 (page 78)
    by the patient at the moment of straining, allows the passage of the finger with scarcely any pain. As a lubricant nothing answers so well as thoroughly soaping the finger with soap and water. Soap can always be obtained, is more cleanly than any ointment, and, above all, renders the finger softer and smoother than can be effected by any other means. If we are called to examine the part when internal piles have become strangulated or acutely inflamed, the anus will be found surrounded by a considerable protrusion, which may involve part, or the whole, cir¬ cumference of the bowel. In the latter case, the swollen mass will be divided by three or four deep sulci. The swelling consists of the piles and prolapsed mucous membrane. The inner part of the fold is of a dark chocolate colour. The outer portion, as it merges towards the skin, is lighter in appearance. If the piles be subjected to the friction of the clothes, they will have a rough and excoriated surface, exuding a blood-stained serum. If left unrelieved after days of suffering, a large part of the mass may become black, and pass into a state of gangrene. Treatment of Piles.—This will be considered under two headings. (1) Palliative treatment. (2) Radical cure by operation. (1) Palliative Treatment.—Many cases of piles can be cured by suitable treatment, without having re¬ course to operative interference. Moreover, there will be cases where an operation would be the best and shortest method of treatment, but in which the fears of the patients prevent them obtaining the necessary relief. Something can be done in these circumstances by simple measures to remove the more prominent and distress¬ ing symptoms of the malady, though it may not be possible to effect a permanent cure.