Observations on strictures of the rectum and other affections which diminish the capacity of that intestine : including spasmodic constriction of the anus, the haemorrhoidal tumours (called piles) excrescences, and the prolapsus ani and the mode of treatment ... / by W. White.

  • White, William.
Date:
1820
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on strictures of the rectum and other affections which diminish the capacity of that intestine : including spasmodic constriction of the anus, the haemorrhoidal tumours (called piles) excrescences, and the prolapsus ani and the mode of treatment ... / by W. White. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    which I had embraced was erroneous; as an essential difference between simple stricture and schirrus of the rectum, has been satisfactorily proved in various instan¬ ces, from manual investigation; from the favorable result of numerous cases, and likewise from examinations after death. Some eminent practitioners are of opinion, that strictures of the rectum, not only frequently occur, but also that the disease is commonly within reach of the finger. Others again believe the disorder to be rare, because it is so seldom within reach. My own experi¬ ence coincides with the first of these opinions, so far as it relates to the frequency of the complaint; but as to its being generally within reach, this is certainly not a fact. I would wish it however to be understood, that I confine this remark to simple stricture only; because it must be allowed that a schirrus state of the rectum is commonly within reach of the finger. With regard to the latter opinion, it has been founded obviously on a misconcep¬ tion of facts, for in nine cases out of ten, the disease though existing, cannot be detected by the finger alone. It is therefore probable, this contrariety of opinion has originated from want of a proper discrimination of the different modifications of the disease. The more this complaint has fallen under my notice, the less am I surprised at its being so frequently over-