Manual of Surgery Volume I Part 4

#Const.i.tutional Disturbances.#--Under the term const.i.tutional disturbances are included the presence of fever or elevation of temperature; certain changes in the pulse rate and the respiration; gastro-intestinal and urinary disturbances; and derangements of the central nervous system. These are all due to the absorption of toxins into the general circulation.

_Temperature._--A marked rise of temperature is one of the most constant and important concomitants of acute inflammatory conditions, and the temperature chart forms a fairly reliable index of the state of the patient. The toxins interfere with the nerve-centres in the medulla that regulate the balance between the production and the loss of body heat.

Clinically the temperature is estimated by means of a self-registering thermometer placed, for from one to five minutes, in close contact with the skin in the axilla, or in the mouth. Sometimes the thermometer is inserted into the r.e.c.t.u.m, where, however, the temperature is normally F. higher than in the axilla.

_In health_ the temperature of the body is maintained at a mean of about 98.4 F. (37 C.) by the heat-regulating mechanism. It varies from hour to hour even in health, reaching its maximum between four and eight in the evening, when it may rise to 99 F., and is at its lowest between four and six in the morning, when it may be about 97 F.

The temperature is more easily disturbed in children than in adults, and may become markedly elevated (104 or 105 F.) from comparatively slight causes; in the aged it is less liable to change, so that a rise to 103 or 104 F. is to be looked upon as indicating a high state of fever.

A sudden rise of temperature is usually a.s.sociated with a feeling of chilliness down the back and in the limbs, which may be so marked that the patient s.h.i.+vers violently, while the skin becomes cold, pale, and shrivelled--_cutis anserina_. This is a nervous reaction due to a want of correspondence between the internal and the surface temperature of the body, and is known clinically as a _rigor_. When the temperature rises gradually the chill is usually slight and may be un.o.bserved. Even during the cold stage, however, the internal temperature is already raised, and by the time the chill has pa.s.sed off its maximum has been reached.

The _pulse_ is always increased in frequency, and usually varies directly with the height of the temperature. _Respiration_ is more active during the progress of an inflammation; and bronchial catarrh is common apart from any antecedent respiratory disease.

_Gastro-intestinal disturbances_ take the form of loss of appet.i.te, vomiting, diminished secretion of the alimentary juices, and weakening of the peristalsis of the bowel, leading to thirst, dry, furred tongue, and constipation. Diarrha is sometimes present. The _urine_ is usually scanty, of high specific gravity, rich in nitrogenous substances, especially urea and uric acid, and in calcium salts, while sodium chloride is deficient. Alb.u.min and hyaline casts may be present in cases of severe inflammation with high temperature. The significance of general _leucocytosis_ has already been referred to.

#General Principles of Treatment.#--The capacity of the inflammatory reaction for dealing with bacterial infections being limited, it often becomes necessary for the surgeon to aid the natural defensive processes, as well as to counteract the local and general effects of the reaction, and to relieve symptoms.

The ideal means of helping the tissues is by removing the focus of infection, and when this can be done, as for example in a carbuncle or an anthrax pustule, the infected area may be completely excised. When the focus is not sufficiently limited to admit of this, the infected tissue may be sc.r.a.ped away with the sharp spoon, or destroyed by caustics or by the actual cautery. If this is inadvisable, the organisms may be attacked by strong antiseptics, such as pure carbolic acid.

Moist dressings favour the removal of bacteria by promoting the escape of the inflammatory exudate, in which they are washed out.

#Artificial Hyperaemia.#--When such direct means as the above are impracticable, much can be done to aid the tissues in their struggle by improving the condition of the circulation in the inflamed area, so as to ensure that a plentiful supply of fresh arterial blood reaches it.

The beneficial effects of _hot fomentations and poultices_ depend on their causing a dilatation of the vessels, and so inducing a hyperaemia in the affected area. It has been shown experimentally that repeated, short applications of moist heat (not exceeding 106 F.) are more efficacious than continuous application. It is now believed that the so-called _counter-irritants_--mustard, iodine, cantharides, actual cautery--act in the same way; and the method of treating erysipelas by applying a strong solution of iodine around the affected area is based on the same principle.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 6.--Pa.s.sive Hyperaemia of Hand and Forearm induced by Bier's Bandage.]

While these and similar methods have long been employed in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, it is only within comparatively recent years that their mode of action has been properly understood, and to August Bier belongs the credit of having put the treatment of inflammation on a scientific and rational basis. Recognising the "beneficent intention" of the inflammatory reaction, and the protective action of the leucocytosis which accompanies the hyperaemic stages of the process, Bier was led to study the effects of increasing the hyperaemia by artificial means. As a result of his observations, he has formulated a method of treatment which consists in inducing an artificial hyperaemia in the inflamed area, either by obstructing the venous return from the part (_pa.s.sive hyperaemia_), or by stimulating the arterial flow through it (_active hyperaemia_).

_Bier's Constricting Bandage._--To induce a _pa.s.sive hyperaemia_ in a limb, an elastic bandage is applied some distance above the inflamed area sufficiently tightly to obstruct the venous return from the distal parts without arresting in any way the inflow of arterial blood (Fig. 6).

If the constricting band is correctly applied, the parts beyond become swollen and dematous, and a.s.sume a bluish-red hue, but they retain their normal temperature, the pulse is unchanged, and there is no pain. If the part becomes blue, cold, or painful, or if any existing pain is increased, the band has been applied too tightly. The hyperaemia is kept up from twenty to twenty-two hours out of the twenty-four, and in the intervals the limb is elevated to get rid of the dema and to empty it of impure blood, and so make room for a fresh supply of healthy blood when the bandage is re-applied. As the inflammation subsides, the period during which the band is kept on each day is diminished; but the treatment should be continued for some days after all signs of inflammation have subsided.

This method of treating acute inflammatory conditions necessitates close supervision until the correct degree of tightness of the band has been determined.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 7.--Pa.s.sive Hyperaemia of Finger induced by Klapp's Suction Bell.]

_Klapp's Suction Bells._--In inflammatory conditions to which the constricting band cannot be applied, as for example an acute mast.i.tis, a bubo in the groin, or a boil on the neck, the affected area may be rendered hyperaemic by an appropriately shaped gla.s.s bell applied over it and exhausted by means of a suction-pump, the rarefaction of the air in the bell determining a flow of blood into the tissues enclosed within it (Figs. 7 and 8). The edge of the bell is smeared with vaseline, and the suction applied for from five to ten minutes at a time, with a corresponding interval between the applications. Each sitting lasts for from half an hour to an hour, and the treatment may be carried out once or twice a day according to circ.u.mstances. This apparatus acts in the same way as the old-fas.h.i.+oned _dry cup_, and is more convenient and equally efficacious.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 8.--Pa.s.sive Hyperaemia induced by Klapp's Suction Bell for Inflammation of Inguinal Gland.]

_Active hyperaemia_ is induced by the local application of heat, particularly by means of hot air. It has not proved so useful in acute inflammation as pa.s.sive hyperaemia, but is of great value in hastening the absorption of inflammatory products and in overcoming adhesions and stiffness in tendons and joints.

_General Treatment._--The patient should be kept at rest, preferably in bed, to diminish the general tissue waste; and the diet should be restricted to fluids, such as milk, beef-tea, meat juices or gruel, and these may be rendered more easily a.s.similable by artificial digestion if necessary. To counteract the general effect of toxins absorbed into the circulation, specific ant.i.toxic sera are employed in certain forms of infection, such as diphtheria, streptococcal septicaemia, and teta.n.u.s.

In other forms of infection, vaccines are employed to increase the opsonic power of the blood. When such means are not available, the circulating toxins may to some extent be diluted by giving plenty of bland fluids by the mouth or normal salt solution by the r.e.c.t.u.m.

The elimination of the toxins is promoted by securing free action of the emunctories. A saline purge, such as half an ounce of sulphate of magnesium in a small quant.i.ty of water, ensures a free evacuation of the bowels. The kidneys are flushed by such diluent drinks as equal parts of milk and lime water, or milk with a dram of liquor calcis saccharatus added to each tumblerful. Barley-water and "Imperial drink," which consists of a dram and a half of cream of tartar added to a pint of boiling water and sweetened with sugar after cooling, are also useful and non-irritating diuretics. The skin may be stimulated by Dover's powder (10 grains) or liquor ammoniae acetatis in three-dram doses every four hours.

Various drugs administered internally, such as quinine, salol, salicylate of iron, and others, have a reputation, more or less deserved, as internal antiseptics.

Weakness of the heart, as indicated by the condition of the pulse, is treated by the use of such drugs as digitalis, strophanthus, or strychnin, according to circ.u.mstances.

Gastro-intestinal disturbances are met by ordinary medical means.

Vomiting, for example, can sometimes be checked by effervescing drinks, such as citrate of caffein, or by dilute hydrocyanic acid and bis.m.u.th.

In severe cases, and especially when the vomited matter resembles coffee-grounds from admixture with altered blood--the so-called post-operative haematemesis--the best means of arresting the vomiting is by was.h.i.+ng out the stomach. Thirst is relieved by rectal injections of saline solution. The introduction of saline solution into the veins or by the r.e.c.t.u.m is also useful in diluting and hastening the elimination of circulating toxins.

In surgical inflammations, as a rule, nothing is gained by lowering the temperature, unless at the same time the cause is removed. When severe or prolonged pyrexia becomes a source of danger, the use of hot or cold sponging, or even the cold bath, is preferable to the administration of drugs.

_Relief of Symptoms._--For the relief of _pain_, rest is essential. The inflamed part should be placed in a splint or other appliance which will prevent movement, and steps must be taken to reduce its functional activity as far as possible. Locally, warm and moist dressings, such as a poultice or fomentation, may be used. To make a fomentation, a piece of flannel or lint is wrung out of very hot water or antiseptic lotion and applied under a sheet of mackintosh. Fomentations should be renewed as often as they cool. An ordinary india-rubber bag filled with hot water and fixed over the fomentation, by retaining the heat, obviates the necessity of frequently changing the application. The addition of a few drops of laudanum sprinkled on the flannel has a soothing effect.

Lead and opium lotion is a useful, soothing application employed as a fomentation. We prefer the application of lint soaked in a 10 per cent.

aqueous or glycerine solution of ichthyol, or smeared with ichthyol ointment (1 in 3). Belladonna and glycerine, equal parts, may be used.

Dry cold obtained by means of icebags, or by Leiter's lead tubes through which a continuous stream of ice-cold water is kept flowing, is sometimes soothing to the patient, but when the vessels in the inflamed part are greatly congested its use is attended with considerable risk, as it not only contracts the arterioles supplying the part, but also diminishes the outflow of venous blood, and so may determine gangrene of tissues already devitalised.

A milder form of employing cold is by means of evaporating lotions: a thin piece of lint or gauze is applied over the inflamed part and kept constantly moist with the lotion, the dressing being left freely exposed to allow of continuous evaporation. A useful evaporating lotion is made up as follows: take of chloride of ammonium, half an ounce; rectified spirit, one ounce; and water, seven ounces.

The administration of opiates may be necessary for the relief of pain.

The acc.u.mulation of an excessive amount of inflammatory exudate may endanger the vitality of the tissues by pressing on the blood vessels to such an extent as to cause stasis, and by concentrating the local action of the toxins. Under such conditions the tension should be relieved and the exudate with its contained toxins removed by making an incision into the inflamed tissues, and applying a suction bell. When the exudate has collected in a synovial cavity, such as a joint or bursa, it may be withdrawn by means of a trocar and cannula. There are other methods of withdrawing blood and exudate from an inflamed area, for example by leeches or wet-cupping, but they are seldom employed now.

Before applying leeches the part must be thoroughly cleansed, and if the leech is slow to bite, may be smeared with cream. The leech is retained in position under an inverted wine-gla.s.s or wide test-tube till it takes hold. After it has sucked its fill it usually drops off, having withdrawn a dram or a dram and a half of blood. If it be desirable to withdraw more blood, hot fomentations should be applied to the bite. As it is sometimes necessary to employ considerable pressure to stop the bleeding, leeches should, if possible, be applied over a bone which will furnish the necessary resistance. The use of styptics may be called for.

_Wet-cupping_ has almost entirely been superseded by the use of Klapp's suction bells.

_General blood-letting_ consists in opening a superficial vein (venesection) and allowing from eight to ten ounces of blood to flow from it. It is seldom used in the treatment of surgical forms of inflammation.

_Counter-irritants._--In deep-seated inflammations, counter-irritants are sometimes employed in the form of mustard leaves or blisters, according to the degree of irritation required. A mustard leaf or plaster should not be left on longer than ten or fifteen minutes, unless it is desired to produce a blister. Blistering may be produced by a _cantharides plaster_, or by painting with _liquor epispasticus_. The plaster should be left on from eight to ten hours, and if it has failed to raise a blister, a hot fomentation should be applied to the part.

_Liquor epispasticus_, alone or mixed with equal parts of collodion, is painted on the part with a brush. Several paintings are often required before a blister is raised. The preliminary removal of the natural grease from the skin favours the action of these applications.

The treatment of inflammation in special tissues and organs will be considered in the sections devoted to regional surgery.

#Chronic Inflammation.#--A variety of types of chronic and subacute inflammation are met with which, owing to ignorance of their causations, cannot at present be satisfactorily cla.s.sified.

The best defined group is that of the _granulomata_, which includes such important diseases as tuberculosis and syphilis, and in which different types of chronic inflammation are caused by infection with a specific organism, all having the common character, however, that abundant granulation tissue is formed in which cellular changes are more in evidence than changes in the blood vessels, and in which the subsequent degeneration and necrosis of the granulation tissue results in the breaking down and destruction of the tissue in which it is formed.

Another group is that in which chronic inflammation is due to mild or attenuated forms of pyogenic infection affecting especially the lymph glands and the bone marrow. In the glands of the groin, for example, a.s.sociated with various forms of irritation about the external genitals, different types of _chronic lymphadenitis_ are met with; they do not frankly suppurate as do the acute types, but are attended with a hyperplasia of the tissue elements which results in enlargement of the affected glands of a persistent, and sometimes of a relapsing character.

Similar varieties of _osteomyelitis_ are met with that do not, like the acute forms, go on to suppuration or to death of bone, but result in thickening of the bone affected, both on the surface and in the interior, resulting in obliteration of the medullary ca.n.a.l.

A third group of chronic inflammations are those that begin as an acute pyogenic inflammation, which, instead of resolving completely, persists in a chronic form. It does so apparently because there is some factor aiding the organisms and handicapping the tissues, such as the presence of a foreign body, a piece of gla.s.s or metal, or a piece of dead bone; in these circ.u.mstances the inflammation persists in a chronic form, attended with the formation of fibrous tissue, and, in the case of bone, with the formation of new bone in excess. It will be evident that in this group, chronic inflammation and repair are practically interchangeable terms.

There are other groups of chronic inflammation, the origin of which continues to be the subject of controversy. Reference is here made to the chronic inflammations of the synovial membrane of joints, of tendon sheaths and of bursae--_chronic synovitis_, _teno-synovitis_ and _bursitis_; of the fibrous tissues of joints--chronic forms of _arthritis_; of the blood vessels--chronic forms of _endarteritis_ and of _phlebitis_ and of the peripheral nerves--_neuritis_. Also in the breast and in the prostate, with the waning of s.e.xual life there may occur a formation of fibrous tissue--chronic _interst.i.tial mast.i.tis_, _chronic prostat.i.tis_, having a.n.a.logies with the chronic interst.i.tial inflammations of internal organs like the kidney--_chronic interst.i.tial nephritis_; and in the breast and prostate, as in the kidney, the formation of fibrous tissue leads to changes in the secreting epithelium resulting in the formation of cysts.

Lastly, there are still other types of chronic inflammation attended with the formation of fibrous tissue on such a liberal scale as to suggest a.n.a.logies with new growths. The best known of these are the systematic forms of fibromatosis met with in the central nervous system and in the peripheral nerves--_neuro-fibromatosis_; in the submucous coat of the stomach--_gastric fibromatosis_; and in the colon--_intestinal fibromatosis_.

These conditions will be described with the tissues and organs in which they occur.

In the _treatment of chronic inflammations_, pending further knowledge as to their causation, and beyond such obvious indications as to help the tissues by removing a foreign body or a piece of dead bone, there are employed--empirically--a number of procedures such as the induction of hyperaemia, exposure to the X-rays, and the employment of blisters, cauteries, and setons. Vaccines may be had recourse to in those of bacterial origin.