ABSTRACT
Joseph M. Mathews' study at St. Mark's Hospital (London) in the 1877 to 1878 winter was followed shortly by a landmark move toward specialization in the United States: Mathews' heading of a Special Commission on Rectal Diseases appointed at the 23rd Annual Session of the Kentucky State Medical Society, held April 2 to 4, 1878. Various "rectal specialists," under various makeshift titles, were lecturing and publishing by the mid-1890s. The world's first proctologic journal, published between 1894 and 1898, was Mathews' Medical Quarterly, from its inception interpellating a community of colleagues.
Subject(s)
Colonoscopy/history , Colorectal Surgery/history , Rectal Diseases/history , Sigmoidoscopy/history , Colorectal Surgery/organization & administration , Colorectal Surgery/statistics & numerical data , Endoscopy, Digestive System/history , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , Humans , Male , Publishing/history , Publishing/statistics & numerical data , United StatesABSTRACT
Although the development of modern medicine has helped us detect and treat diseases better than in the past, especially in the field of surgery; the history of medicine may be a trigger that can help us use neglected aspects of prior knowledge for the advancement of modern-day science. Since historical papers that have specifically focused on anorectal diseases are rare, but those that exist contain brief discussions in this field, the current study aims to present a detailed review of Avicenna's approach to anorectal diseases. Therefore, we reviewed On the Diseases of the Anus, the 17th chapter of the third volume of the Canon of Medicine written by Avicenna, and compared his views on the classification and diagnosis of, and the approach to anorectal diseases with that of modern proctology. Avicenna discussed in detail about anorectal diseases such as hemorrhoid, fissure, perianal abscess and fistula, rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence, and pruritus ani. In addition, we introduce herbs which Avicenna used to treat these diseases. Our findings show that Avicenna's views on the classification and diagnosis of, and the approach to anorectal diseases have few fundamental differences with modern medicine. In addition, the pharmacological effects of some of the herbs that were recommended by Avicenna, and are used in current medicine are proven. Thus the Medieval knowledge can be further scientifically investigated to develop new therapeutic options for anorectal diseases.
Subject(s)
Anus Diseases/history , Rectal Diseases/history , Anus Diseases/therapy , History, Medieval , Humans , Persia , Rectal Diseases/therapyABSTRACT
Proctalgia Fugax is a benign, self-limiting disease characterized by episodes of intense pain in the anorectal area occurring at infrequent intervals. It is common, but most suffers do not seek medical advice. Although its classical symptomatology was describe more than a century ago, the etiology is unclear. Theories regarding the etiology have centered on alteration in the internal anal sphincter function and morphology. For most patients after gathering a detailed history, reassurance and warm baths will suffice. In persistent cases therapies that induce internal anal sphincter relaxation are the main treatment modalities.
Subject(s)
Anus Diseases/physiopathology , Pain , Rectal Diseases/physiopathology , Anus Diseases/etiology , Anus Diseases/history , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Rectal Diseases/etiology , Rectal Diseases/historySubject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant, Newborn , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Anal Canal/abnormalities , Rectum/abnormalities , Anus Diseases/surgery , Anus Diseases/diagnosis , Anus Diseases/history , Anus Diseases/mortality , Rectal Diseases/surgery , Rectal Diseases/diagnosis , Rectal Diseases/history , Rectal Diseases/mortalityABSTRACT
In the early 19th century, James O'Beirne proposed that a physiologically important sphincter existed at the rectosigmoid junction. Interest in the rectosigmoid junction had been stirred by a common affliction of the time: spasmodic constriction of the rectum. It was believed that many patients suffered from chronic constipation because of rectosigmoid spasms. O'Beirne proposed that a sphincter at the rectosigmoid junction governed the passage of stool from the sigmoid into the rectum. Further, he maintained that spasmodic constriction of the rectum resulted from dysfunction of this rectosigmoid sphincter. His views, however, conflicted with those of such contemporaries as Houston, who emphasized the role of rectal valves in producing spasmodic constriction. Anatomic studies in the early 20th century found at least a rudimentary sphincter at the rectosigmoid junction in 40 percent of the normal population. Motility studies in the last 35 years have demonstrated unique intraluminal pressure patterns as well as the propagation of retroperistaltic waves in this area. The rectosigmoid in patients with constipation shows an increased activity, as if this area is causing a physiologic obstruction to the passage of stool into the rectum. In contrast, the rectosigmoid in patients with diarrhea demonstrates markedly decreased activity, thereby providing unobstructed access of the feces to the rectum. These studies support O'Beirne's hypothesis that a sphincter governs the passage of stool from the sigmoid colon into the rectum.