CHAPTER IX 



SUBACUTE OBSTRUCTION OF THE 

 DOUBLE COLON : IMPACTION OF 

 THE INTESTINES, IMPACTION OF 

 THE COLON, STOPPAGE OF THE 

 BOWELS 



Definition. — Intestinal impaction or obstruction, if 

 loosely used, is a term which will cover a multitude of 

 widely differing disorders, and I cannot help but think 

 that the time is now ripe for an attempt to separate 

 a few of them from their confusing surroundings, and 

 essay to consider them singly. I am not without hope 

 that in so doing a more dependable knowledge of their 

 peculiarities will be gathered — a knowledge which must 

 inevitably lead to a more correct diagnosis, and a cor- 

 responding improvement in the particular line of treat- 

 ment adopted for each. To further that end I have, 

 somewhat arbitrarily, I admit, and yet not without a due 

 amount of just reason for so doing, divided the subacute 

 intestinal obstructions into four separate and distinct 

 forms — viz., subacute obstruction of the small intestine, 

 subacute obstruction of the double colon considered 

 generally and without regard to special position, sub- 

 acute obstruction of the pelvic flexure of the double 

 colon, and subacute obstruction of the single colon. 



Taking the three forms of intestinal obstruction I 

 have mentioned in their correct anatomical order, 



