CHAPTER XI 



SUBACUTE OBSTRUCTION OF THE 

 SINGLE COLON 



Definition. — Obstruction or stoppage of a subacute type 

 occurring in the single or floating colon, or in the rectum. 

 For my purpose in this chapter I have considered the 

 rectum as, what it really is, the last portion of the small 

 colon, and shall therefore refer to rectal impaction under 

 this heading. 



Causes. — Without referring the reader to any general 

 cause other than those already mentioned in Chapters IV., 

 v., and IX., I would ask him to remember one or two 

 peculiar to this disorder only. Anatomically the build, 

 and physiologically the function, of the floating colon 

 offer two fairly powerful predisposing incentives to 

 obstruction, and that of a rather dangerous type. 



Firstly, the sacculated nature of this viscus is such 

 that it compresses the faecal matters into rounded or 

 oval-shaped masses, peculiarly fitted to form obstructive 

 lumps when other causes favouring impaction concur. 



Secondly, the function of this intestine is largely to 

 complete the absorption of the fluid matters of the ali- 

 ment, and we may easily understand, when this absorp- 

 tion of fluid is carried on to an abnormal extent (as, to 

 offer a simple instance, in a case of acute and prolonged 



