DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 8,5 



is an offensive rectal discharge, and the faeces are often coated 

 with matter and blood. 



Treatment. — The treatment of fistula lies in laying open 

 the sinus with a fine probe-pointed bistoury, and afterwards 

 treating it in the first instance as a common wound, and sub- 

 sequently with a solution of chloride of zinc. If considerable 

 hemorrhage follows, the part should be packed with lint or 

 cotton-wool steeped in tinct. of iron, or a solution of tannic 

 acid ; or if it be from a divided artery, to tie the vessel, if 

 possible. The bowels should be properly regulated, and at 

 no time constipation allowed to take place ; an injection of 

 warm water twice or three times a day, after haemorrhage is 

 prevented, should be administered for the double pur- 

 pose of facilitating the passage of faeces and removing the dis- 

 charge. 



