The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1905-03-15
NEW SURGERY.
Introduction of rledicine Into the
Human Body Thorough
Vermiform Appendix.

Washington dispatch, IL: Surgeons
who have been experimenting at the
Washington barracks hospital IN this
city are credited with having discover
ed not only new cure for tropical dys-
entary, which has moved down thou
sands of American troops in the Phlhp-
pines. but at the same time to have dis
covered that the vermiform appendix OF
the human pody is the agency through
which the cure is effected. 1n the ex-
pertinent now being conducted upon
soldier at the barracks suffering from an
acute attack of Philippine fever, the ap-
pendix has been utilized as an artificial
entrance into the abdomen, thus per-
mitting the injection of strong medl-
cine through hitherto unused channel.
One patient has been cured and prepar'
ations are being made to extend the
treatment further, while it is believed
that many of the cases in the lnsular
possessions now regarded as incurable
will be reached by the method which
will probably be adopted throughout
the army
Some time ago Sergt. Mould of the
engineer corps, recently returned from
the Philippines, was brought to Wash
inoton for treatment. He was believed
to be at the point of death. The SICK
man was suffering from an aggravated
attack of Philippine dysentery, or acute
malarial fever of more than year
standing. Ordinary methods OF effect
ing a cure proved unavailing, and 1T
was then that the new scientific treat
mept was tried. Under the direction
of Mai Borden the man s appendix was
reached by an incision through the
walls of the abdomen, the appendix
drawn through and stitched there. and
was allowed to heal outside the abdo-
minal wall. 1t formed funnel, part
of the intestinal system through which
there was a perfect entrance into the
interior of the lower portion OF the
body.
Using the appendix much as though
if had been a funnel, tie surgeon then
flushed the patient with quinine solu-
ton, poring the medicine through the
appendix. The quinine reached the VI
tai organs affected without passing
through the stomach. The perforations
in the bowels caused by the disease We're
quickly healed and the stomach OF the
patient. weakened critically by the uso
of strong drugs, was, of course, unaf-
fected. After a treatment lasting for
few DAYS Sergt Mould, who had been
confined to his bed, was convalescent
and is now able to walk, although the
cure has not been entirely completed
The man $ appendix still remains out
side of his body, where it has bealed
in a most unnatural position; but the
operation of replacing it when he is
pronounced well viii be simple one.
This case is said to be the first OF its
kind on record. Tne idea is said to be
the invention of DIR. Wyeth of New
York, who theoretically discovered 1T
two years ago, although he never put
his theory into practice.
Dysantery has been since the Amerl-
can occupation the one disease with
which the United States authorities
have been practically helpless in coping.
Thousands of American soldiers have
died of the tropical complaint, which
is a germ disease, maturing so slowly
that it has frequently broken out after
the return of the patient to this coun-
try.