Milford chronicle., 1930-08-01

the Institute are at 1881 G Street, N
W., Washington, d. c.
A rupture is one of the commonest
defects in the human machine and is
an example of how even as perfect
a mechanism as our has defects. The
technical name for rupture is hernia
This is a much better title, because
the word rupture" denotes a tear
ing or breaking process, and we now
know that no such thing occurs. In
fact, most hernias are the direct re-
suit of a defect which existed at
birth.
There are many kinds of hernias.
Some of them are on the inside of
the abdomen. Others, and these are
the most common, show themselves
on the surface of the body.
The abdominal cavity is like a
house, the walls of which have GER
tain openings. 1t is the existence of
these apertures that leads to devel-
opment of hernia. They are of diff
ferent sizes, and through them go
blood vessels, nerves and other i'm
portant structures. But if hole is
a little too large for its special pur-
pose, a defect is created through
which any of the contents of the alb
domen may slip out. When such
slip happens, then and there her
mia occurs, or begins.
A hernia is a bag, or sac, made of
peritoneum, the smooth, shiny men,
brane which lines the abdominal
cavity. This sac may be as small as
an olive or large enough to reach to
the knees. 1t may be empty or may
contain almost any of the viscora.
Large sacs may get through small
openings, but large openings always
mean large hernias.
The contents of the sac may slip
in and out of the abdomen easily. If
so, the hernia is called reducible
If the contents cannot be returned
to the cavity, it is called irreducible.
If it is irreducible and contains in
testine, thus shutting off the cur
rent of the bowel, it is termed in
carcerated And if, in addition, its
blood supply is cut off, it is called
The chief dangers associated with
a rupture are those of incarceration
and strangulation for these condi-
tions mean that the contents of the
sac are trapped and literally strang-
ulated. Strangulation may occur in
any hernia, at any time, at any age.
When it occurs there is pain at the
site of the hernia, with vomiting.
prostration and inability of the
bowels to act. 1t is very serious
condition for which the only relief |
is prompt operation. The danger in
creases with every hour that oper-
alton is delayed.
While surgical operation is the !
accepted method of treatment for |
the relief of hernia, many individ
uals thus afflicted wear truss. The !
use of a truss is beneficial in navel
ruptures in the new born, in certain !
hernias in children, and in those
patients who, for one reason or an
other, cannot be operated on. In
adults well applied truss will keep
the sac empty but will not cure the
rupture. 1t is a good precaution
against strangulation.
Increased knowledge of the me-
chanics of hernia and improved
methods of operating enable the sur
gical profession to cope with this
problem more successfully all the
ime. The mortality of the operation
IS almost negligible. The increase
n comfort of living and in the ability
% enjoy activities, unrestricted by
lernia or by hernia and truss, the
reedom from risk of strangulation,
he added earning capacity ensured
" cure of rupture, are all reasons
Why anyone possession a hernia ,,
voul do we'll to be operated on and
Ie rid of it.