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1}anlac^ flDebical Scbool
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UROLOGY
VOLUME I
* ' V ■
1 ■ ;f
UROLOGY
THE DISEASES OF THE URINARY
TRACT IN MEN AND WOMEN
A BOOK FOB PHACTITIONERS AND STUDENTS
KAMON gUITERAS, M.D. (Harv.)
PBOFEHOB OT QBITITO-UKINAHY HDROEBV. KEW YORK POST-OBASITATE MEDICAL SCHOOL; TlaiTIIIO
iOBQBOW TO THB COLUMBUS AND POi
AND rmKSCII HOSPITALS; FOBHEI
GTITBCOLOOV. POBT-GBADnATE MEDICAL W
WITH NINE HUNDRED AND FORTY-^THREE ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT
AND SEVEN PLATES
VOLUME I
NEW YORK AND LONDON
APPLETON AND COMPANY
1912
Copyright, 1012, by
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
PRINTED IN
NEW YORK, V. 8. A.
TO MY TEACHERS
HENRY J. BIGELOW
THEODOR BILLROTH
ERNEST FINGER
FELIX GUYON
JAMES E. KELLY
PRINCE A. MORROW
FESSENDEN N. OTIS
FREDERICK R. 8TURGIS
ROBERT W. TAYLOR
ROBERT ULTZMANN
LEOPOLD VON DITTEL
ERNEST VON BERGMANN
THIS WORK IS DEDICATED
AS A TOKEN OF RESPECT, ESTEEM
AND GRATITUDE
PEEFACE
This work on Urology includes all the diseases of the urinary tract, both
medical and surgical, in men and women. The upper part of the urinary
tract, the kidneys and ureters, .is practically the same in both sexes. The
middle part, the bladder, is also the same, although its relations are different,
and, whereas bladder troubles in men are principally due to intravesical causes
and obstructions in the prostate and urethra, the troubles in women are gen-
erally due to extravesical causes in the pelvis. It is obvious, therefore, that
it is the lower third of the urinary tract, the urethra, which principally differs
in men and women.
In men it has been thought advisable to consider the diseases of the genital
tract together with the urinary, as the genital tract empties into the prostatic
urethra and from this point to the external urinary meatus the two tracts are
in common. In women, on the other hand, the urinary and genital tracts are
separated from each other throughout their entire extent, meeting externally
at the urogenital sinus in the vestibule. The internal genital organs are, how-
ever, in close enough contact with the bladder to give rise to many disagreeable
urinary symptoms, most of which have been carefully considered. If an attempt
were made to consider the genital tract of the female as thoroughly as that of
the male, it would necessarily embrace gynecology, which is not within the
scope of this work.
It has been my aim in writing the text to consider principally cause, diag-
nosis and treatment and not to go as deeply into pathology as many writers do.
The illustrations were chosen to show certain pathological conditions and to
illustrate the steps of operations, and, excepting the purely anatomical and
pathological drawings of specimens, they are principally diagrammatic and
schematic.
The first part of the book is preparatory to the second. It contains the
anatomy of the urinary organs in the male and female and the* laboratory
methods of examining the urine, discharges and blood. The different varieties
of offices for this kind of work are then considered with their equipment, the
instruments and apparatus recommended and the methods of sterilization of
the apparatus and instruments. The technique employed in using the apparatus
and the general instruments that compose the armamentarium of the urinary
surgeon as well as the special instruments, such as the urethroscope and cysto-
vu
vm
PREFACE
scope, IS carefully described. A lengthy description of the general and special
urinary symptoms and disturbances of urination are then entered into, and
urinary fever is thoroughly discussed.
The history and examination of the patient, showing the manner of arriv-
ing at a diagnosis, are then taken up. This is followed by a chapter on uro-
logical therapeutics in which drugs, exercise, diet and the use of water, inter-
nally and externally, as well as by rectum, intravenous injections and hypo-
dermoclysis, are fully considered. Asepsis and antisepsis and general and local
anesthesia, such as are used in the various urological operations, are also care-
fully described. A small section on the diseases of metabolism is here brought
in and is a valuable addition to the work.
The second part of the work is principally clinical and operative, and the
diseases of the various organs of the urinary tract, the kidneys, ureters, bladder,
prostate, urethra and the genital organs in the male have been taken up seriatim;
and finally a chapter on lues was added. The most modem methods of exami-
nation of the patient and diagnosis are here described in great detail. The med-
ical and palliative treatment of diseases have, however, been gone into as care-
fully as the surgical, and the details of such treatment are thoroughly explained.
Lengthy historical data have been omitted and statistics have not been recorded
and quoted fully. As the object of the book has been to make it a comprehen-
sive work for the practitioner, the bibliography has not been given great promi-
nence.
Most of the teachings in the book are the same as I have advocated in my
lectures during the last twelve years. They are my own views on the subject,
some original and others taken from the teachings and writings of others that
appeal to me as sound and worthy of recommendation.
Having taught in the New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Uos-
pital for over twenty years, I believe I imderstand the requirements of the gen-
eral practitioner, and therefore, after repeated requests from many students, 1
have endeavored to present the subject in a way which I believe will be satisfac-
tory to them.
I wish to thank Dr. H. T. Brooks, Dr. Faxton Gardner, Mr. K. K. Bosse,
Dr. David Geiringer and Dr. F. Robbins for their assistance in the text, and
Dr. David Geiringer for the illustrations he has made.
For the remaining illustrations I wish to thank the various authors whose
names appear on the legends. If in any case I have not given credit where it
is due, it is on account of being doubtful whose name to inscribe. I wish par-
ticularly to thank Drs. Ashton, Corner, Deaver, Kelly, Lewis, Lydston, Luys,
Manson, Wallace, Watson and Cunningham and White and Martin for the kind
permission to use their illustrations.
Kamon Guiteras,
80 Madison A^'enue, New York City,
CONTENTS
VOLUME 1
PAOB
I. — HisTOBT OF Diseases of the Urinary Tract 1
n. — ^The Anatomy of the Urinary and Gen ito-Uri nary Tract .... 9
III. — ^The Urine 70
rv. — ^Discharges 117
V. — ^The 'Blood in Relation to Urology 132
VI. — Urological Equipment 137
VII. — Sterilization of Instruments and Apparatus 153
VUII. — ^Technique of Instrumentation 163
IX. — Urethroscopy 188
X. — Cystoscopy 198
XI. — Special Urinary Symptoms 239
XII. — Urinary Fever (Catheter Fever), Urinary Infection 289
XI n. — ^The History of the Case 297
Xrv. — General Symptoms 304
XV. — Examination of Patients 308
XVI. — Urological Therapeutics 323
XVII. — Anesthesia in Urology 350
XVIII. — Diseases of Metabolism 358
XIX. — Methods of Examining the Kidney 369
XX. — ^Anomalies of the Kidney 383
XXI. — Kidney Injuries 390
XXII. — ^Movable Kidney 403
XXIII. — Nonsuppurative Nephritis 418
XXIV.—Uremia 440
XXV. — Chronic Suppurative Diseahkh of the Kii>nky 453
XXVI. — TlTMORS OF THE KiDXEY 480
XXVII. — Cysts of the Kidney 492
XXVIII. — Nephrolithiasis 409
XXIX. — ^Tuberculosis of the Kidney 525
XXX. — Hydronephrosis 560
XXXI. — Operative Surgery of the Kidney 570
XXXII. — ^The Ureters 622
XXXIII. — Operations on the 1'reter 646
ix
LIST OF PLATES
VOLUME I FACING
PAOB
Plate I. — ^Ixdican Ck>LOB Reaction in Urine 86
Plate II- — Bacteria Found in the Urine 110
Plate II J. — Bacteria, Showing the Opsonic Action Increased by Proper Adminis-
tration OF Bacterial Vaccines 112
Plate IV. — Urethroscopic Conditions 192
Plate V. — ^Ube?thbo8C0PI0 CJonditions 194
Plate VI. — Shreds and Formations Passed in the First Urine without Massage . 316
Plate VTI. — Formations Coming from the Vesicles after Massage .318
XI
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT
VOLUME I
no. PAQB
1. — Anterior view of the opened genito-urinary tract in the male 10
2, — Posterior view of the genito-urinary tract in the male 10
3. — Posterior view of the relations of the genital and urinary organs in the male at
the back of the bladder 11
4. — Anterior view of the genito-urinary tract in the female 12
5. — Posterior view of the genito-urinary tract in the female 12
6. — Upper and middle portions of the urinary tract of the kidney 13
7. — Lower urinary tract in the male on sagittal section, and also the internal and
ejctemal genital organs 13
8. — Genital organs and lower urinary tract in the female on sagittal section 14
9. — Genito-urinary sinus in the male 15
10. — Genito-urinary sinus in the female 15
11. — Anterior view of the bony skeleton of the part of the body in which the urinary
tract is lodged 16
12, — Posterior view of the bony framework enclosing the urinary tract . ... 17
13. — Space occupied by the urinary tract after it has been lined with its muscular
layer 18
14. — The ligaments and muscles helping to form the pelvic floor 19
15. — View of the right side of the pelvic cavity as .seen after a sagittal section . . 21
16. — The pelvic floor looking in from above 22
17. — View of the internal genitals and the pelvic fascia in the male as seen from be-
hind 23
18. — Extraperitoneal sagittal section of the body to the left of the median line 24
19. — Muscular layer of the perineum on the right side after the removal of the super-
ficial fascia and on the left side after removing the muscular layer ... 26
20. — Anterior perineal triangle after the removal of the muscles, the corpus spongeosum
and the corpora cavernosa covering it 27
21. — ^The outer layer of the triangular ligament of the right side, and on the left the
space between the two layers of the ligament 28
22. — The male perineum after the removal of the deep layer of the triangular ligament 29
23. — The perineum in the female after the removal of the labia 30
24. — Anterior layer of the triangular ligament in the female, after the removal of the
external genitals, the superficial fascia and muscles 31
25. — The deep layer of muscles forming the floor of the pelvis in the female from the
outside 32
26, — The posterior surfaces of the kidneys and their relations to the ribs .... 33
27. — ^The relation of the kidneys and suprarenal capsules to the soft tissues in front
of them 34
28. — The relation of the kidneys to the soft tissues behind them 35
29. — Median vertical (sagittal) section of the right kidney 35
30. — The renal fascia after a sagittal incision through the kidney 36
• • •
xm
xiv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT
FIO. PAOB
31. — ^The renal fascia after a horizontal incision through the kidney 37
32. — Sagittal section of the kidney 37
33. — Malpighian corpuscle • . 38
34. — Scheme of the renal tubes and blood vessels 38
35. — The renal artery and its branches 39
36. — Schematic drawing showing the theory of the arrangement of the vascular arches
over the pyramids 40
37. — The relations of the ureter to the inferior pole of the kidney and to the blood ves-
sels of this region . 41
38. — A sagittal section of the pelvis to the left of the median line showing the ureter
outside of the peritoneum 42
39. — The relations of the ureter to the pelvic tissues 43
40. — Ureter passing through the wall of the bladder 43
41. — Schematic drawing of the relations of the ureter to the neck of the uterus and its
vessels. 44
42. — Shape of the right ureter 44
43. — Bladder on sagittal section, showing its apex and base 46
44. — Bladder on vertical transverse section, showing the trigone and the urethral
orifices. 46
45. — The peritoneal reflection on the side of the bladder 47
46. — Diagrammatic drawing of the upper surface of the bladder in the male ... 47
47. — The upper surface of the bladder in the female as seen from above .... 48
48. — Diagrammatic drawing showing the base and sides of a dilated bladder from below 49
49. — Change in the shape of the bladder while filling 49
50. — Longitudinal muscular fibers of the bladder wall 49
51. — Middle or circular layer of the muscular wall of the bladder 50
52. — Deep layer of the bladder wall 50
63. — Veins in the male pelvis connected with the bladder 61
64. — Veins about a female bladder 62
65. — Male urethra from the neck of the bladder to the external urinary meatus . 52
56. — Curves of the urethra when the organ is flaccid, also the fixed portion of the canal 53
57. — Curve of the urethra when the penis is erect or held in position for the passage
of instruments 53
58. — Membranous urethra and its relation to the triangular ligament .... 54
59. — Genito-urinary sinus in the male, the prostate having been opened anteriorly into
the urethra and its lateral lobes retracted 54
60. — The natural dilatations and narrowings of the urethra 65
61. — Transverse vertical (coronal) section through the female urethra .... 66
62. — Cowper's glands 67
63. — Vertical transverse (coronal) cut through the scrotum and penis (schematic). . 67
04. — The tunica vaginalis opened, exposing the testis 58
05. — Schematic drawing, showing the anatomical arrangement of the tubules in the
testicle and the epididymis 69
66. — Vertical section (sagittal) of the testis and epididymis, showing the line of reflec-
tion of the visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis, the tunica albuginea with its
septa, the rete testis mediastinimi, the epididymus and vas deferens ... 60
67. — Blood supply of the testis and cord 60
68. — Coverings of the testicle, seen from in front 61
69. — The vas deferens extending through the inguinal canal and along the side of the
bladder to the ejaculatory ducts 62
70. — Profile view of the side of the unopened prostate 64
71. — The lobes of the prostate and the perineal fascias 65
72. — Sagittal section through the prostate, a little to the left of the median line . . 66
73. — Penile urethra in the state of repose and erection 67
74.— Roots of the penis 67
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT XV
na. 'Aa»
75. — Maimer of union of the anterior end of the corpora cavernosa with the glans . 68
76. — The end of the penis 68
77. — Urine analysis chart 72
78. — Squibbs urinometer with thermometer and cylinder 74
79. — Saxe*8 urinopyknometer and cylinder 76
80. — Esbach's albuminometer 77
81. — The Laurent penumbra polarizing saccharometer 80
82. — Lohnstein*8 saccharometer for undiluted urine 82
83. — Einhom's saccharometer 82
84. — Doremus ureometer 84
85. — Doremus ureometer, improved form 84
86. — Ruhemann's uricometer for the rapid estimation of uric acid 85
87. — Hand centrifuge 92
88.— Water centrifuge 92
89. — The Purdy electric centrifuge 93
90. — Crystals of uric acid 94
91, 92, — Unusual forms of uric acid 96
93. — Crystals of ammonium urates 95
94. — Calcium oxalate crystals 96
95. — Crystals of ammonium magnesium phosphate 96
96. — Feathery form of triple phosphates 97
97. — Crystals of calcium sulphate 97
98. — Leucin crystals 98
99. — Leucin and tyrosin crystals 98
00.— CrysUls of cystin 99
01. — Blood cells in the urine 99
02. — Pus cells in the urine 99
03. — Epithelial cells of genito-urinary tract 101
04.— Hyaline casts 105
05. — Granular casts 105
06.— Epithelial casts 106
07.— Blood casts 106
08.— Pus casts 107
09. — Fatty and other casts 107
10. — Types of casts with a waxy matrix 107
11. — Cylindroids or false casts 108
12. — Manner of holding the slide in taking a specimen of urethral discharge in the male 117
13. — Method of obtaining a specimen from the male urethra 118
14. — Platinum wire to be passed down the urethra to take some discharge from its walls 118
15. — Forcing the discharge out of the female urethra 119
16. — Smears on slides 119
17.— The slides together 119
18. — Spermatic or BSttcher's crystals 120
19.— Spirocheta pallida 122
19. — A spirocheta as seen by Goldhom stain 122
20. — Reflecting condenser 123
21. — Reflecting condenser 124
22. — Electrical arc lamp with hand feed for a current of 4 amperes 124
23. — Plan of an oflice of one room with waiting room 137
24. — Plan of an oflice of two rooms with waiting room 138
25. — Plan of an oflice of three rooms with waiting room 139
26. — Table in the examining room with glassware used in examinations .... 143
27. — Counterbalance table in the position for examination of male patients 144
128. — Difl'erent positions in which the patient can be placed in examining the abdominal
organs, especially in kidney cases 146
Xvi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT
FIO. PAOB
129. — Counterbalance table with a douche-pan on it 145
130. — Allison table in the cystoscopic position 147
131. — ^Appointment form 148
132. — Three vertical files in which the envelopes containing the patients' histories and
correspondence are kept 149
133.— Plan of the clinic at the New York Post-Graduate Medical School ... 150
134. — ^Willy Meyer steam sterilizer for the sterilization of dressings and instruments . 154
135. — Rochester sterilizer, steam and dry heat 154
136. — Schering-Glatz formalin sterilizer, used principally for woven catheters, piston
syringes and cystoscopes 155
137. — Snell's formalin sterilizer for sterilizing all catheters, but especially ureteral . 157
138. — ^Method of flushing out catheters employed in author's office 158
139. — Catheter and catheter tube 159
140. — Glass sterilizing tubes with hollow rubber stoppers containing formalin 159
141. — Straight catheter with single eye 163
142. — Elbowed catheter with the eye on the side 163
143. — Curved catheter of the woven variety 163
144. — Straight olive-tipped woven catheter 163
145. — ^Bi-coud6 woven catheter 163
146. — Straight rubber catheter with velvet woven eye 164
147. — Elbowed soft rubber catheter with eye on the side 164
148.— Metal catheter 164
149. — N^laton catheter 165
150. — Retained catheter 167
150o. — A more secure method of holding a retained catheter 167
151. — Malecot's catheter 167
152. — Another type of Malecot's catheter 167
153. — Pezzer's catheter 167
154. — ^Another type of Pezzer's catheter 167
155. — Glass urinal between legs 168
156. — Relative position of meatus and nozzle of the syringe 169
157. — Manner of holding the nozzle of the syringe in the urethra 169
158. — How the solution is held in the urethra 169
159. — ^A large piston syringe (bladder syringe) used for washing out the bladder
through a catheter 170
160. — Cut-off, nozzle tip and shield with a tube passing to a douche jar . .170
161. — Author's methods of suspending douche jars for irrigations in office, hospital and
clinic 171
162. — Author's apparatus for irrigating urethra and bladder by hydrostatic pressure . 172
163. — Irrigating Kollmann dilator 173
164. — Guyon's instillating syringe 174
165. — Manner of giving an instillation of the urethra with the Guyon instillator . .174
166. — Ultzmann's instillating syringe 175
167. — ^Manner of injecting the posterior urethra by means of the Ultzmann instillator . 175
168. — Curves of sounds recommended 176
169. — French (Charri^re) sotmd scale, compared with English measurement . . 176
170. — Sound curve preferred by author 177
171. — First step of passing a sound 177
172. — Second step of passing a sound 178
173. — Third step of passing a sound 178
174. — Beniqu^ sound with and without filiform guide 179
175. — First step of passing a Beniqu6 sound 179
176. — Second step of passing a B^niqu6 sound 180
177. — Third step of passing a B^niqu6 sound 181
J 78. — Fourth step of passing a Beniqu6 sound 181
UST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT xvii
FHS. FAOB
179.— Oberllnder dUators 182
180.— Kollmann's dilators 183
181. — ^Blades of a Kollmann dilator, opened and closed 184
182, 183. — ^Rubber sheaths drawn over the dilators 185
184. — Kollmann irrigating dilator 185
186. — Guiteras urethroscope. 188
186. — Light carrier for the Guiteras urethroscope 189
187. — Portable battery for the Guiteras urethroscope 189
188. — Wappler's controller for urethroscopy and cystoscopy 190
180. — Case of intraurethral instruments 191
18»a.— Urethra probe 191
1896. — Cannula used for injecting glands and follicles 191
180c.— Urethral knives ! . 191
189d. — Gruenf ell's pol3rpus snare 191
190. — Swinburne's posterior urethroscope 192
191. — The Braim-Buerger cysto-urethroscope 192
192. — Manner of introducing the urethroscope 193
193. — Swabbing out the urethra 193
194. — Position in examining the anterior urethra 194
195. — Position in examining the posterior urethra 195
19<L — Brenner's observation and catheterizing cystoscope 200
197. — Nitze's observation cystoscope 201
198. — Nitze's irrigating cystoscope 201
199. — Nitze's operating cystoscope, showing the snare and lithotrite 202
200. — Nitze-Albarran catheterizing cystoscope 203
201. — A direct air cystoscope of American make 204
202. — The Brown direct cystoscope 205
203. — BierhoflTs indirect catheterizing cystoscope 205
204. — Bransford Lewis cystoscope 206
205. — Guiteras teaching cystoscope 206
206. — Portable table used for cystoscopy in the clinic and at private houses .211
207. — Patient's position for cystoscopy on Allison table 213
208. — Washing out the bladder through the urethroscope, first step 214
209. — Washing out the bladder through the urethroscope, second step 214
210. — Looking into the bladder 215
211. — Air cystoscopy 215
212. — The cystoscope introduced into the bladder 219
212o. — Inspection of the bladder with the indirect cystoscope 219
2126. — Inspection of the bladder with the direct cystoscope 220
213. — Phantom bladder for practicing cystoscopy and ureteral catheterization . 228
214. — Catheterization of the ureters 228
215. — The same position as in Fig. 214, to show the position of the hands in catheteriza-
tion 229
216. — Catheterization of the ureters by the direct method 230
217. — Catheterization of the ureters by the indirect method 231
218, 219. — Catheterization of the ureters, the catheters in situ 232
220. — Diagrams of bladder used for keeping records 236
221. — The outline of the abdomen in a case of retention 258
222. — The Blasucci catheter, first step of catheterization 261
223. — The Blasucci catheter, second step of catheterization 262
224. — The Blasucci catheter, third step of catheterization 263
225. — Paracentesis of the bladder 264
228. — The method of wearing a urinal 270
227. — Chart of acute urinary fever 292
228. — Chart of acute recurring urinary fever 292
xviii MST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT
no. FAOB
229. — Chart of chronic urinary fever 293
230.— Male history card 298
231.— Female history card 299
232. — Patient lying at full length, first step in the examination of the male . . 309
233. — Examination of the kidneys, the patient lying flat 310
234. — Examination of the kidneys, the patient in the sitting posture 310
236. — Examining the kidney, with the patient lying on the healthy side . ,311
236. — Position for examining the female genitals and urethra 313
237. — Male patient urinating in a glass cylinder 313
238. — The preparation of the finger prior to rectal examination 314
239. — ^Rectal examination of the prostate and vesicles 315
240. — Massage of the prostate 316
241. — Examining the urethra with the bougie k boule 319
242.— Filiform bougies 319
243. — The examiner looking through the urethroscope 320
244. — Method of obtaining specimens of urine from female patients 321
245, 246. — ^Abdominal exercise 330
247. — Back exercises 331
248. — Front exercises 332
249-252. — Chest and arm exercise 333, 334
253. — ^Loin exercises • . . 335
254. — Recto-genital tube 341
255. — Rectal irrigations, patient in bath tub 342
256. — Rectal irrigations, patient reclining in chair 342
257. — Hypodermoclysis 347
268. — Intravenous injection, first step 348
259. — Intravenous injection, second step 348
260. — Intravenous injection, third step 349
261. — Syringe for local anesthesia 354
262, — Method of holding the syringe 355
263. — Method of making the blebs in intradermic injections 355
264. — The subcutaneous method of anesthetizing an area to be operated upon 356
266. — Minute tubercular abscesses of a single asymmetrical kidney 386
266. — Single asymmetrical kidney, 8J inches long, removed at autopsy .... 388
267. — Single asymmetrical kidney, markedly convoluted, removed at autopsy . 388
268. — Shape of the abdomen in the case of a ruptured kidney 395
269. — ^The rent in the kidney proper and pelvis of a ruptured kidney 397
270. — Displacement of the kidney, showing the first, second, and third degrees of dis-
placement 404
271. — Kinking of the ureter in displacement of the kidney 405
272. — ^Anterior view of the body divided into three zones, the upper, middle and lower,
in people with movable kidney, as determined by Harris 408
273. — Side view of the body and the lines corresponding to the antero- posterior diam-
eters of the body index, predisposing to movable kidney 408
274. — Pomeroy*s elastic abdominal support for patients with movable kidney . . . 415
275. — Straight- front corset for movable kidney 416
276. — How the corset should be put on in movable kidney 416
277a. — ^Wide strips of adhesive plaster for supporting abdomen 416
2776. — The adhesive plaster strips applied 417
278. — Kidney pad to be buttoned on the back of a vest as a protection for nephretics 432
279.— Southey*s tubes 437
280. — Bleeding the patient in uremia 451
281. — Pyelo-nephritis 457
282. — Pyonephrosis, showing enlargement of the kidneys and their pelvis and kinked
ureters 460
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT xix
na. PAQB
283. — Cross section of a calculus pyonephrotic kidney, 7i inches long 461
284. — Bulge in perinephritic abscess in left side of loin, front view 468
285. — Characteristic bulge in a perinephritic abscess on the left side, back view 469
286. — Posterior surface of left kidney in a case of a tubercular perinephritic abscess 470
287. — Posterior surface of tuberculous kidney in a case of perinephritic abscess 471
288. — Longitudinal section of same kidney, showing contracted pelvis now not much
larger than the ureter 471
289. — A bulging of pus in the groin and an opening in the thigh and groin made to drain
a perinephritic abscess 472
290. — A sharp-pointed calculus that was found sticking through the wall of the kidney
in a case of perinephritis 473
291. — Multiple disseminated abscesses of kidney 476
292. — Chronic parenchymatous nephritis with acute exacerbation and suppurating foci 477
293. — Chronic interstitial nephritis, the other kidney in the case 477
294. — Carcinoma of the kidney 482
295. — Sarcoma of the kidney 483
296. — Hypernephroma, outside view 485
297. — Hypernephroma, view on section 485
298. — Papilloma of the renal pelvis 490
299. — ^Large serous cyst of the kidney 493
300. — Two large polycystic kidneys in the same individual 494
301. — The larger kidney in Fig. 300 on section 495
302.— Hydatid cyst of the kidney 497
303. — Some large calculi removed from a pyonephrotic kidney 501
304. — A pyonephrotic kidney in a state of acute renal retention 603
306. — The renal pelvis of a pyonephrotic kidney filled with five stones of large size . 504
306. — A cluster of stones in one kidney 510
307. — A cluster of stones in both kidneys 511
308. — A calculus concealed in the thick mass of fibrous tissue held open by the hook
and not detected by nephrotomy 518
309.— A renal calculus that was discharged through the wall of the kidney . .519
310. — Clusters of tubercles on the outside of the kidney 528
311. — The same kidney as in Fig. 310, shown in section 528
312. — A case in which the tuberculous abscesses have broken into the pelvis, giving
rise to pyelonephritis 529
313.— Tuberculous pyelonephritic kidney 530
314. — Tuberculous pyonephrotic kidney 531
315. — A case of urinary tuberculosis involving both ureters and both kidneys 532
316. — Tuberculous kidney in which the functionating renal tissue has been entirely de-
stroyed by the disease 533
317- — ^A vertical section of a tuberculous kidney removed by a secondary nephrectomy 549
318. — Kidney with hydronephrosis 561
319. — Hydronephrosis, first stage 563
320. — Hydronephrosis, second stage 563
321. — Hydronephrosis, third stage 563
322. — Instruments used in operations on the kidney 571
323. — Posterior kidney angle and triangle 572
324. — Anterior kidney angle and triangle 572
325. — Posterior vertical incision seen on the left and the short-curved incision on the
right 573
326. — Anterior vertical incision seen on the right side and the " modified " incision on
the left 573
327- — Transverse incision 574
328. — Long curved lumbar incision, the position preferred in renal surgery . 574
329. — Oblique lumbar incision 574
XX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS- IN TEXT
no. PAGB
330. — Operating table with a transverse iron plate running across it that can be elevated
to any distance for regulating the patient's position 575
331. — Body holder for preventing the patient from rolling when lying on the side . . 576
332.— The body hblder on the patient 676
333. — Incision through the skin and superficial fascia, revealing Petit's triangle . . 577
334. — Incision through latissimus dorsi muscle, showing the tissues beneath it . 578
335. — ^Muscles cut through down to the lumbar fascia 578
336. — Deep lumbar fascia cut through, showing the fatty capsule of the kidney . . 579
337.— Freeing the kidney 579
338.— Delivery of kidney 580
339. — Delivery of the kidney, the lower pole first 580
340. — Delivery of the upper pole of the kidney 581
341. — Delivery of the kidney by inserting the entire hand in the wound .... 581
342. — Examination of the kidney by pyelotomy 583
343. — Operation for movable kidney; the fixation sutures are passed through the ab-
dominal wall 584
344. — Operation for movable kidney; the kidney is delivered and the whole of the
fatty capsule behind the kidney is cut away 585
345. — Operation for movable kidney; the capsula propria of the kidney slit through . 585
346. — Operation for movable kidney; the kidney capsule on the back of the kidney is
reflected halfway to the hilum 585
347. — Operation for movable kidney; the posterior fixation sutures are passed through
the doubled capsule of the kidney 586
348. — Operation for movable kidney; the anterior fixation suture is passed between the
capsule and cortex 587
349. — Operation for movable kidney; the kidney is pushed back again into the renal
fossa and the fixation sutures are again passed through the abdominal wall 587
350. — Operation for movable kidney; the muscles and fasciee of the abdominal incision
are closed by interrupted sutures, the fixation sutures are hauled taut and
tied 588
351. — Side view of the convexity after anchoring the kidney 589
352. — Posterior view after anchoring the kidney 589
353. — Anterior viej^ after anchoring the kidney . . .• 589
354. — Nephrotomy; showing position of patient and loin incision 591
355. — Nephrotomy; the long incision from pole to pole 692
356. — ^Nephrotomy; the short incision between the poles 592
357. — Nephrotomy; catheterization of the ureter from above 593
368. — Method of passing sutures in closing the nephrotomy incision in the kidney . . 594
359. — ^Appearance of the kidney after closure 594
360. — Drainage tube in position 594
361a. — Four-tailed bandage for controlling renal hemorrhages 596
3616. — Four- tailed bandage in place 596
362. — Nephrostomy; this is nephrotomy plus fixation of the sides of the kidney incision
to those of the abdominal wall 598
363. — Drainage in nephrostomy 599
364. — Drainage by siphonage 599
365. — Cup -shaped shield of Watson's apparatus for permanent renal drainage through
the loin 600
366. — The metal receptacle of Watson's apparatus 601
367. — Method of clamping the pedicle and passing the pedicle ligatures in nephrectomy 602
368. — Nephrectomy; ligatures in place ready to tie 603
369. — Nephrectomy; second ligature 603
370. — Albarran's method of securing the pedicle in a subcapsular nephrectomy . 609
371. — Retraction of the capsule, allowing the operator to ligate the pedicle outside of it 609
372. — Partial nephrectomy 610
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT xxi
PAOB
373o. — ^Nephrectomy by morceDement ; the lower pole amputated 611
3736. — Nephrectomy by morcellement ; the upper pole amputated 611
373c. — Nephrectomy by morcellement; the remains of the isthmus between the two poles 612
374. — Closing of the wound in nephrectomy by morcellement 612
376. — ^Nephrectomy by the transverse incision; the kidney delivered 613
37^ — Nephrectomy by the transverse incision; the vascular pedicle clamped . 614
377. — Anterior or transperitoneal nephrectomy; the peritoneal cavity opened and the
incision made in the mesocolon 614
378, — Anterior or transperitoneal nephrectomy; the kidney being freed from the fatty
capsule 615
379. — ^Anterior or transperitoneal nephrectomy; the kidney delivered and pedicle clamped
and ligated 615
380. — ^Anterior or transperitoneal nephrectomy; the kidney removed and the wound
closed 616
381. — Hydronephrosis 616
382. — Resection of kidney pouch below the ureter 617
383. — Capittonage; the part of kidney pouch below the ureter is drawn up by a series
of tucks or reefs 618
384. — ^Albarran's method of suturing in capittonage 618
385- — Cutting down the ureteral spur 619
386. — Cutting down the ureteral spur; sutures passed uniting pelvic and ureteral walls
on either side 619
387. — Uretero-pyeloplasty ; the incision 619
388. — Uretero-pyeloplasty; sutures placed so as to leave a transverse wound . 620
389. — Uretero-pyeloplasty; sutures ligated 620
390. — Lateral pelvic-ureteral anastomosis 620
391- — Lateral pelvic-ureteral anastomosis; the wound united 620
392. — Kinked ureter with adhesions amputated below 621
393. — Two ureters emptying into the bladder, coming from a single unsymmetrical kid-
ney on the right side 622
394. — A double ureter coming from the left kidney, as seen by radiography 623
395. — Vesical ends of the ureters prolapsing into bladder 624
306. — A diverticulum of the part of the ureter passing through the bladder wall 624
397. — Ureteritis and associated pyonephrosis 629
398. — Dilatation of the renal pelvis and ureter in a case of acute ureteritis .... 630
399- — Papilloma of the ureter 631
400- — Cervix with a cancerous growth that has involved the ureter and bladder 631
401. — Positions of ureteral calculi 633
402. — ^Actual size of a stone giving rise to calculous anuria 635
403. — Case of double ureteral calculus 638
404. — Tuberculosis of the ureter 640
406. — ^Thlckening, dilation, ulceration and strictures of the ureter that are seen in Fig.
404, more clearly shown 642
406. — Instruments for ureter operations 647
407a. — Ureterotomy for stone; delivery of the ureter below the kidney .... 647
4076. — Ureterotomy for stone; method of enlarging the field prior to operation 647
408. — Ureterotomy for stone ; exposing the ureter as it crosses the pelvic brim and iliac
vessels 648
409. — ^Ureterotomy for stone in the Trendelenburg position. The same incision is seen
and two ligatures about the epigastric artery 648
410. — Ureterotomy for stone; shows a deep-seated calculus 649
411. — Ureterotomy for stone; the delivery of the calculus, the clamping of the ureter,
and the suturing of the ureteral wall 650
412. — ^Ureterotomy for stone; a ureteral catheter as an aid in suturing the ureter 651
413. — Incision through the broad ligament, exposing the ureter on one side 652
xxii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT
ria. PAQB
414. — Perineal ureterotomy ; the vesicle and the vas pulled to one side and ureter hooked
up and incised over the calculus 653
415. — Patient in the gynecological position. An incision is seen in the vaginal wall, the
ureter hooked up and incised over the calculus 654
416. — Intravesical ureterotomy. The bladder opened suprapubically ; the part of the
bladder wall through which the ureter passes and the stone are clearly seen . 655
417. — Ureterotomy for stricture 656
418. — Ureterorrhaphy 658
419. — Poggi*8 operation for a ureteral anastomosis 658
420. — Van Hook's operation of lateral anastomosis 659
421. — Bov^*s method of end-to-end anastomosis 659
422. — Transperitoneal method of uretero-cystotomy 661
423.— Ureterocolostomy 663
424. — Ileo-lumbar incision for nephro-ureterectomy 664
425. — Nephro-ureterectomy 665
426. — Showing Kelly's method of removing the ureteral stump through the vagina in
nephro-ureterectomy 666
ij R a L 0 a Y
VOLUME I
CHAPTER I
HISTORY OF DISEASES OF THE TRINARY TRACT
Ancient Urology. — ^Diseases of the urinary tract have been known and
treated, both in a medical and surgical way, for many centuries. Medical treat-
ment was first recorded in the Papyrus of Ebers, written 1550 years b.c,
in which were given many prescriptions for their cure. From this time until
the present, various remedies have been used internally and externally by
medical men, and by the monks during the ^Middle Ages, when the practice of
n edicine was principally in their hands.
The history of the progress of surgery has been interesting, although noth-
ing was written upon it imtil the time of the " Ayurveda of Sucrutu," the great
work of the Hindoos in India, which was brought out about one thousand years
after the first recorded manuscript. The first operation spoken of in this later
work was perineal lithotomy, which was then performed in practically the
same way as it is to-day. The Hindoos at this time were also treating strictures
by gradual dilation with sounds of metal or wood, and w^ere treating diseases
of the urethra and bladder by injections.
Hippocrates (about 400 b.c.) was the next great writer. Among other sub-
jects, he was interested in vesical calculi, and described accurately how a stone
grows gradually from a nucleus. He thought that lithotomy should be per-
formed only by a lithotomist. He was the first to be interested in the surgery
of the kidney, and taught that, as soon as a swelling appeared in that region,
it should be cut down upon. He also wrote on the subject of urethral abscess and
cystitis, and was the first to point out the change in the urine in diseases of
the kidney and bladder.
Cornelius Celsus, the great Roman medical writer w^ho lived at the begin-
ning of the Christian era, was the next to write extensively on urinary dis-
eases. He wrote on urethrotomy for impacted urethral stone; catheterization
for retention of urine, especially in old men; vesical calculus and lithotomy,
including after-treatment; and the care of wounds and fistula?. Perineal ure-
throtomy was also performed for stricture by the Koman surgeons one hundred
and fifty years later.
1
2 HISTORY OF DISEASES OF THE URINARY TRACT
Galen was the next writer of consequence. He wrote upon incontinence
and retention of urine, and described an " S-shaped " or curved catheter which
he used for the relief of the latter trouble.
Cffilius Aurelianus, at the beginning of the fourth century, was the next
to interest himself in diseases of the bladder. He used a stone "searcher for
the diagnosis of vesical calculus.
Mediseval Urology. — We thus see that, in the beginning of the Middle Ages,
diseases of the urinary tract had been treated medically for two thousand years,
while surgical interference had been going on for a thousand years. Diseases of
the urethra, prostate, bladder and kidney were already known, and many of them
had been operated upon. It was strange therefore that at such a time a de-
cadence should have taken place, that the practice of medicine should have
fallen into the hands of the monks, and that surgery was attended to by the
barber and charlatan. This condition existed until the fourteenth century,
when scientific surgery again started up in Paris, at the College of Saint Come,
founded by Jean Pitard, and thence slowly extended over Europe. The ad-
vances along the urological line were evidenced by the discovery of movable
kidney in 1497 by Mesure of Venice; the improvement in the technique of
stricture operations by Ambrose Pare and Richard Wiseman ; the works of Git-
tler of Leipsic on wounds of the kidney ; the rescue of lithotomy from the hands
of the layman and the variation of its teclmique by Pierre Franco.
Changes of the urine had been spoken of since the time of Hippocrates,
but the first work of any scientific importance was that of Protospathori in the
seventh century; for he not only described normal urine, but also, in a clear
way, the various changes that took place in the urine of disease. Actuarius,
a Turk, wrote the first extensive work on this subject in the twelfth century,
and it remained an authoritative treatise for five hundred years.
During the heyday of the Salemian School, near Naples, all the physicians
were practically urologists, as they depended largely upon the urine for diag-
nosis and prognosis, and the urinal became the insignia of the physician and
the emblem of medicine. At this time, the examination of the urine was re-
sorted to, not only by the regular practitioner and the university graduate, but
also by the school of quacks, known as uromancers or uroscopists, who gravely
inspected urine passed into a glass flask, guessed the illness and temperament
of the patient, and dispensed miraculous cures.
Paracelsus and Van Helmont, in the latter part of the sixteenth century,
introduced the spagiric or so-called analytic methods of the diagnosis of dis-
ease, which depended on the proportion in which the three elements of man's
nature — mercury, sulphur, and salt — occurred in the urine. Boerhaeve and
Bellini, in the seventeenth century, added to the study of urine. Boerhaeve
distilled the urine and weighed the vapors. When the vapor occupied a certain
part of the still, it pointed to disease in a certain part of the body. He was
MODERN UROLOGY 3
the first to discover the specific gravity of urine. Bellini advocated the study
of the average urine of the healthy individual, the amount passed and the
specific gravity as a standard with which the unhealthy urine should be com-
pared.
In the latter part of the eighteenth century, there was a decided advance
in urinary analysis. Cotugno discovered albumin in the urine of diseased
kidneys by boiling it. Koulle and Cadet discovered urea and isolated many
salts of the urine, and Schule discovered uric acid.
It will thus be seen that, at the dawn of the nineteenth century, a good
working basis existed in the study of urinary diseases, especially in the line of
urinarv examinations and the treatment of urethral and bladder diseases.
Modem Urology. — Modem urological history may be divided into two
periods, the first and second halves of the nineteenth century, the first of which
was preparatory to the second.
During the first half of the century the work was principally confined to
improving and elaborating urethral and bladder work, urinary examination,
and the study of pathology.
In 1805, Bozzini of Frankfort, invented an apparatus for illuminating the
urethra and bladder, which was the first of a series of crude attempts that led
to our present knowledge of urethroscopy and cystoscopy. In urethral work,
Desormeaux in 1853 improved the endoscope. Later a cooling apparatus was
added, which finally was supplanted by the mignon or cold lamp introduced
by Preston, an electrician of Rochester, X. Y., at about the dawn of the twen-
tieth century, thus giving us the practical instrument of to-day.
ilaisonneuve in 1853 invented the first of the modem urethrotomes, which
is still used in internal urethrotomy to cut through small strictures from the
front backward, and in 1872, Otis invented his dilating urethrotome for cutting
strictures of large size from behind forward. Both of these, although there
have been many modifications, exist to the present day. The dilation of
urethral strictures by the dilators of Oberlander and Kollmann have since then
superseded the use of sounds with many practitioners. The method of treating
urethritis by the irrigation of Janet, and numerous new remedies for hand in-
jections, have entered into our urethral therapeutics.
In bladder work, the efforts to improve the diagnosis of pathological con-
ditions by vision, led to the gradual development of the illuminating instru-
ments, the first marked improvement being that of Briick, a dentist, who called
his instnunent a diaphanoscope. Improvements were slow and unimportant
until 1876, when Xitze, Brenner and Leiter perfected their cystoscopes, giving
us our present knowledge of cystoscopic diagnosis. These were rendered more
practical three years later (1879) by introduction into them of the incan-
descent lamp, w^hich enabled the urologist to employ it instead of the hot
and less luminous platinum wire hitherto used, with a cooling apparatus.
4 HISTORY OF DISEASES OF THE URINARY TRACT
Further improvemerit, due to the use of smaller and colder lamps, ren-
dered the use of cooling devices — irrigation with water while examining —
unnecessary.
In bladder surgery, Civiale (1817) performed the first successful lithotrity,
the crushing of a vesical calculus, with an instrument which served as a pro-
totype for the modem lithotrite. His lithotrite was modified by Weiss, Hodg-
son, Ferguson and Sir Henry Thompson, and finally by Bigelow (1877) who
combined the operation with evacuation of the fragments of stone by means of
an aspirator in one operation, litholapaxy. His evacuator for emptying the
bladder of the last fragment of stone consisted of a very large hollow sound,
with a large eye in its concavity, connected with a rubber bulb, between which
and the sound was a bottle into which the fragments fell when sucked out by
squeezing and releasing the bulb. While suprapubic lithotomy in this country
has largely superseded Bigelow's operation, his method stands to this day in
all parts of the w^orld as the procedure best employed for the removal of stone
in the bladder in a selected class of cases.
In the work on the kidney, that of Eichard Bright (1827) was the founda-
tion of our present knowledge of the medical diseases. Bright's investigations
showed that many patients with dropsy and albumin in the urine had diseased
kidneys, and although Catugno, the discoverer of albumin, had made it known
a century before and Allison in 1823 had reported the occurrence of dropsy
with albuminuria in kidney disease. Bright found the profession more recep-
tive to scientific advances than did Catugno, and through his writings received
such recognition that the name of Bright's disease was applied to pathological
conditions of the kidney accompanied by albuminuria. In 1823, Scudmore of
London had found that the urine of patients with albuminuria contained less
urea than that of normal persons. The discovery of urinary casts by Viglia,
some ten years after Bright's publication, added another important link to
the chain of our present knowledge of urinary findings in nephritis. From
these early studies sprang the elaborate researches of later years, as recorded
in the text-books of Johnson (" Diseases of the Kidneys," London, 1852), Jo-
hann Fogel (1856), Eosenstcin (1863), Senator (1896) and others.
In renal surgery, Paeslee performed the first nephrectomy (1868) by ac-
cident, in a case the diagnosis of which had been an ovarian tumor. Simon,
the following year, removed the first kidney purposely in a case of calculous
pyonephrosis, and took advantage of this step to write his important monograph
on the kidney, in which he gave a definite classification of the surgical
affections of the organ, thus stamping them formally for the first time as
surgical.
Catheterization of the ureters, which now is one of the most important
urological procedures, owes its birth to the efforts of Pawlik and Bozeman,
who w^ere the first to catheterize the ureters in women. The development of
MODERN UROLOGY 5
this important procedure was, however, due to the cystoscopists. They added a
compartment to their cystoscopes for the passage of a small woven catheter,
then, by looking at the mouth of the ureter, they could push the catheter into
the bladder until its end entered the ureter. The first catheterizing cystoscopic
instrument was that of Brenner (1892), then followed those of Nitze (1895),
Casper (1895), Albarran (1897), etc. Later they added to their instruments
a double catheterizing apparatus which enabled them to catheterize both ureters
at the same time.
One of the most important discoveries in urology, as in all other diseases,
was the role of the microorganism as the causative agent of fermentation, de-
composition and disease, by Louis Pasteur, described in a work called " La
Generation Spontanee," which appeared in 1859. He took up in particular
the Micrococcus ureae, which causes urinary decomposition by splitting up urea
into ammonia and other by-products, and suggested that the bacteria enter the
bladder with dust particles that adhere to unclean instruments.
In 1879, Neisser announced the discovery of the gonococcus, a microorgan-
ism which has since then been found as the constant cause of blennorrhagic in-
fection. Then followed rapidly the discoveries of the several important specific
germs: The tubercle bacillus by Robert Koch, in 1882; the staphylococcus, the
chief germ of suppuration, by Rosenbach, in 1884; and the colon bacillus —
so often found in cystitis, pyelitis, etc. — by Escherich, in 1885. These dis-
coveries changed many of our previous etiologic concepts and created entirely
new therapeutic view points — antisepsis and asepsis. The development of a
plate-culture method by Koch had a great deal to do with the later and more
accurate studies on the bacteriology of cystitis, pyelitis, etc.
The amalgamation of the diseases of the urinary tract into the modem
specialty has taken place through the combination of the work of numerous
internists, surgeons, pathologists and bacteriologists at different times and in
different ways.
A knowledge of diseases of the urethra and bladder and their treatment has
existed since the earliest writings, and of diseases of the kidney since the days
of Hippocrates. The diseases of the kidney, however, were not considered in
common with those of the bladder and the urethra, but were rather in the
hands of internists and general surgeons.
Bright was the first thoroughly to consider diseases of the kidney from
the point of view of an internist, and Rayer and Simon as surgeons; while
Civiale, Thompson, Mercier, Guyon, Maisonneuve, Ricord, and others were
working on the bladder and urethra in both a medical and surgical way.
The laboratory men were principally engaged in the work of urinary anal-
ysis imtil Pasteur's discovery of bacteria and microbic infection, followed later
by the discovery of the gonococcus, the tubercle bacillus and streptococcus,
colon bacillus and others of the important forms of infection.
6 HISTOKY OF DISEASES OF THE URINAKY TRACT
Cystoscopy in the hands of Nitze and Brenner was perhaps the final step
of an amalgamation ; for it allowed the surgeon who had examined and passed
through the urethra to see with certainty the condition of the bladder wall,
and to diagnosticate in many cases between bladder and kidney hematuria and
pyuria, and in case of renal origin to see from which side the pathological urine
had come.
The further investigations of the microbic causes of disease showed that
the same germs that give rise to infectious bladder diseases were also the cause
of suppurative renal disease: also that practically the same diseases existed in
both organs ; that is, tumors, tuberculosis, stone and suppurative inflammations.
Furthermore, it was then learned that in cases of disease of the urethra, pros-
tate and bladder, the infection may pass to the kidney directly up the ure-
ters, or by the blood current or the lymphatic channels.
The catheterizing cystoscopes then came as another step in the relation
between the two kidneys. In urinary cases, the analysis could tell us of disease
of the bladder, or kidney, or both. The cystoscope could show us, in a bladder
case, the degree of disease in this organ; while in a kidney case, the urine,
withdrawn by the ureteral catheters, could tell us which of the kidneys ex-
creted the urine that gave the pathological appearances to the general specimen.
By this means, direct connection between the bladder and the kidney was es-
tablished, and the study of the urinary tract from the bladder up was consid-
ered just as important, if not more so, than from the bladder down. Conse-
quently, the direct reason for including the entire urinary tract from the
capsule of the kidney to the external urinary meatus in both sexes can be better
understood.
Having considered some of the principal direct steps taken in modem urol-
ogy toward its advancement and development into the present specialty, we
must consider a few important factors in general and special surgery that have
an important bearing on the subject.
The acceptance of the fact that germs are the cause of surgical infections
led to the consideration of the best way to be rid of them in surgical work;
that is, the study of antisepsis and asepsis.
In 1859, Lemaire found that carbolic acid was the active constituent of
coal tar and advocated it as the best antiseptic. It was thought that fermenta-
tion and putrefaction were due to the access to the woimds of particles from
the air that could be destroyed by boiling, heat and chemical agencies. Among
the latter the best agents were carbolic acid and bichlorid of mercury, in which
wounds could be washed and dressings soaked.
The title " antiseptic method " was given by Lister to a form of wound
treatment founded on certain definite principles and commenced by him in
1865. His studies were founded on the results of Pasteur's researches on
spontaneous generation, which served as a guide in systematizing his invest iga-
MODERN UROLOGY 7
tioiL Working on the hypothesis that the particles of dust-bome germs en-
tered the wounds at the time of operation, he devised the carbolic spray as a
means of rendering antiseptic the operative field in surgical operations. Asep-
sis then succeeded antisepsis, as it became apparent that it is better to exclude
germs by having everything connected with the operation sterile, than to have
germs present at the time of operation and then try to render them inert by
the use of strong solutions. The sterilization of instruments, dressings, gowns,
etc., beforehand, and the wearing of rubber gloves, proved more simple and
effective than the more cumbersome methods of trying to sterilize after the
operation had begun. For the technique of asepsis we are much indebted to
another English surgeon, Lawson Tait.
Anesthesia was another great discovery for urinary surgery. In the years
1811 17, the three chief methods were discovered in rapid succession and
at once began to exert an important influence upon the development of painless
major urological operations. The discovery of nitrous oxid gas as an anes-
thetic by Wells gave us an invaluable aid for brief operations and for examina-
tions that require perfect relaxation. The discovery of ether anesthesia by
Morton in 1846, and of chloroform anesthesia by Simpson in 1847, gave us
the most useful means of rendering patients unconscious that have yet been
discovered. Ethyl chlorid and cocain, as brought out by Koler, are of great
value as local anesthetics, and the great majority of urological operations can
be performed under the influence of the latter.
In 1895, Conrad Roentgen discovered the X-ray, the perfection of which
has brought to the urologist another valuable means of diagnosis in suspected
cases of stone in the kidney, the ureter and bladder.
Laboratory experiments through the inoculation of small animals, have also
been of great service to us in determining the presence or absence of tubercu-
losis in disease of the kidneys.
A few years ago, the determination of the relative efiiciency of both kid-
neys, and especially of each kidney separately by various methods, was consid-
ered as one of the important diagnostic and prognostic criteria by surgeons and
urologists in the study of renal diseases. The first of these methods employed
to test the functional capacity of the kidney was cryoscopy, which consisted of
freezing the urine. This was introduced in 1897 by Koranyo of Budapest,
but has been little used in this country. The methylene blue test, popular with
the French School, came next, the function of the kidney depending upon the
early or late appearance in the urine of the blue or chromogen color after its
injection into the body. The phloridzin test was advocated by Casper and
Richter in 1900 and was the favorite method of the German School, but re-
quired more care on account of the frequent necessity of testing the urine for
sugar.
It is difficult at the present time to see along what lines the progress in
8 HISTORY OF DISEASES OF THE URINARY TRACT
urology will extend. The steps in diagnosis at present seem to be quite com-
plete, and I think that progress will probably be along the lines of improved
technique. At present, what is most needed is better cooperation between the
patient and the surgeon in the study of the cases, and the continuation of medi-
cal treatment and careful observation before resorting to operation, except in
urgent cases.
CHAPTEK II
THE ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT
The urinary tract in both sexes is arranged in a series which begins at the
kidneys and ends at the external urinary meatus. The various parts are the
kidney, ureter, bladder and urethra. The kidneys and ureters are the same
in both sexes, while the bladder is practically the same, differing only in re-
gard to its external relations. It will thus be seen that the urethra is the part
which differs the most in the two sexes. In women it is short and entirely in-
dependent of the genital tract in its functions and in its relations until it
reaches the external meatus in the sinus uro-geni talis. In men, from the open-
ing of the common ejaculatory ducts to the external meatus, the genital and
urinary canals form a single passage. In both the male and the female the
urinary organs meet the genital organs at the sinus uro-genitalis, which is
found in the prostatic portion of the urethra in men and in the vestibule in
women. At this point in the male the urinary tract commimicates with the
ejaculatory duct, the vesicular seminales, the vasa deferentia and the testes;
while in the female it communicates at the sinus with the clitoris, the vulva,
the vagina, the uterus, tubes and ovaries. In men the combined relations and
functions of the urinary and genital tracts in the urethra, where they are in
common, has given rise to the expression geniio-urinary tract in their combined
consideration.
In women, on the other hand, except in foetal life, the genito-urinary
organs are divided into two distinct tracts, the genital and the urinary. These
are separated from each other throughout their entire course, and although
they are in close contact with each other, they are never in conunon in a nor-
mal condition; for which reason they are not spoken of as the genito-urinary
tract
In the female the genital and urinary organs bear a definite relation to
each other, the urinary being in front of the genital except where the ureter
passes behind the broad ligament.
In the male, the urinary tract is also placed anteriorly as far as the
urethra, but from the internal to the external meatus the urinary tract is sur-
rounded by parts of the genital tract — namely, the prostate, the corpus spon-
giosum, and corpora cavernosa — the urethra being the common canal for the
discharges from each.
9
10 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-TTRINART TRACT
The following ilhiatrations will give an idea of the relation of the genital
and iirinary tracts to each other when removed from the body :
, 1. — Antewob View OF THE Opened Genito- Fio. ;
J.— PoBTEHioB View op ibe GsNrro-UBi-
U8IMABI TBACT in the MaLE.
HARY TkACT IH THE MaLS.
pe, the pelvis o! the kidDcy.
K. kidney.
cor, the cortci, the part between the cortex
pt, pel\i8.
and the pelvU beiog the medullary portion.
V, ureters.
PUT, pyramid.
B. bladder.
ca, the calicfiH.
V, vas deferens.
U. the ureters.
B. the bladder.
o.u, the ureteral openings.
i,u.m. the internal urinary meatua.
a. ampuUa,
».t, senainal vesicles.
P. prostate.
c. Cowper's glaiida.
o.e.d, the openinea of the ejaeulatnry du<'ls in
T, testicles.
the prostatic urethra.
E, epididymis.
IJ.u.i, the genilo-urinary ainufl.
b.u, bulb of urethra.
t.m. the vcru montanum.
b.u, the bulbous urethra.
d.c, opcoingB of the ductii at Cowper's glands.
C. glans penis.
H, urethra.
t.u.m, citernal urinary nieutUH.
ANATOMT OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-UEINAKY TRACT 11
Fig. 1 gives the anterior view of the genito-urinary tract in the male,
and Pig. 2 the posterior. In Fig. 1 it can be seen how the urine excreted
into the tubules of Uie kidney ia carried down through the calices, the renal
petvia and the ureter into a reservoir, the bladder, where it accumulates and
from which point it entera the urethra tlirough which it is discharged from the
body. In examining the first part of the urethra as it passes through the pros-
tatic gland, we see the opeuings of the ejaculatory ducts that bring the secre-
tions of the testes and seminal vessels into the urethra; also the openings of the
prostatic ducts that discharge the prostatic fluid ; while lower down the bulbous
portion will be seen the mouth of the ducts of Cowper's glanda, that are the
last to contribute to the formation of the combined fluid known as semen at
the time of its ejaculation.
In Pig. 2 it can be seen how the spermatozoa formed in the testes are
carried up through the epididymis and vas deferens to the seminal vesicles
where they are stored and from which point, mixed with the secretion of the
vesicles, prostate and Cowper's glands, they are discharged from the urethra,
as has already been shown in Fig. 1.
Fiti. 3.— PoBTEHioH View of the Relations op the Genital and L'hinarv
Ohoanb in the Male.
/, ureters. 7. bladder.
S, vaas defcrciitia. A, outer muscular layer of bladder.
5, right Beminal vesicle laid open. B, middle muspular laj'er of bladder.
i. right vaa deferens laid open. C, inner muscular layer of bladder.
5, pro9tat«. D, mucous membrane of bladder.
6, left seminal vesicle.
Fig. 3 is a view of the posterior aspect of the bladder prostate, seminal
vesicles, ureters and vasa defercntia. The right vesicle and vas have been
laid open.
12 ANATOMY OF THE TJKINARY AND GENITO-TJRINART TRACT
Fig. 4 represents an interior view of the geni to-urinary tract in tlie
female; tlie kidney and ureter on right side are split, and the bladder and
uretlira below.
Fig. 5 represents a posterior view. The tubes, uterus and vagina are
split Here the genital tract is scon to be behind the urinary, excepting where
the ureters pass behind the adnexa.
Fig. 0 shows the side view of the kidney, ureter and bladder in an an-
terior posterior section as it is found in either man or woman. If this is
placed above either the male or tlie female urethra chart in such a way that the
urethral opening of tlie bladder is placed at the beginning of the urethral canal,
it will be seen that the bladder answers for either sex as well as the kidneys
and ureters.
Fig. 7 represents a central anterior posterior vertical scctifin through that
AITATOMT OF THE URINAKY AND GENITO-URtNABY TRACT 13
r^
/•^■^
Fio. a. — Uppbr anb MiDDue Ponnoda or thb
Urisaht Thact, thb Kidney. Uheteii and
BUDDEB OF ErTBEB Sex OH Saoittai. 3bc-
t,*b»»e.'
e.u, cystic orifices of ureter.
Fia. 7. — Lower Ubinary Trmtt in the Male
ON Saoittal Section, and also the Internal
AND EXTEBNAL GeNITAL ORQANS.
V. vas defcif ns.
S. v., Bcminiil vesicle.
□. ampulla.
e.rf, ejapulatory duct.
£, epididymis.
ir-Tn. globus major.
ff.min, globus minor,
b, body of the epididymis.
T, testicle.
P, prostate.
T.L.. triangulat ligament.
C, Cowpcr'g glaod.
U, urethra.
p.u, prostatic urethra.
b.u. bulb of urethra.
/,n, fossa Davicularis.
14 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-TJRINARY TRACT
part o£ the genito-urinary apparatus of the male that is in common, namely,
the penis, prostate and urethra; besides which it shows the male atlnesa on.
one side, that is, the seminal vesicles, vas
deferens, epididymis and testis.
If Fig. 6 was placed on Fig. 7 in
siicli a way that the opening of the blad-
der was to fit that of the urethra, and
the seminal vesicles and the vas deferens
with their ampullie were properly ad-
justed, they would he seen to lie on the
back of the bladder as in Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 depicts an anterior posterior
vertical section through the central part of
the female genitals, namely, the vesti-
bule, clitoris, vulva, vagina and uterus.
There is also a similar section through
the urethra in the same line. The Fal-
lopian tube and the ovary are also shown,
although somewhat out of position. The
place for a dilated bladder corresponding
in size with that of Fig. 6 is indicated
by dotted Hues. If Fig. 6 was placed
over Fig, 8 in such a way that the blad-
der would fit in the space indicated by
the dotted lines, it would be seen that the
uterus would lie in a plane posterior
to the bladder, and tliat the tnbes and
ovaries, in case the bladder were empty
or hut moderately distended, would also
lie in a posterior plane.
These figures show the great similar-
ity in the upper three quarters of tiie uri-
nary tract in the two sexes and also how
much closer related the lower quarter of
the urinary tract is to the genital in the
male than in the female.
This intimate relation in the male has
been the reason why the troubles of the
genital tract have been called " genito-
urinary" in men, instead of " andro-
logical," which would correspond to the
term " gynecological " in women.
Fio. 8. — Gemitai, Orqanb and Loweb Ubi-
NABT Tract in the Fbuale oh Saoittai
Section.
F. fallopiaa tube.
f.e, fimbriated ratremity.
0. ovary.
R, rectum.
r pauing aloDgside uterus.
S. symphysis pubis.
V, vagiiia.
H, clitoris.
Ve. vpBtibuIe.
e.u.o, external urethral orifice.
L.M, labium major.
L.Min., labium minor.
I.V, introitus vagiuee.
F.B, perioeBl body.
LOCATION OF THE GENITO-URINARY TEACT
15
The arogenital sinus is the point where the urinary tract joins the genital
and is differently located in the two sexes.
Fig. 9 shows the urogenital sinus in the male. It is situated in the
prostatic urethra at the point where the ejaculatory ducts open into the canal
about one inch below the vesical open-
Fla. 9. — GEHrro-iTBiKABT SiHDS ni the Male,
IBB PBOWATE having BEEN OpBKBD ANTE-
uost-T AND rrs Latekal Lobes Retracted.
(TeWut.)
At thia point, tbe posterior uretlira is seen in
direct coauDuaication yrith the Uaddet, bqU with
the e)acui&tory ducta.
1. the tdadder.
e, urethn.
3, prostate.
4. veru montanum.
6. frenum of the veru montaDimi.
6, uretbral crest.
7, prostatic utricle.
8, orifices of the ejaculatory ducts.
9, prostatic foesette.
10. lateral dcpressioDS of the veru monta-
F:0. 10. — GBNITO-ritWABT SlNDB IN THE
Feuale.
The labia minora ot the eitenisl seuitsls are
seen to be retracted. showinK the uretbral meatus,
tfactcnntDatioDof the urinary tract, and juat below
and behind it the vaginal opening, the tenninatioD
of the genital tract.
Fig. 10 shows it in the female.
It is situated in the vestibule of the
vulva, where the urethra and the
vagina open.
LOCATION OF THE GENITO-URINARY TRACT
The genito-urinary tract in its whole course has au extensive location, being ■
partly within the body cavity and partly without. The inside part extends
from the costal diaphragm to tlie pelvic diaphragm (levator ani muscle) below,
while the outside part is a continuation of tlie part within through the pelvic
diaphragm and the perineum, to end in the external meatus in the male and
the vestibule in the female. The bony framework which incloses it may be
said to consist of the two lower ribs, the last dorsal and the lumbar vertebrte, and
the bones entering into the formation of the pelvis. These are bound togetlier
by ligaments, especially important in assisting to make a smooth pelvic cav-
ity out of an irr^ular bony framework. (See Figs. 11 and 12.)
16' ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT
.. — Antbbiob View op the Bontt Skeleton of the Part of the Boot in Which tb
Urinari Tract ib Lodoed.
7, anterior common ligament, ,j. Ei^sser sacro-Bciatic ligament.
S, ilio-lumbar ligament. S. obturator foramen and membrane.
3, greatcc sacro^ciatic Ligament. 0, anterior pubic ligament.
LOCATIOX or THE OENTTO-miNAET TRACT 17
Both kidneys and tlie upper five and one half inches of tlic ureter are
witliia the abdominal cavity. The bladder, seminal vesicles, the lower four
Flo. 12. — POBTEBiOR View of the Bony Fbauework Enclosing the Urinary Tract.
t. posterior Uio-lurabar ligameut. 3, Icsacr eacro-sciatic ligametit.
t. posterior Bacro-iliac ligament. i, greater sacro-eciatic ligament.
:inii one liiilf inches of the ureter, the prostate gland, and part of the vas dnfer-
MU are within the pelvic cavity; -while the penis, testicles and part of the
18 ANATOMT OF THE URINAEY AND GENITO-TJRINAEY TRACT
I. 13. — Space Occdpibo b
E Umnabi Tract aftbr It h
I It« MoscDLAa
diaphrsgm.
inferior vena cava.
right cnis of diaphragm.
pectineuB.
esophagus.
T. left erua of diaphragm.
8. quadratuH lumborum.
9, traiuveraalis fascia.
pnoas parvus.
iliacua.
psoas magtiua.
pyriformifl.
obturator e
obturator membrane.
obturator juternua.
THE PELVIS 19
urettra are outside the body cavity. The kidneys are on the posterior abdom-
inal wall on either side on the last dorsal and upper three lumbar vertebne.
They are behind the peritoneum, and rest behind on the twelfth rib, crurse of
the diaphragiu, psoas and qnadratiis litniborum muscles (Fig. 13), The ab-
dominal portion of the ureter is also behind the peritoneum, lying upon the
psoas and running downward and inward as far as the brim of the pelvis.
The intrapelvic and extrapelvic portion of the tract is so intimately re-
lated to the various structures in the pelvic cavity and perineum, that, in order
to give an adequate idea of their location and relations, a brief description of
the pelvis and perineum as a whole must be given.
THE PELVIS
The pelvis consists of a surrounding framework of bones and ligaments,
the inner surface of the bones being covered, for the most part, by muscle, while
a sheet of muscle arising from either side of the bony wall meets in the middle
Fk). 14. — Thi LioAHENTa HBU>iHa TO Form the Pelvic Floor on the RioaT and on
FtasT Latbb or the Mubclib Above Covehino Them and the Spaces Aboot
/, aoUrior common ligament. 7. obturator membrane.
t, ilio4umbeu' ligament. 8, levator ani.
S. anterior Bacro-iliac ligament. 9. obturator internus.
i. pealer tacro-Bdatic ligament. 10, pyriCormis.
5. laser sacro-sciatic ligament. II, coccygeuB.
0, Y ligantent of Bigelow.
20 ANATOMY OF THE IHIINARY AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT
line, to close the space below. The muscles are covered with fascia, constitut-
ing the various layers described as pelvic fascia. This has attachments to the
prostate, bladder, vagina, vesiculie seminales and rectum, and forms folds
which are described as ligaments of these organs. The whole cavity so formed
is lined by a complete layer of peritoneum.
The bonv wall consists of the sacrum behind and the os innominatum on
either side, meeting in front at the symphysis pubis. The ligaments and struc-
tures which complete the framework of the pelvis are the sciatic ligaments
which extend over the sciatic notch, the obturator membrane closing the ob-
turator foramen, and the triangular ligament which bridges across the space
between the rami of the ischium and pubes. These cover the irregular open-
ings in the bony framework, and transform the lower part of the interior into
a cylindrical cavity with more or less complete walls, as already mentioned.
The muscular structures which pad the inner surface of this framework are
the pyriformis and obturator internus. They cover the inner surface of the
bones on their lateral and posterior aspects, and obliterate the irregularities of
the bony wall, thus rendering the interior a comfortable location for delicate
organs.
The space inclosed by these various structures is known as the pelvic cav-
ity, and may be likened to the short segment of a hollow cylinder, deeper be-
hind than in front. It is closed in below by the levator ani and coccygeus
muscles, which are known as the pelvic diaphragm, but the coccyx and trian-
gular ligaments must also be looked upon as forming part of the true floor of
the space.
Levator Ani. — This arises from the back part of the pubic bone from a
line of fascia (white line. Figs. 15-16) extending from the back part of the
pubes and from the inner surface of the ischial spine. The anterior fibers
extend do^vnward and inward by the side of the prostate, meeting those of the
opposite side. The intermediate fibers slope downward and inward and sup-
port the rectum and bladder. At the junction of the rectum and anal canal,
they form a collar round the gut, which extends downward on its lateral walls
as far as the external sphincter. The posterior fibers are inserted into the ano-
coccygeal raphe and the sides of the coccyx (Fig. 15). In the female, that
portion of fibers which surrounds the prostate in the male are attached on
either side to the vaginal wall. The nerve supply for this muscle comes from
the fourth and fifth sacral, some branches of the same nerves going to the
coccvffeus.
4/ O
Coccygeus Muscle. — This is a small fan-shaped muscle which arises from
the spine of the ischium, extending backward and inward to be attached to
the sides and anterior surface of the coccyx. The levator ani and coccygeus
thus form one continuous sheet of muscle, which make, as it were, a bed and
support for the viscera (Fig. IC). They are both the remains of the tail
THE PELVIS
muscles. In quadrupeds the various coraponeuts of the levator an! arise from
tile brim of the pelvis, and are inserted into the coccyx or caudal vertebrir.
to
11
10
16
14
Cowper's glands,
transveraus perinei muscle-
sphincter ani extern us.
Fig. 15. — View or the Riort Side of the Pelvic Cavttt as Seen apteii a Sagittal Sbction,
The asenim 'a seen above and the pubis below, while between a.
nuke ap the peliic walla and floor. The urethral orifice ia seen jua
the itump of the rectum: extending from the coccyx, t*
/ , cut Buriace of the sacrum.
S. pyrif oralis.
S, ilio-pectioeal line.
.j, obturator iatcrniis.
S, obturator foramen.
G. urcthml opening.
7. bulbo-cavemosUB muscle.
8, corpua spongiosum.
O. deep layer of triangular ligament.
lO, superficial layer of triangular ligament.
With the assumption of the upright posture, the muscles become modified to
furiu one sheet, their origin sinks downward, while thoy acquire their various
22 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-FRINARY TRACT
insertions and increase in strength, to support the viscera which tend to sink
downward from gravity, the effect of gravity being markedly increased in the
upright position. In man, traces of the former attachment of these muscles
Fro. 16. — Thb Pelvic Floor Lookino in from Above.
The pubis is seen in front, the vertebra behind and the ilium and pubes on cither aide.
1, syiuphysia. 6. obtumtor intcmus.
g, prostatic urethra. 7, levator ani muscle.
5. seminal vesicles. S. coccygeus.
4. rectum. 9. pyriformis.
6, cut Burface of iliac bone. 10, prostate glanil.
can often be found, Tlie cnccygeus and suiall sciatic ligaments are the rejire-
scntatives of the Jachio coccygeus, the lateral flexors of the tail in lower ani-
mals (Keith's "Embryology").
Pelvic Fascia. — This can be best understood by considerinff the dcvelojv
ment of fascia in general. This structure is never develojicd in sheets, as is so
connnonly described, but is merely the portion of mesoblast left over after
atnictures have formed within it. Thus we see that fascia must form a con-
tinuous attenuated spongework, in wliieh the interstices arc filled with struc-
tures which have become differentiated. We can now un<Ierstand the intimate
relations of the fascia covering the levator and its connections with the pros-
tate gland, bladder, the vesicula; seminalis, uterus, vagina and rectum. With
the above considerations in mind, we see that the parietal layer of pelvic fascia,
so called, is merely the internal sheath of tlie pyriformis and obturator in-
temus muscles. The visceral layer, laterally and behind, is tlic upper portion
of the sheath of the levator ani, while in front the visceral layer is really tho
THE PELVIS 23
posterior layer of the triangular ligament, which is itself the posterior portion
of the sheath of the compreaaor urethra. The fibrous covering of the prostate,
bladder, vesicula seminales, vagina, uterus and rectum are thus continuous
with these muscle sheaths, and form the fascia described as the vesical, recto-
veaical, and rectal layers of pelvic fascia (Fig. 17). The internal and ex-
ternal capsules of the prostate are so called because a partial line of cleavage
has been made by blood vessels developing in the inesoblastic spongework. The
17 9
Tia. 17. — ViBw o» THE Intbrhai. Genttalb and the Pelvic Fascia ik the Male as Seen ebou
Bebind. ArrER the Rectum has been Separated and Pulled Down.
i, bladder. ?;, wWIp line faecia.
*, vaa derereoa. It. obturator faacia.
5. ureter. IS. anal faacia.
4, scDunal veaicle. 14, recto-vesicBl fascia coveriog levator ani
6, obturator iDtemus milsde. muacle,
6. proatate. is, recto-vesical tam^ia split and reflected from
7. Alcock'a canal. bladder, prostate and seminal vesiclea.
8. levator ani muselc. IS, recto-vedcal fascia forming capsule of
9. rectum drawn down. prostate.
10. pdvic fascia. 17, recto-vesical fascia reflected from rectum.
anal fascia covering the perineal surface of the levator ani is merely the sheatli
of the under surface of the muscle.
Peritoneum. — Internal to the fascial lining of the pelvic cavity is a com-
plete covering of peritoneum. This lines the sides of tlic i)elvi8, being contin-
24 ANATOMY OF THE UBINABY AND GENI TO-URINARY TRACT
uouB witli tlie peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity, and ia reflected on to
the floor of the space, covering more or less of the pelvic viscera (Fig. 18).
The peritoneal coverings can be heat understood by imagining the peritoneum
83 extending down into tlie pelvic cavity as a closed sac, and the viscera as
having been pushed up from below, evaginating portions of the bottom of the
Fra. 18. EXTHA PERITONEAL SaOITTAL SECTION OF THE BODT TO THE LbFT OF THE MEDIAN LiNB.
The ureter is seen eiteading down until it cnten the bladder. The vas deferens with the peritoneum
above aud extraperitjjDeal portion of the bladder below is seen mnninB horiiontBlly toward the ureter
and passing in front of it to become an ejaculatofy duct. The prostate is seen below the bladder aod
between its base and the ureter on the posterior wall of the bladder the stump of the seminal vesicte is
sac and not having been pushed up far enough to get complete coverings. Thus
the bladder is covered on its superior surface as far as the apex, on the upper
part of the lateral surface, and covering over the basal surface far enough to
cover one third of tlie vesicnlic seminales. In front, from the apex of the
bladder, it is reflected on to the anterior abdominal wall. Behind from the
base of the bladder it passes backward on to the rectum in the male, forming
the reeto-vesical pouch. In the female, it covers the uterus above, in front and
behind, the two layers meeting laterally to form the broad lipament. From
the uterus it is reflected on to the rectum, forming the utero-sacral pouch or
pouch of Douglas. It covers the middle third of the rectum on the anterior
THE PERINEUM 25
surface, extending backward and upward over the sides to the upper third,
which is covered in front and on the side, thence blending with the parietal
laver.
The blood vessels in the pelvis run beneath the peritoneum. The larger
trunks, internal iliac and its lateral branches, are found on the side wall of the
pelvis, superficial to the fascia, while the visceral branches run inward to their
distribution between the peritoneum and fascia. The sacral nerves, with the
exception of the obturator, are found beneath the fascia, the obturator is super-
ficial, running beneath the peritoneum, and leaves the pelvis through a special
opening in the parietal fascia at the upper part of the obturator foramen.
THE PERINEUM
The perineum is a lozenge-shaped space between the pelvic floor above and
the cutaneous surface below. It is bounded on the sides by the rami of the
pubes and ischium, the ischial tuberosity, and the great sciatic ligament, in
front by the symphysis pubis and behind by the coccyx. The superficial fascia
covering this space presents certain characteristics of surgical importance (Fig.
19). It is fatty behind, muscular in front, where it extends over the scrotum,
the muscular fibers being known as the dartos, and accounts for the rugosities
in the skin of the scrotum. The middle portion is divided into two layers, the
superficial layer, continuous with the superficial fascia of surrounding parts,
and a deep layer known as the fascia of Colles. This is attached on either
side to the pubic arch and behind winds round the posterior border of the trans-
versus perinei muscle to form a firm attachment to the anterior layer of the
triangular ligament. In front it is continuous with the fascia of Scarpa on the
anterior abdominal wall. This fascial connection is very important, as it de-
termines the direction of extravasated urine in cases of rupture of the urethra
anterior to the triangular ligament. The perineal space is arbitrarily divided
into two portions by a line extending transversely across the space between the
two ischial tuberosities. This line passes just in front of the rectum, and
forms the urogenital triangle in front and the rectal triangle behind.
The Rectal Triangle. — This contains the rectum with its sphincter mus-
cles, and on either side of it is the ischio-rectal fossa. The latter is a pyram-
idal-shaped space filled with fat which is derived from the superficial fascia.
Crossing the space from without inw^ard, are the inferior hemorrhoidal vessels
and nerves, which come oS from the internal pudic artery and nerve as they lie
on the inner surface of the ischium, in the fascial sheath known as Alcock's
canal. The fourth sacral nen^e is found in the posterior part of the space,
while the two superficial perineal nerves arise from the internal pudic and
run a short distance in the anterior part of the space before they pierce the
triangular ligament and enter the urogenital triangle.
26 ANATOMY OF THE TJRrSART AND GENITO-I'RINART TRACT
The Urogenital Triangle. — The two layers o£ the superficial fascia having
been described, we come next to tlie various muscles beneath this, which meet
in the central part of the triangle. This is called the central point of the
On the left side the niUHriilar layer hae been removed, ahowitiR the eorpus apongioBUin with its butb
and the roots of the norporn eavemoHa, whereas below the aupcrficial layer of the deep fascia (the tri-
aDEular ligament) is »een.
bulbo-cavernoauB (accel
rat
orurin
ffi)
muaclc
10. addurtor muscle of thiah.
ischio-cavemosua or ere<
penis
selc.
ischio-cavemoBUH or cro<
muscle.
IS, anterior or superficial layer of triaogutar
ligament.
13. tuber ischii.
^hinetor ani e;.trrnus.
14. obturator iiitcrnus.
cori)us sponnioHiini.
l.t. levator ani.
corpus cavernosimi.
CoUeii' fascU reflected.
/*, CIWClTt.
perineum, or perineal body. It is merely a fibrous sciitiiin situated a little in
front of the amis, into which are attiiclied the anterior portion of the sphincter
ani, the bulbo-cavernosiis, the anterior fibers of the levator ani, and the trans-
versiis perinei raiiack's.
THE PERINEUM 27
Spni:»cTER Asi. — T)ie sphincter ani is a band o£ muscle fibers extending
from tbe coccyx beliind to the perineal body in front. It forms a muscular
wllar round the lower part of the anal canal.
TRAssvERsra Perirei, — These fibers extend from the ascending ramus of
the ischium near the tuberosity horizontally inward to be attached to the cen-
tral point of the perineum.
Flu. JO. — Antebiob Ferine ai. TniAHai^ aftbb the Removal of toe MrscLKa.THB Cobpus Sponoe
Oei7lfl AND THE CoRFOKA CAVERNOSA CoVERIHd It,
The urethra ia seen near the middle of the triangle.
J. corpus spongiosuni. S, sphincter aoi pxtcraus.
3, rorpus cavcmoaum. S, levator ani.
3. dorsal vein to penis. 10, gluteus maiinius.
4. riorsal artery to penis. 11, urethra.
5. adiluctoT muscle of thigh. IS, tuber ischii.
6. superficial layer triangular ligampnt. 13, anus.
7. artery, vein and nerve to bulb, li. urethra.
Bri.RO-CAVERXosrs.— The bulbo-caveruosus is a muscular sheet covering
the Imlb and extending on to the corpus spongiosum. It arises from the central
point of the perineum, aud from a tendinous septum formed by the union of
28 ANATOMY OF THK URINARY AND G EN ITO-l" BINARY TRACT
the two muscles. Some of the fibers completely encircle the bulb, meeting
those of the opposite sitle; others exte»<l forward and enclose the corpora cav-
ernosa; while the posterior fillers are attached directly to the triangular
ligament.
IscHio-CAVERNOSLS 11 T SCI. PIS.- — These mu.sclcs arise on either side from the
inner surface of the ischial tuberosity. They e.'itend forward, completely eov-
—The Outer Lateh of the Trianul-lar
,:gam
ENT OH THE RlUHT StDE,
THE Space Between the Twt
LaIEHS or THE LlUAUENT.
D. dorsal nerve of penis.
B. internal pudic artery
E, dorsal arUiry of penis.
C. internal pudic vein.
F, dorsal vein of pcnU.
/. vein of corpus cavern
(/, urethral opening.
T. antorior layer of triangular liganieut.
3, nerve of corpus cave
L. posterior layer of triangular ligament.
X, nerve of bulb.
Y, artery of bulb.
G, Cowper's gland.
Z. vein of bulb.
K, duet of Cowper'« gland.
P. pubic rami.
A. internal pudic nerve.
ering the crura of the penis and nre attached to the corpora cavernosa. These
variotis muscles divide tlie urogenital triangle into two Icssur perineal triangles,
the boundaries of wliich arc the bn!bo-cavcrnosns muscles on either side and
the transvcrsus perinei muscles behind (Fig. 19); At the bottom of this
perineal triangle is found a dense fibrous structure on which these muscles seem
to rest. This fibrous structure is the anterior layer of the triangular ligament
(Fig. 20). As we have seen before, this is on the same plane with the bony
wall of the pelvis, and is attached firmly to the rami of the pubes and ischium,
THE PERINETTM 29
wliile bebind it receives a finn attachment to tlie fascia of Collea (Fig. 20),
It is perforated at its posterior part by the urethra, and a sliort distance on
either side of this the artery of the bulb comes through. About half an inch in
front of the urethral opening, it is pierced by the internal pudic artery and
ilursal nerve of the penis, while the superficial perineal vessels and nerves enter
Fig. 22. — Tbb Male PBBrNEDH after the Removal of the Deep Later or tbb TftlANOULAH
Here we ace th« other eidc of the levator ani muscle to that Bhown in Fik- 16-
I. urethra, H. Rluteus maximus.
?. triangular liRament. T, great sacro-sciatic ligament.
S, obturator intemua muscle. S. dorsal vein of penis.
4, levator ani muscle. 9, renlo-vGaical fascia.
5. sphincter ani eiternua. 10, rap'sulc of proatale gland.
tlie urogenital triangle by piercing its base (Fig. 21), The deep or superior
layer of the triangular ligament, as v:e have seen, is merely a portion of the
[jelvic fascia, but between the so-called superior and the anterior or trlangidar
ligament proper is a definite space. The stnietures found in this interval are
30 ANATOMY OF THE UHINART AND GENITO-TTRINART TRACT
the urethra, svirroimdod bj' the eomprossor urethra! muscles, Cowper's glands,
the internal pudic artery and dorsal nerve of the penis, the artery to the hnlb,
and the dorsal vein of the penis wliich haa entered this space by passing back-
Fio. 23. — The PcRiNEru w the Female after the Removal of the Labia.
On the right beneath the deep layer of the Bupcrtioial fascia the muscular layer ia seen, and on the
left side, after removiiig the muscular layer, the corpus oavcrnosum, vaginal bulb and the superficial
layer of the triangular ligament are seen.
Collea' fascia reflected.
bulb of vagina.
corpus cavcrtioBum.
opening of vagina.
adductor muscle.
cavemosum muscle — ischio-cavemosus.
superficial layer of triangular ligament.
tuber iachii,
levator aiu.
II. obturator intemus.
IS, gluteus maiimus.
IS, coccyjt.
14, urethral opening.
15, ischio-bulbosus (aphioctcr vagioie).
I>i, vagina.
17, corpus cavornosus muscle.
SO, sphincti
ward through a small opening between tlie anterior triaugitkr ligament and the
subpubic ligament (Fig. 21).
CoMPKEssoR Ukethr.k. — This arises from the inner side of the ischio-
pubic rami on either side, the two niu.scles meeting in the mid lino and inclos-
ing the urethra. The larger body of the muscle is inserted behind the urethra.
THE PEEINEITM 31
Just IkIow this muscle is a groii]) of muscle fibers arising from the ramus of
the iachium and continuous with the compressory urethra at its insertion; this
is called the transversus perinei profundus. Sometimes muscular fibers (com-
pressor veme dorsalis) from the anterior portion of the bulbo-cavemosus mus-
cle pass obliquely outward and forward, inclosing the entire circumference of
the root of the penis and the dorsal vessels,
IxTERNAi, Prmc Akteky. — The internal pudic artery arises from the an-
terior division of the internal iliac, passing out of the pelvis throngh the small
Phi. 24. ANTEBtOB I.AVER OF THE TniAKQm.AR LlOAMENT IN THE FeMALE. AF
iBE External Genital8. the SuFEHnciAL Fascia and Mubci
The urinary and vaginal passages are seen. It coircspoads to Fig. 20
(, urethral opemoK. G, levator ani.
i, vagiiiB. 7, sphineter ai
S, tuber ischii. 8, Klutcua
4. adductor musclen of thigh. 9, corryx.
B, auperficial layer of triangular ligament-
sciatic notch; it crosses over the spine of the ischium and enters the perineal
space, running along the ischial tuberosity in the fascial Hheath known as Al-
eock's canal. This is situated about an inch and a half froni the lower border of
the ischial tuberosity. It ascends to the inner surface of the ramus of the puhes,
and about one half inch below the symphysis pubis pierces the triangular liga-
32 ANATOMY OF THE UKINARY AND GEN I TO-URINARY TRACT
ment and is continued onward to the dorsal artery. Its branches are inferior
hemorrhoidal, superficial and transverse perineal, artery to the hnlb, and artery
to the corpus cavernosns,
Ihteknal Pudic Nkkve. — Tliis arises from the sacral plexiis and follows
the same course as the artery, the nerve being situated usually above. As it passcn
over the ischium, it divides into two branches, the perineal, and dorsal nerves of
the penis. The perineal nerve breaks up to supply the small perineal mnscles
previously described, and the two superficial perineal nerves supply the skin over
the part as far forward as the scrotum. The dorsal nerve of the penis is contin-
Fio. 26. — The Deep Later op Mdscleb Forming the Floob of the Pelvib im tee Femai.e fkoh
THE OUTBIUE.
The urethral and vagiaal opemnga are seen. It meembleB Fig. 22 in the male.
/. urethra. 6, coccyi.
S, adductorv. 7. sphincter ani,
3, tuberosity of ischium. 8. levator ani.
4, obturator intcmua. 9, great sacro-sciatic ligament.
5, giuteuB maiimuB.
ned onward with the interna! pudic artery and dorsal artery of the penis, Fig.
22 shows a deep dissection of perineum after removal of triangidar ligament.
Female PeriQetun. — In the female the perineum is divided into urogenital
and rectal triangles, as in the male. The rectal triangle does not differ in any
THE lODNEYR 33
way from that found in the male. In the urogenital triangle the vagina makes
some alteration in the relation of the parts. The ischio-bulbosus muscle is
found in two separate parts covering over the bulb as it lies at tlie sides of the
vagina (Fig. 23). The vagina also makes a cleft in the triangular ligament,
which structure in the female is of less density than in the male (Fig. 24).
Fig, 25 shows a deep dissection of female perineum after removal of tri-
angular ligament.
THE KIDNEYS
The kidneys are the glands which secrete the urine. They are situated on
the posterior abdominal wall behind the peritoneum, between the upiier border
FiQ- 28. — Thk Pobteuob Sohfacbb of the Kidnets and their Relations to the Ribs.
(Rocaniior.)
of the twelfth dorsal and middle of the third lumbar vertehrro (Fig. 26). Tlie
right kidney extends to the lower border of the eleventh rib ; the left is placed
somewhat higher, and its upper pole may rest on the eleventh rib. Below, they
are both separated by a short interval from the crest of tlic ileum. The kidney
is a bean-shaped body, four and one half inches (11.2 cm.) in length, two and
one half inches (6.2 cm.) in breadth, and one and one half inches (3.7 cm.) in
thickness. Its weight is about four and one half ounces.
34 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND OENI TO -URINARY TRACT
Belations of the Kidney. — The kidney haa an anterior or viscera] surface,
a posterior or muscular surface, an internal border or hilus, and an external
border. The upper and lower ends of the kidney are called respectively the
upper and lower poles.
The anterior surface of the kidney looks forward and slightly outward, and
is partly covered by i)eritoneum. On the right side, it is in relation above with
1, caval area. 9, duodena] area (nonpcritoncal).
£, gastric area (peritoneal), 10, colic area ol spleen.
S, hepatic area (nonperitoneal). II, mesocolic arc?u.
i, gastric area of spleen. IB, eolie area (nonpcritooedj.
S, duodenal area (nonperitoneal). 14, mesocolic area.
e. splenic arteij-, 16, meter.
7. hepatic area (peritoneal). 18, aorta.
S, pancreatic area (nonperitoneal). SO, vena cava.
the right suprarenal body, which extends farther down the anterior surface on
the right than on the left (Fig. 27). The outer throe fourths of the upper
half of the kidney lies behind the liver and is covered hy peritoneum. T'.:e
outer three fourths of the lower half, just below the hepatic area, is behind the
ascending colon and the mesocolic area and is not covered by peritoneum be-
neath the colon. The inner quarter of the organ is behind the duodenum, and
is nonperitoneal as is its colic area. The small area on the internal aspect of
the anterior surface of the upper third of the kidney is in relation with the
inferior vena cava.
The anterior surface of the left kidney is in relation ahove, for a small
space, with the left suprarenal (Fig. 27). The upper fifth of the anterior sur-
face lies behind the stomach, and is covered by peritoneum. The middle two
fifths is behind the pancreas, nonperitoneal. The lower two fifths lies behind
the colon and mesocolon, the latter being peritoneal. A narrow atrip of the
THE KIDNEYS
35
anterior surface in its outer part is in apposition with tte renal surface of the
Epleen, and connected to this organ by the lieno-renal ligament.
The posterior surface on both sides in its upper third rests upon the
diaphragm, the twelfth rib crossing behind this (Fig. 28). Between the dia-
phragm and the lower ribs, the pleura extends for a considerable distance be-
hind the kidney. The inner third of the lower two thirds lies upon the psoas,
the middle third on the quadratus hunborum, and the outer third rests upon
the tendon of the transversal is. The last dorsal ilio-hypogastric and ileo-in-
guinal nen-es pass in a direction downward and outward behind the kidney
on both sides. The external arcuate ligament and transverse processes of the
npper three lumbar vertebra! lie
immediately behind the muscular
bed of the kidney.
Renal
Renal
Tic. 28. — The Relation or the Kidnets
TO THE T1S8CK8 BEHIND ThEU. (MoITUI.)
1, tranevRse proceaaes o[ the first and bcc-
oad lumbar vertebne.
t, line mdicatiDg outer border of quadratus
lumborum.
la. 29. — Median Vertical Section c
Kidney. (Poirier.)
The reoal artery and vein, the iatiri
is, colicea, the ureter, the papilla and
The inner border of ihe kidney in its middle part consists of an anterior
and posterior lip, forming a fissure wliicli is known as tlic hilinii. In a space
between these lips, which e-ttenda into the kidney substance for a short dis-
tance, is the renal sinus, and here the blood vessels and ureter enter the kidney
(Fig. 2^). These vascular structures arc kno«-n as tlie pedicle.
The relations from before backward are vein, arterj', ureter. From above
downward the relation is artery, vein, ureter. The upper pole of the kidney
supports the suprarenal body posteriorly. It is in relation with the inner sur-
36 ANATOMT OF THE mUNARY AND GENITO-TJBINARY TRACT
face of the twelfth rib, or on the left side may lie in front of the eleventh. The
diaphragm and pleura intervene between the kidney and the bone. The lower
pole reaches about two inches from the iliac
crest and is situated farther from the median
line than the upper pole.
The external border of the kidney is
formed by the meeting of the anterior and
posterior surfaces, and rests upon the tendon
of the transversal is. The kidney is closely in-
vested by a fibrous capsule, which, winding
round the lips of the hilum, lines the renal
sinus and also sends prolongations over the
vessels and ureter.
The Pelvig of the Kidney. — This arises
from the kidney sinus by a series of small
tubes, eight to twelve in number, called caliees,
surrounding one or more papillte. These fuse
into one, two or three larger ducts, which in
turn nnite to form the pelvis. This cone-
shaped duct extends inward and downward,
decreasing rapidly in size to become continu-
ous with the upper end of the ureter (Fig.
Perirenal Tissue. — When the kidney de-
velops, it grows out as an evagination from
the Wolffian duct. This diverticulum extends
into the surrounding mesoblastie tissue, a por-
tion of which becomes differentiated to form
the kidney cortex. The part of the mesoblast
that remains outside the cortex forms the peri-
renal tissue. This remaining spongework be-
comes filled with fat and surrounds the kidney,
being thickest above, behind and externally.
As we see from this mode of formation, no
special ligaments are developed to hold the kid-
ney in place, although by special dissection
some of the fibrous tissue may be described as
such.
This surrounding tissue above is car-
ried upward to the diaphragm (Fig. 30),
infernally over the spinal column (Fig. 31) to the opposite kidney, while
below it extends on the posterior abdominal wall as far as the iliac fossa.
Fia. 30. — Tbb Henal Fascia AnxE
A. SAOriTAI. InCISIOK TRItODOH THS
KiDNET. (Testut and Jacob.)
1, kidney with iU sinuB.
i, Euproreiial capaule.
3, perirennl fascia in front of kidney.
4, perirenal fascia behind kidney.
5, common insertion of its two leaves
into the diaphrasm.
6, fatty capaule.
7, pararenal fascia.
8, openiog below the two layers of
perirenal fascia.
9, diaphragm.
10. twelltb rib.
11, quadratus lumbonim muscle.
IB, crest of ilium.
IS, parietal peritoneum.
14. adipose and cellular tisBue in ths
iliac fossa.
THE KIDNETS
37
Below it does not form so markedly a closed sac as it does over the upper part
of the kidnev. This is due to the fact that the kidney originates below and
travels upward as it develops. The chief agents in maintaining the kidney in
its normal position are the intra-abdominal
pressure, the attachments to the various vis-
cera, and to some extent the perirenal tissue.
Fin- 31.— Thb Renal Fascia i
XX, the ineduui line.
/. the Iddney.
f . inferior vena cava.
S. periiukal fascia.
4. posterior le&flet of perire-
nal Tasria.
5, anterior leaflet of perirc-
N Throdgb the Kidnet. (Teetut.)
I HOBIZONTAL In- Flo. 32.— Saohtal Sbction 1
6, 6. fatty capsule.
7, pararenal fat.
8, parietal peritoaeum.
to. psoaa muscle with its a
KiDNET. (Hente.)
u.(. uriniferous tubes.
c.t, cortex with pyrainidi of Ferrein.
tn, pyramids of Malpighi.
1. GoluniD o( Bertini.
p, papilla.
c, calyx embracinB papilla.
m.r, medullary rays.
Stmetnre. — The kidney on section shows an outer cortical layer called the
cortex, and an inner called the medulla (Fig. 32). The medulla consists of
pyramidal masses, eight to twenty in number, with their base toward the cor-
tex, called pyramids of Malpighi, Their apices form small prominences (renal
papilhc) which project into the renal calicea, and contain the orifices of the
kidney tubules. Between the pyramids are found the columns of Bertini ;
these are processes from the cortex and contain blood vessels, lymphatics and
nerves.
At the bases of the pyramids in the cortex, are seen the medullary rays
which are made up of the cortical portions of the straight collecting tubules, the
descending and ascending limb of Henle and blood vessels. The areas of cortex
between these rays are known as the labyrinth. The pyramids of Ferrein are
seen at the periphery of the cortex and lie external to the medullary rays and
Jabvrinth.
ANATOMY OF THE TTRINARY AND G EN ITO-U BINARY TRACT
The kidney substance is made up of small tubules, which consist of a base-
ment membrane lined with epithelium and separated one from the other bv
connective tissue. The tubules
UN7 Vessel begin as blind dilated extrem-
>?/■*/• V '^^^^ "^ *''® labyrinths and
form what is called the cap-
sule. This is surrounded by
looped capillary blood vessels,
which in turn are covered
by a thin reflected layer of
the capsule. The capillaries
are thus inclosed between the
Fio. 33.— Malpiqbian ciorpdscle. two layers and the whole is
'erulus.
Fio. 34.— Scheme of the Renal Tdbbs *nd Blood VESsEla (fro
oiirac of thG urimferoufl tubulcs.
.«, veniE Btcllatff of Verheyen. A, cortei.
5. descending limb of looped
tubule of Henle.
.r, venre rcctie. C, papillary lone of medulla.
6, bend.
ni.r, veins of medullary part, a.a', superficial and deep layetB
10. irresular tubule.
i.i. intcrlobulnr arteiy. i, Malpighian capsule.
;/, second convoluted tubule.
•}. glomerulus. «, neck.
78, junctional tubule.
n.r, arteriff rertiB. 3. first convoluted tubule.
IS, 14. collectins tubule.
a.m. arteries of medullary pari. 4. spiral tubule of Schaehowa.
15, excretory tubule.
THE KIDNEYS
39
mHwI a Malpighian corpuscle (Fig. 33). The first part of tlie tubule lead-
infT from tbe capsule is the first convoluted tubule; it passes through the
lahvriath to the medullarj' ray and becomea the spiral tubule. Thence it passes
into the intermediate zone, then straight through the pyramid toward tlie apex.
This part is known as the deseendiug limb of Henle's loop. Near the apex
it bends around, forming the loop of Henle, and passes upward through the
pyramids, through the intermediate zone into the medullary ray, as the ascend-
ing limb of Henle's loop. It now continues its course to the labyrinth as the
irregular tuhule, becoming more uniform within the labyrinth; this portion
is known as the second convoluted tubule.
This ends in the junctional tubule which,
passing into the medullary ray, joins
the collecting tubule. The collecting tu-
buk is made up of several renal tubules
and pursues a straight course to tbe apex
of the pyramid. Here several unite to
form one excretory duct, which opens
at the renal papilla; in tbe kidney sinus
(Fip. 3-1).
Blood Supply. — The kidney is sup-
plied with blood by the renal artery, Tbe
chief function of this artery, however,
is not to nourish the gland but to allow
tlie various products of metabolism in the
systemic circulation to be acted upon by
the kidney.
The Ren.vl Artery. — In the sinus,
Fio. 35.— Thb Renal Ahtert and Itb
B RANCH Efl. (TffllUt.)
Right kidney. Sagittal section seen from
the a^tcr^' subdivides into a fan-shaped the front.
t. pyrspiida of Malpighi,
5, S. columni of Bertioi.
4, renal artery.
B. ila poflterior branch.
6, its anterior branch bifurcating.
7, peripyramidal arteries.
5, renal pelvis.
plexus, as seen in Fig. 29, and the ter-
minal branches enter the projections pro-
duced by the columns of Bertini (Fig.
35). On entering these, at their cen-
ters, the arteries at once bifurcate, so
that each division skirts the boundary of
a pyramid. Each pyramid is supplied with four or five arteries which travel
along its surface until the base is reached (lobar or peripyramidal arteries).
At the bases, they give transverse arched branches whicli anastomose witli
Mmilar branches from other lobar arteries, and form the suprapyramidal arch
or plexus. The meshes of this network surround the base of a pyramid
transversely like a collar. From this network arise a number of arteries
ihrecteil toward the fibrous capsule, usually between two pyramids of Ferreiii
(Fig. 36).
40 ANATOMY OF THE TJEINARY AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT
These arterioles, known as the interlobular vessels, end in the capsule in
" capsular branches," some of which perforate into the perirenal fat. The in-
terlobular vessels, however, give off lateral branches all along their route
through the parenchyma,
which end in the afferent ves-
sels of numerous Malpighian
tufts.
5 The glomerular capillaries
are twist«(l around each other,
forming the lobulated tuft de-
scribed above, and end in an
efferent arterial capillary.
Leaving tlie glomeruli, the
efferent eapillaries pass toward
the convoluted tubules and
the pyramids of Ferrein, and
form a network which sur-
rounds and supplies all the
cortical tubules. In the me-
dulla, the straight tubules are
found accompanied by parallel
capillaries — the artcriie recta;
— ^which are probably also de-
rived from tlie efferent capil-
laries of the glomerulus. The
arterito recta' form a rectangu-
lar network about the papillary
orifice of the collecting tubule.
Abnormalities of the Kidneys.- — (1) Complete absence of one kidney.
(2) One kidney very small and atrophied, the other hypertrophied and
very large,
(3) Lobulation, such as is seen in the fcetua and in some of the lower
animals.
(4) Horseshoe kidney, the two kidneys being fuse<l together at the lower
Ijole.
(5) Abnormal position, one kidney, usually tlie left, may be placed very
low, opposite the sacro-iliae synchondrosis, this being the kxration of its early
origin.
(6) ifore than one renal artery may be present, or the main artery may
break up before it enters the sinus.
Fio. 36. — ScHBMATic Dbawinq Showino the Tbeort
THE ASRANOEUENT OF THE VaSCVLAB ArCBEB OVER 1
Pthamiim. (Teetut.)
I, S, two Malpishian pyramids.
g, sinuB of the kidnpy.
3, coiumnH of Bcrtini.
4, arterial archea.
5, venous arches.
6, branches of the renal artery.
7, branchea of the renal vein.
8, interlobular arteries.
B. interlobular veins.
10, direct (straight) veins.
THE UHETER
THE URETER
The ureter is a fibro-miiaeiilar canal, whicli conducts the urine from the kid-
nev to the bladder. When in aitn it measures about fifteen inches (37 cm.)
(Fig. 37).
On botli sides, it lies on the psoas muscle behind the peritoneum (Fig. 38),
and is crossed obliquely by ovarian or spermatic vessels. The genito-crural
ner\'e passes behind it on both sides, in a direction from within downward and
(lutward. On the right side, the duodenum lies in front of its commencement.
Lower down it is crossed by the ileo-coHe artery and tiie root of the mesentery.
On the left side, the left colic artery and the mesentery of Ihe pelvic colon pass
in front.
42 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT
Crossing the pelvic brim at the bifurcation of the common iliac or at the
coimnenoement of the external iliac (Fig. 39), it passes down from the side
wall of the pelvis in a cun-ed direction, the convexity of the cun-e being back-
ward. It passes over the obturator nerve and artery and obliterated hypogas-
tric artery, ns they run forward on tlie side wall of the pelvis. At the spin©
of the ischium, it crosses inward over the floor of the pelvis and is crossed by
the vas deferens near its termination. As it enters the bladder, it lies in front
of the vesiciibe aeminales and is surrounded by veins continuous with the
vesical and prostatic plexus. As they enter the bladder, the two ureters are
Fia. 38.— A Saoittal Section of the Pelvib to the LErr of the Median Line. (After RartmaDn.)
On the risht the peritoneum is seen iotact with the ureter outside of it, wheresH on the left the eitr«
pcriloncaL tisnue and Ihe (Mmmon iliac branching into the Eit«rnHl and internal iliac braocheH are seen.
If the two aides were brought tOKctber the ureter would oceupy the spaee at the bifurcation of the
])laced about two inches (5 cm.) apart They run from the bladder wall in
an inward direction for three quarters of an inch (1.87 cm.) (Fig. 40), and
open on the internal surface by two valvular slitlike orifices which in the empty
bladder are about one inch (2.5 cm.) apart. In the female, the pelvic portion
of the ureter has somewhat different relations. As it runs down on the side
wall of the pelvis, it produces a ridge in the peritoneum, which forms the pos-
terior boundary of a small fossa (fossa ovarica) in which the ovary lies. The
upper and anterior boundary of this fossa are formed by the external iliac. It
tlien passes inward underneath the broad ligament, passing over the vault of
THE URETER
10 11 IS IS u
19 SO 21
39.— The RELATioNit of the Vreteb to the Pelvic Tishves. (After Duval.)
Tho ureter ia aeeo to iiusa jiut below the bifurcation of the cummoti iliac.
/. sscendioR colon.
•, «>d of ileu
S, appendix held up.
S, miperior hemorrhoidal.
lA. left ui
I-'i, psoBB muscle.
Itl, left Mgmoidal artery.
/7. internal iliac.
: artery. 18, colon.
>. risht sigmoidal. 19, anterior layer of pelvic mesocolon.
7, middle WRinoidal. 20, posterior layer of peritoneum.
S, iDtemal iliac. Bl. posterior layer of pelvic mesocolon.
/Mucous Co^T.
T^HiOlxR Cam
/fusct/hd CoAl
44 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-URINABY TRACT
the lateral fornix of the vagina about a quarter of an inch (0,6 cm.) from the
lateral border of the cervix uteri, Near its termination it is crossed by the
uterine artery {Fig. 41). Its course within the
bladder is the same as in the male.
Structure. — The wall is composed of an
outer fibrous layer, then a middle muscular
layer, the muscular coat being in three strata.
UreteraiarUry-^
VrtUrnl aritrv ^
Vino'-Kwiiiiit plciu^
FlO. 41. — SCHBHATtC DBAWlNOOrTHB RsLAIlONB Of THE UnE-
TERTOTHE Nece OF THE Utebub AND Itb Vbssbi^. (Poirier.}
L.L. ia a line drawn just bdow the uterioe isUunus. The
Btriations below this represeDt the vagjaal wall. The outline o[
the cervix uteri ia indicated io this area by a dotted line. An
arch ia (ront ot the cervix and va^na represents the outline of
the bladder wall through the sides o[ which the ureters arc seen
to extend. On the right side of the cervix about the urettr, the
uterineand vaginalartcrieBHiidveinBareBeen. The ut«rine artery
and vein paaa in front of the ureter.
The middle fibers are circular, the outer and
inner longitudinal. Inside of the muscular
coat is the mucous membrane, the epithelium
of which is the same as that found in the
bladder.
Caliber of the Ureter. — The caliber of the
ureter ia not uniform throughout its extent.
At its junction with the pelvis, its diameter
is about 3.2 mm. From this point on it gradu-
ally dilates until it reache.-s a diameter of S mm.
As it passes from the abdomen into the pelvis, its diameter is alMiut 4 mm.
From that point to its termination there is a slight gradual de<>reasc in its
caliber (Fig. 42).
Variations. — The ureter is sometimes double at its commencement; smut-
times it is double throughout its course. In rare cases, one ureter may oi)en
into the vagina or urethra.
F:a. 42. — SiiAPEor THE RiobtITre-
TEB AFTER 1t HAS BEEN InJKCT-
ED WITH Tallow. (T(»tul.)
pelvis of kidney.
infundihul urn-
narrowing.
wide or abdominal portion,
bend at pelvic brim.
widening in pelvic portion.
9. eiteroni iliac artery and \Tin.
\'eairal orifice.
THE BLADDER
THE BLADDER
The bladder ia a muscular pouch which acts as a temporary reservoir for
die urine. Its capacity varies in different individuals, but an average is about
twelve ounces. It is situated in the anterior part of the pelvic cavity, behind
the symphysis pubis and the retro-pubic pad of fat, and in front of the rectum,
from which, in the male, it is separated by the vesieula; seminalea and the ter-
minal portion of the vas deferens. In the female, it is separated from the rec-
Fuj. 43. — BiiUiDaB But Sughtlt Dilated on SAotTTAi. Section. Sbowxno Its Apex
AHD Babe. (Poiiier.)
I. vu deferens. S, seminal vesicle.
t, Retnua space. S, prostata.
3, plexus of Santorini. 7, transverse dvep perineal muscle.
i, retro-vesicBl told. S, transvcrae BUperScial perineal muBcle.
turn by the uterus and upper part of the vagina (Fig. 47). It presents varying
forms and relations according to whether it is distended or empty.
SeUtions. — The bladder has an a]>ex and five surfaces ; they are a superior
or abdominal, a postero-iuferior or basal, antero-inferior or pubic and two lateral
(Figs. 43 and 44).
The apex looks upward and forward and is connected to the abdominal wall
bv a fibromusciilar cord, the urachus. On either side of it are the obliterated
hypogastric arteries which pass upward from the sides of the bladder.
The superior or abdominal surface is entirely covered by peritoneum an<I
Miends antero-po3teriorly from the apex to the base. Laterally it ia separated
from the sides of the bladder by the obliterated hypogastric arteries (Fig. 45).
The antero-inferior or pubic surface (Figs. 46 and 47) is that part of thp
bladder in relation with the symphysis pubis, the triangular ligament, internal
oltturator muscles and the anterior portions of the levator ani. It looks down-
ward and forward, and is not covered by peritoneum.
46 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT
The base or fxindus (diagrammatic view) looks downward and backward
(Fig. 48). In tlie male, it is in relation to the rectum, from which it is sepa-
rated by a reflection of the recto-vesical fascia. In the female, the base lies in
contact witli the upper part of the anterior wall of the vagina and the cervix
of the uterus.
The lateral surfaces or sides (Fig, 48) are in relation to the levator ani
and obturator iutemua muscles with their fascial coverings. The sides are
Vbrtical TRAJisvBRfli: Section o
r Pelvib j
JST [N Front of the Internal Meatds
IHO THE Trigone and
HRAL OiuFicEB. (Poirier.)
I.neckof liladder.
(/, extension of ischio-reftal fossa.
S. ureteral orifice.
li. internal pubic artery.
13, deep trans verw! perinei muscle.
4, lateral liKoment.
14. ischio-pubie ramus.
e. levator ani fascia.
le. isrhio-caver[ioau8 muscle.
7, obturator intronuH muscle.
17. bulbo cavemosuB artiry.
8. levator aoi muBcle.
IS. bulbo cavernoBUB Tnusclc.
ff, pelvic layer of faacin.
19. membranous urethra.
tf, peivic layer oi laaein- jft, niemuraiiuus uretii
10, lateral prostatic fascia (capsule). SO, bulb o( the urethra.
crossed obliquely from below, upward and forward, by the obliterated hypo-
gastric artery. Above and behind this cord, the bladder is covered by peri-
toneum, while below and in front, it is covered by rccto-vesieal fascia.
That portion of the bladder immediately around the internal urethral
orifice is called the " neck." In the male, it rests upon the prostate and
connects with the urethra passing through it, but has no definite anatomical
limits.
THE BLADDER
47
The Distended Bladder. — When the bladder is distended, the various boi^
ders and surfaces are obliterated so that the bladder assumes an oval shape
(Fig. 49). The superior sur-
face, upper part of the infra-
lateral and upper part of the
basal surfaces, take most part in
the distention, and the lateral
and posterior borders are oblit-
erated. The superior surface,
from being almost a flat plane,
assumes varying degrees of con-
vesitT until it comes to represent
a segment of a sphere (Fig. 49).
The peritoneal reflection from
the apex is carried upward with
increasing distention until it may
be from one to two inches (2J to
5 c.c.) above the symphysis, thus
markedly increasing the area of
the prevesical space, or space
of Retzius. Laterally, the peri-
toneal reflection from the side
wall of the pelvis is also elevated.
Behind, its alteration in position
CStit 01^
Yla. 45. — The Pehitoneai. ItEru:(7TioN om the Side or
THE Bl.ADDEI( ALONO THE COVItSE OF THE HvPOOAa-
TtucAfiTEHl.AaSEEHiNTaE Newborn. (Teatut.)
Thisartery in the adult is obliterated in the groater
part of its counc. forming a. cord.
A. superior posterior part f, vesico-rectal poriloneum
ot the bladder covered forming cul-de*ac.
by peritoneum. t, right ureter.
A', inferior anterior part of 3, right vas deferens,
the bladder not covered A, aorta,
by peritoneum. S. right iliac artery.
B. seminal vesicle. 0, right internal iliac.
C. rectum. 7, right umbilical.
-The
obliler-
fto- <6. — DuaRAVHATic Drawino Sbowino the Upp
StniFACK OP TBB BI.AHDBR IN THE MaLE AS SkEN rS
Above When Lookino Down into the Pelvih.
V. upper surface of bladder. &. sacrum.
P, syDiphyiDs pubis. /. ileum.
is very slight, but the recto-
vesical space is relatively in-
creased. In depth, the urethral
orifice and lower part of tlie
bladder remain fairly constant
in position, the orifice descend-
ing slightly. The distended
bladder comes into more inti-
mate relation with the side wall
of the pelvis, being in apposi-
tion with the hypogastric artery,
the obturator vessels and nerves,
and the vas deferens; while a
large part of the organ becomes
48 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND OENITO-rRINARY TRACT
intra-abdominal and is in relation to the anterior abdominal wall for a vary-
ing distance.
Ligaments of the Bladder. — The ligaments are described as true and false.
The false ligaments are merely folds of peritoneum. A reflection of peritoneum
from the apex over the urachus is called the anterior false ligament. This
forms the upper part of tlie posterior wall of the space of Retzius. The peri-
toneal reflection from the side wall of the pelvis to tlie lateral borders and
superior surface of the bladder are the lateral false ligaments. They dip down
slightly into the space between the bladder and pelvic walls, which is called the
H THE Otheb Pelvic
paravesical fossa. Behind, two distinct folds of peritoneum cover the vas
deferens and are described as posterior false ligaments ; these correspond to the
folds of Douglas in the female, and form the lateral boundaries of the recto-
vesical pouch.
The true ligaments consist of the urachus extending from the apex .to the
anterior abdominal wall; the lateral processes of pelvic fascia firmly fix the
lower part of the bladder in position. In front, two folds of this fascia extend
from the symphysis over the prostate to the inferior surface of the bladder —
the pubo-prostatic ligaments. Within these folds are strands qf muscular fibers.
The lateral ligaments are the pelvic fascia as it passes from the levator ani to
THE BLADDER
tlie bladder. The basal surface ia fixed in its lower part by the fascia sur-
rouoding the vesiculic seiniDales and termination of the vas deferens. This
I TBI SHAHt
E Bl~tt>DER WHIU: FlLUNQ.
(Poirier,)
iO. 48. DlAGRAHUATIC DiUWINa SHOWING THE BaBB AND
Sides or a Dii.ated Bladdeh in a Pelvis fboh Which
THE Flook and tbe Tusceb Constitutinu rue Pesihedu
IIatk Been Reuoveo.
surface ia just socn. The
contains some muscular fiber and extends back-
ward, jraiuin^ attachment to the rectum and the
frfiDt of the sacrum,
Stntetnre of the Bladder. — The serous or
peritoneal coat, as we have seen, only gives a
partial covering to the viscns. The muscular
wrtit 13 very thick and is disposed in three laj'errt,
which are aomewhat irregular. The outer coat
ia disposed for the most part in a longitudinal
or vertical direction, some of the fibers from the
inferior surface being continuous with the mus-
culature of the prostate, while in front they are
otntinuons with the muscle fibers in the pubo-
prostatic ligament (Fig. 50). The middle coat
i^ not found as a complete layer, some ot the
filters l>eing horizontal (Fig. 51) and some longi-
tudinal. Over the trigone it forms a continuous
layer, the fibers running transversely, while near
the urethral orifice they are dispersed in a cir-
Fiu. 50.—
Fibers of the Anterior Layeh
OF THE BUAimER Wall. (Sapppy.)
longitudiniil fibers of ihc anterior
wall.
S, the same fibers which arc continu-
ous at the to|) of the bladder with
those of the opposite side.
the uraebu^ surrounded by the
middle Bnlerior fil«TS.
(croup of fibers iletaehing themselves
from the principal bundle to sprend
over the lateral ve«ieal wall.
lateral libera extending out from
the lonRitudinal.
antero-lateral loneitudinal fibers.
aponeurosis by which the lonai-
tudinal medium fibers attneh
theiUBolvcs to the inferior part of
the symphysis pubis.
50 ANATOMY OF THE FRINAKT AND GENITO-ITIINARY TRACT
culftr maimer. The inner coat is a thin stratum, the fibers of which nin longi-
tudinally, forming the internal sphincter (Fig. 52). The suhmiicoiia coat
separates the mucous membrane from the inner muscular layer. This forms a
definite layer, except over the trigone of the bladder, where the mucous layer
is firmly adherent to the underlying muscidar surface.
Fia. fil. — Middle or Cibcitimii Later of the
Mdbcular Wall or the Bladder. (Sappey.)
I, I, circular or transverse Gbera of the bldddi-r
forming bundles which fit into one another.
£, muscular fibers of the urachus.
3, 3, sphincter of the bladder embracing the be-
ginning the prostatic portion of the urethra.
4, cut thmuKh the vesical sphincter showing its
thickness.
Fio. 52.— Deep Later of thb Bladdkb Walu
(Sappey.)
/, /, /. streaked bundles of fibers extending (rtm
the top tovard the neck of the bladder ulv!.!-
ing and uniting with one another.
5, 2. e, elliptical meshes in the longitudinal axis re-
sulting from the union of these bundles.
3, muscular fibers at the urachus separating below
and continuous with the other fibers.
4, fibers of this layer forming a cylindrical sheath
which extends along the urethrsl mucosa.
6. sphincter of the bladder.
8. cutsection of the prostatic portion of the i:r>
thra.
The mucous layer is a continuous membrane lining the whole internal sur-
face of the bladder, and is continuous with that of the ureters and urethra;
it is disjKiscd in folds and is loosely attached to the bladder wall, except over
the region of tlie trigone. The epithelium is a transitional stratified type, the
same as that lining the ureter.
Cavity of the Bladder.^ — In the empty bladder, tliis is said to assume the
shape of the letter " Y " (Fij;. 43), The stem of the Y is represented by the
beginning of the prostatic urethra in the male. Xoriiially in the living body,
the interior of the bladder probably never possesses tliia shape, but would be
better represented as a slitlike cavity extending from the apex almost directly
THE BLADDER 51
backward to the internal meatus. In the distended bladder, the cavity assumes
an oval shape (Fig. 49),
The Orifices. — On the inner surface, three openings may be seen : Above and
behind, the two openings of the ureters, while at the lowest part is the urethral
internal meatus or urethral orifice (Fig. 44). Lines joining these orifices
would form the boun<]aries of an equilateral triangle, the aides measuring about
au inch (2.5 cc.) in the empty bladder. This triangular area is called the
trigone.
Vessels and Nerves. — The blood supply of the bladder comes from the su-
perior and inferior vesical arteries. The veins (Figs. 53 and 54) form a dense
I
p
IS
i
I
Fic
53.-
-Veins
IN THE Mai*
Pblyib Arr
EH THE Rectum has
B
EN RbUOVED a
■Pri.(.ED Down.
(HcDle.)
/
ven« cava.
7
pleius of Santor
S
dtenudaUc
vaa deterena.
s
9
dorealis penis.
4
gluteal.
10
internal pubic.
5
sciatic.
"
bladder.
a THE Bladder
plesus about the base of the bladder just above the prostate and surrounding
the entrance of the ureter. This plexus communicatos freely with the pros-
tatic ple.xus and empties into tributaries of the internal iliac veins. The
lymphatics go to the iliac glands.
52 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-TJRINAEY TRACT
The nerve supply is derived from the pelvic plexus of tlie aynipathetic
and the tliird and fourth sacral nerves. The former supplies the upper por-
tion and the latter its neck
. ,. - F'l. 55. — Entthb Length of tbe
The male nretlira is a canal extending from Male Urethra rnoii the Neck
the hladder to the external meatus. In the male it oftheBladdertotheExtebnal.
Lrinart Meatcb, (Taylor.)
measures about eight inches in length, and parwes
through the prostate, compressor urethra? muscle and corpus spongiosum of the
penis (Fig. 55). In its course from the bladder as far as the suspensory liga-
ment, the urethra forms a continuous curve with the convexity backward. At
this point a reverse curve appears when the penis is flaccid. The whole course
TTTE TTKETHKA
of tilt' canal thus reseiublfs the letter "' S " (Fig. 56). When the penis is
em-t or iiehl iu position for the passage of an instrument, the reverse curve is
Fiii.
E Vw
I. 3>inphj-Eis pubis.
i. Dock of bladder.
d, lowest poiiit of the bulb of
the uicthra.
j. angbr of tb» peoio.
S, Madder cavity.
''\ prostate.
7. cas deferens.
Od tbe right of the figure is t
out rapidly the distance in a vp
••hi iterated, tlie anterior
h'mb of the posterior
ciin-e being prolonged
forward and upward
(Fig. 57).
The urethra is di-
vided into three portions
for descriptive piirposes :
the prostatic, the mem-
hranous and the spongy
portion.
The Prostatic Ure-
thra.— This part extends
10
HRA When tbk Oboan is Flaccid.
Cahal, (Testut.)
a, eJBCuUtory duct.
9. veni montBDum.
10, bulb of urethra.
a, a. tbe plane of the superior
strait of the pelvis.
b, b. ads of the symphysis.
c, c, horiaontal line drawn through
the neck of the bladder.
o THE Fixro Portion ok thb
d, d, horiiODtal line paasinK through
the lowest edge of tbe sym-
e, e, borisontal line drawn through
the penile angle.
/, /. horizontal line draivn through
lowest part of tbo membranous
54 ANATOMY OF THE TTRINARY AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT
through the prostate gland, an<I is slightly curved in direction, the convexity
of the curve being backward (Fig, 58), It is one and one quarter inches (3,1
of the sinus poeularis, a small enl-de-sac
which extends into the jirostate for about
one quarter of an inch, and is aimlogons in
the male with the uterus in the female. On
either side of its opening into the urethra,
are the openings of the common ejaculatory
ducts. About the vem montanum, are the
openings of the <Iuct8 of the prostate, while
on either side is a groove called the prostatic
sinus.
The Membranoas Portion. — This part
extends from the prostate to the bulb of the
"la, 58. — Genito-umnabt Rinub in the
Male, -tbb Pbobtate Havinq Dren
Opened Anteriori.t and Its Lat-
EBAL LoBEB RkTBACTED. (Tcstut.)
At this point, the posterior urethra is
^n in direct comniutiicBtiun with the
ladder and with the ejaculatory ducts.
1, the bladder.
i. urethra.
3. proBtate.
5, rrenun of the veru montanum.
?, urethral crest.
f, prostatic utrirle (sinus pocutaria).
!, orificea of the ejaculatniy ducts.
9. prostatic fossette.
7, lateral depressions of the veru moi
THE UBETHEA 55
penis. It is about an inch (2.5 cm.) from the symphysis pubis, and lies
between the two layers of the triangular ligament. The anterior wall is
about one half inch in length, while the posterior wall is a little more. This is
due to the fact that the urethra opens into the bulb by an oblique o[)ening. It
is completely surroundetl by the compressor urethne muscles, while on either
side are Cowper's glands. At its commencement, it is immediately in front
of the rectum, but in its course it curves forward while the rectum curves back-
ward ; hence at its termination there is an interval of about half an inch be-
Jween the two. At its termination
the anterior portion has passed
through the triangular ligament be-
fore entering the bulb, and here «
there is a small area with no im-
mediate covering and it can be eas-
ily punctured by an instrument
(Fig. 58).
The Spongy Portion. — The
spongj- portion extends from the an-
terior layer of the triangular liga-
ment to the meatus and is about six
inches (15 cm.) in length. It is sur-
rounded by the erectile tissues of the
corpus spongiosum, the greater part
of the tissue being behind the urethra
in the bulb, and in front and on the
side of the glans. The caliber of " 4-
out (Fig. CO), thus it is larger in
the part surrounded by the bulb, be- e. neck of blmider.
comes smaller in the corpus spongi- ^' ^''^^' ""^ '^^■
OSam, and as it enters the glans it The natural dilatatioas are:
Incomes markedly dilated, the di- JSltS""'
lated portion being known as the 7, of the fossa navicuiaris.
fossa navicularis. The external
meatus is vertical in direction, and is
the narrowest and least dilatable por-
tion of the whole canal. Therefore, it will be seen in Fig. 60 that the
three dilatations of the canal are the fossa navicularis, the bulb and the
prostate.
The Stmetnre. — The urethra consists of a muscular, submucous and mucous
layer. The external coat is a thin layer of unstriped muscle, continuous with
the musculature of the bladder and prostate. The siibmucous layer consists
56 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-TTRINAEY TRACT
of vascular and erectile tissue. This is found not only in the spongy portion
but also in the membranous and prostatic portions. The mucous membrane
is a thin delicate layer lined by transitional epithelia continuous with the
bladder and urethra. The supertieial epithelium of the mucous membrane is
columnar, except at the meatus and fossa navicular 19, where it becomes
squamous. The membrane ia disjKised in folds during the flaccid condition of
the organ, and on the internal surfaee
are the orifices of nimierous glands.
Some of tliese in the membranous and
the first i)art of the spongy portion
are called the glands of Littre. The
ducts of Cowiier's glands ojk'U into
the bulbous iwrtion near its eonimeucc-
mcnt.
The urethra in the female (Fig.
01) is a short canal about one aud one
half inches (3.7 cm.) in length, im-
bedded in the anterior vaginal wall.
The external meatus is situated be-
neath the clitoris and has the shajie of
an inverted " V." The whole urethra
in the female morpliologically repre-
sents that portion of Ihe prostatic ure-
thra in the male which is situated be-
tween the bladder orifice and the sinus
jiocularis.
The Blood Supply. — The prostatic portion is supplied by branches of the
middle hemorrhoidal artery, the membranous portion by the inferior hemor-
rhoidal and transverse perineal arteries, the spongy portion by the arteries
which go to the penis. The venous return Is in part by the dorsal vein of the
penis, and in part directly by the prostatic plexus. The lymphatics of the
membranous and spongy portion go to the inguinal glands, while those of the
prostatic portion go to the iliac glands.
The nerve supply of the urethra is from the superficial perineal and dorsal
nerves of the penis, and also branches from the hypogastric plexus.
COWPER'S GLANDS
These are two small bodies about the size of a pea, placed on either
side of the membranous urethra, between the apex of the prostate and the
bulb of the corpus spongiosum (Fig. 62). The gland consists of numerous
branching tubules, which are arranged in small lobules. The excretory duct
SCKOTUM
57
of each gland passes forward between the urethra and the substance of the
bulb for about an inch (2.5 cm.), opening by a minute orifice on the floor
i>f the urethra. The glands of
Bartholin, in the female, are
ibe analogues of the glands of
Cowper in the male. They are
slightly larger than the iatrer
glands, and open outside of and
external to the hymen just be-
neath the labia minora.
Fio. 62.— Cowpeb'b Glamdb.
(After Testut and Jacob.)
1 , anterior layer of the deep perineal fascia (triangular liea-
rnenl).
g, the faacin inriscd and drawn down.
3, Cowper'a gland on the right Bide freed and delivered.
4, arteiy of Cowper'a gland.
5, Cowper'a gland on the left aide covered by fuscia.
6, membranous urethra cut through .
7, bulbo-urettaisl artery.
Fig. 63.— Schematic Vkhtical Than»-
TKisE Cut tbbocgh the SCKOTtlll,
Saowma the Foiuutioh of the
Sac. (Poirier.)
I. akin. iatcKument.
!. enter layer of dartoa.
I, inner layer of dartos.
i. areolar (cellular) tisaue.
S. middle apennatic or cremaateric laypr.
S. intcnia] apcrmatio or fibrous tunic.
7. wUular tissue between the two sides
of tbe KTOtum.
S, penile dartos sheath.
>. auspeoMiry ligament of penis.
SCROTUM
The scrotum is the bag in which the
testes and a part of the spermatic cord are
contained (Fig. (i.l). Its outer surface is
wrinkled in appearance, light brown in color
and is divided in two halves by an elevated
narrow band called a raphe.
Septom Sto'oti.— The two aides of the
scrotum are further separated above by a
continuation of the dartos sheath around the
testes and up their inner sides to the penis,
iu which intervening space is a layer of cel-
lular tissue.
Above the penis is the suspensory liga-
ment which binds tbe organ to tbe pubos.
The scrotum is comjiosed of several
layers, and within it are the testes and
58 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-URINAKY TRACT
their epididymes, the former surrounded by a tunica vaginalis. The layers of
the tunica vaginalis are not, properly speaking, a part of the scrotum. The
scrotal layers are :
Tlie skin (integument).
The darto3 sheath, which ia a red layer of fascia continuous with the dartus
sheath of the penis and with the sniierfioial fascia of the perineum and abdomen.
It contains elastic tissue and unstriped muscle fibers.
The cellular tissue layer.
The outer layer of spermatic fascia which is the extension downward of the
lutereoIumDar fascia.
The middle layer of spermatic fascia, which is the extension downward of
the cremasteric muscle and fascia.
The inner spermatic fascia, which is an extension of the transversal is and
is pushed down diiring the descent of the testes.
Tunica Vaginalis. — This consists of a parietal and visceral layer of serous
membrane, forming a closed sac. The visceral layer invests the body of the
testicle except behind, where the ducts and vessels are attached, being here con-
tinuous with the parietal layer that lines the inner wall of the scrotum.
TESTES
The testes are two oval-shaped bodies situated on either side of the scrotum
(Fig. 64) ; they are separated from one another by a partial septum extending
across the scrotum from before backward.
They are about one and one half inches
(3.7 cm.) long, one inch (2.5 em,) in diam-
eter from before backward, and three quar-
ters of an inch (1.87 cm.) from side to side.
Their long axis extends from below upward
and slightly outward and forward; the left
Tunim v«ginaii4, is normallv lower than the right. On the
paridal (ajw. ,' ■ i , i- ,
upper and posterior borders, extending also
slightly on to the outer surface, is placed a
crescen tic-shaped body called the epididymis.
The enlarged upper end of this is the globus
major (head), and the lower end is the globus
minor (tail), the intermediate portion being
known as the body of the epididymis. The
globus major is attached to the testes by the
B Testib with visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis, and
™e V.8CERAL LATER CovBiuNQ It gi^Q ^^ ([^ ^ ^ cmergiug from the testes
.\ND THE Parietal Layer LiNTNOTHB . ' " - ■- 6 "& ^ >-- .v
ScROTAi, TisaoBB. (Gray.) at its upper end (vasa efferentia). The
TESTES 59
jclobus miDor is attached to tlie loner part of the testes by areolar tissue and
the visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis. The intervening portion or body is
separated from the posterior border of the testes by an infolding of the tunica
between it and the testes, forming the digital fossa, seen from the outer aspect.
From the upper end of the testes near the globus major, are usually found two
si»all bodies — one sessile, and one j>eduncnlated. The former is a remnant of
ihe Wolffian tubules, corresponding to the parovarium in the female. Tlie
|ie(Iunculated one is derived from the Wolffian duct, representing the epoophoron
in tiie female.
The Timica.^ — The scrotiun is lined by a serous sac <Iorivpd from the perito-
neum (tunica vaginalis). In the posterior part of the scrotum, this is reflected
on to the epididymis and tes-
ticle, Burroimding them ex-
cept where they are in con-
tact with each other, and pos- g
teriorly where the vessels
pas^ to or from the testes and
epididymis. The part of the • -*
sac lining the scrotum is i
called the parietal layer anil
the part covering the testes
is called the visceral layer -4
(Fig. 64).
Structure. — The testis
has a complete fibrous cov-
ering, the tunica albuginoa, *
which forms the thickened
ridge on the posterior border
(mediastinum). From this
fibrous Tid?e, septa pass into
, , ijj-.j ■ ■ f^'^- ^- SCHIMATIC DlUWIHO. Showino trb Anatohical
toe glands and divide it into Abranobuent op the Testicle and tub Epididtmui.
compartments (Fig. 65) ; tlio (Tratut.)
1 <....;„a albuginia.
>(?p(B of the testis,
a lobule of the teatin eodiiig ia a straight duct.
body of HishmorF with the rete vsaculoaum ti
efferent cani4<.
duct of the epididjitiis.
aberrant vaa of Haller,
vsB deferens.
glandular structure is found
it these compartments and
consists of a great number of
minute ducts called semin-
iferous tubules. These unite
tci form the tubuli recti,
which pass into the mediastinum, where they enter a complicated canal
work called the rete testis. From this canal system, fifteen to twenty small
ducts pass into the globns major. In the globus major these small ducts be-
come markedly convoluted, forming conii vasculosi, and finally open into one
60 ANATOMY OF THE UKINART AND OENITO-URINARY TRACT
duct called the canal of the epididjmia. This in its course is greatly convo-
luted and coiled upon itself to fomi the Imdy and especially the globus minor.
If stretched out, it would measure about twenty feet. The canal of the epididy-
mis emerges from the globus . minor
as the vas deferens {Fig, 06),
Fio. 66. — Vehticai
Ep:did
F TBK Testis a
Fig. 67.— Bu
J. Showinq the Line of REn.Ec-
TION OP THE VlSCEBAl. LaTER OP THE TUNlC*
Vaoinalis, the Tunica Albuqinea with Its
Septa, the Rete Testis, Mediastinoh,
THB EptDIDTMIB AND VaS DBPERENS. (After
Gray.)
ID SnPPLT OP Ta» Tbstjs A1
(After Charpy.)
artery ot the vas.
anterior group of veioB.
posterior group of veins.
venous anastomosis with the sup«r6cial vi
Blood Supply. — The testicle is supplied with blood by the spermatic artery.
This vessel has a long course, arising from the aorta just below tlie renal ar-
teries; it extends downward in the abdominal cavity to the internal abdominal
ring, thence passing down the inguinal canal in the spermatic cord; it enters
the testes at the upper part of its posterior border (Fig. 67). Within the
gland it is distributed along the fibrous septa and beneath the tunica alhuginea.
The spermatic vein forms a plexus, the pampiniform, at the posterior part
of the testis and epididymis which passes upward and forward to the front
part of the cord, where it is most marked. The vein then passes through the
external abdominal ring, the ingiiinal canal and the internal ring and empties
into the vena cava on the right side and the renal vein on the left.
The Spermatic Cord and Vas Deferem. — The spermatic cord is about four
inches in length, and extends from the globus minor of the epididymis to the
TESTES
61
internal abdominal ring, at which place they separate. It is made up of the
vas deferens, or excretory duct of the testicle; the spermatic artery from
the aorta; the artery and
vein of the vas deferens;
tilt' eremasterjc artery from
the deep epigastric; the
spermatic veins; the sper-
matic nerve plexus;
branches of the ileo-iiiguinal
and geni to-crural nerves,
and lymphatics. These
sirnctiires are bound to-
p'lher by loose fibrous and
fatty tissue, and are in-
vested by the fasciw, already
B|Kiken of in considering the
anatomy of tlie scrotum,
that are carried do\vn by
the testicle in its descent.
The vas deferens lies below
ami behind the larger an-
terior group of veins and
the spermatic artery. The
mass of veins on the front
of the cord, called tlie pam-
(liuiform plexus, unites into
a single tnmk, the sper-
matic vein, on the right side
jiassing into the inferior
vena cava and on the left
side into the left renal vein.
The artery of the vas defer-
ens, derived from the in-
ferior vesicle, is in direct
relation with it ; whereas the
itpennatic artery follows a
mrtiious course through the
cord. The nerves are dis-
tributed throughout the cord,
with the exception of fila-
ments from the hypogastric
plexus, which invest the vas
FlO. 68. COVEOINOB OP TBE TESTES, SkBN rSOU IN FrONT.
(Alter TcBtul.)
On the right aide the scrotum and dartos liave been removed
to show the cremaatcric tnustle and faacia. On the left side
the sheath of the cord and the tunica vaeinalis have been cut
through over the testis and retracted showing the gland and
its epididitnia: whereas higher up another incision shotrs that
the peritoneo-vagiDal process has not closed at this point.
. of the organ pulled 3, skin of organ.
upward.
4. dartos layer.
a. urethra.
o, darlos of septum.
C. cellular layer.
B. inguinal canal on the right
7, internal and eilernal bun-
side.
dles of cremasteric muscle.
C. scrotum on the right side.
8. cremasteric Isyer of scro-
D. scrotum on the left side.
tum.
E. and F. testis and epididj-
9. fibrous la>-er.
mU on the left side.
10. parietal layer of tunica
C, spermatic cord.
«, dftrtos.
eesopen.
62 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT
in a rich network. The lymphatic vesaela empty into the glands surrounding
the lower part of the aorta and one gland lying over the external iliac artery.
E El.
the testis.
the mule orRan.
the epididiitiis.
the erector penia.
vas deferens.
superior ramua cif the pubes.
Hpex of the bladder.
parietal peritoneum.
obliterated hypogaatro-mnbilical artery.
peritoneum over bladder.
body of the bladder.
seminal vesicle.
iliac artery.
ampulla of the vaa.
reoto-vesieal space,
sacral flexure of the rectum.
diaphragm of the pelvis (leva
external sphincter muarle.
IS of the ischium.
THE PROSTATE GLAND 63
The spermatic cord (Fig. 68) derives its coverings from different layers in
the abdominal wall, from within outward, the process of peritoneum, called the
funicular process, being continuous below witJi the tunica vaginalis. Out-
side of this is the infundibuliform or transversalis fascia, the cremasteric
fascia from the internal oblique, and the intercolumnar fascia from the ex-
ternal oblique.
The vas deferens (Fig. 69) is a small duct which conveys the semen from
the testes to the urethra. It can be felt as a small, cordlike structure running
up the posterior part of the spermatic cord ; its appearance is white and glis-
tening. A small portion of its course is within the scrotum, where it ascends
on the inner side of the epididymis. It then passes through the inguinal canal
with the other constituents of the spermatic cord to the internal abdominal ring.
Here it winds round the deep epigastric artery, passing downward and back-
ward on the side wall of the pelvis ; it crosses the obliterated hypogastric artery
and obturator vessels and nerves. Crossing inward to its termination, it
raises in its course a fold of peritoneum, crosses the ureter just before the ter-
mination of the latter, and then turns downward in close apposition to the
base of the bladder to the inner side of the vesiculffi seminales, to the base of
the prostate, where it terminates by joining the duct from the vesiculae seminales
to form the common ejaculatory duct
The Vesicnla Seminales (Fig. 3). — These are situated on the basal sur-
face of the bladder, extending from over the lower part of the ureter above to
the base of the prostate below, running external to the terminal portion of the
vas. The vesicle forms a convoluted mass about two inches (5 cm.) in length,
and in reality is a single tube, coiled upon itself and held together by con-
nective tissue. When opened out, it measures five or six inches in length. The
vesicuke seminales lie almost in apposition at their lower end but above are
widely separated and spread outward almost horizontally between the base
of the bladder and the rectum. The lower ends open into the vas to form the
common ejaculatory duct. They are developed as diverticula of the vas deferens,
as the gaU-bladder is developed from the common bile duct.
Common Ejaculatory Duct. — This duct is a short canal, three quarters of
an inch (1.8 cm.) in length, extending downward in a cleft of the prostate
gland to the urethra where it opens into or at the margins of the sinus pocularis.
The sinus pocularis is a small depression just below the highest part of the
veru montanum, and is the analogue, in the male, of the uterus in the female.
THE PROSTATE GLAND
The prostate gland is situated in the male pelvic cavity beneath the bladder,
and completely surrounds the orifice of the urethra. It is about one and one half
inches (3.7 cm.) in its transverse diameter, about an inch (2.5 cm.) from be-
64 ANATOMY OF THE URINART AND GENTTO-tTRINART TRACT
fore backward, and about one and one quarter inclies (3.12 cm.) from above
downward. In shape it is said to resemble a Spanish chestnut, and has a base
directed upward, an apex directed downward, a posterior, an anterior, and two
lateral surfaces. The base is firmly fixed to the under surface of the bladder
(Fig, 70), the musculature of the one being directly continuous with that of
the other. There ia only a shallow groove between the circumference of this
surface and the bladder where thty are not structurally continuous. This
groove ia filled by several large veins.
P:a. 70.— Phofile View op the Side ok
1. pubis.
S. sphincter ani muscle.
a
to. deep transvprsc perinei muscle.
3
subpubic ligament.
4
root o/ corpus CBvernosum.
12. cut-off muscle, compressor urethm o
s
seminal vesicle.
muscle of Guthrie.
rectutn.
IS, accelerator muscle.
7
14. prcproslatic layer of peli-ic fascin.
8
compreBSor urethra musclo. striated mus-
IB, transverse pcl"c ligament.
cle of Henlc.
la, muscle ot Wilson.
rE
— The muscles of Guthrie, Wilson and Heol
are all ansociated and tbeir fibers arc connected.
The apex is the lowest portion of the gland, and rests on the su])erior or
deep layer of the triangular ligament The ]K>sterior surface is somewhat tri-
angular and is separated from the rectum by pelvic fascia, Tlie lateral surfaces
are convex from behind forward and from below upward. They are covered
with pelvic fascia which separates them from the levator ani. The anterior
surface ia narrow and rounded in its lower part. In front and a little aWve
(n© apex on this surface, the urethra leaves the gland. The anterior surface
vcenpies the space between the two levator ani muscles, and is covered by pelvic
THE PROSTATE GLAND 65
fascia, a portion of which forms the piibo-prostatic ligament. The common
ducts enter the prostate at the upper part of the posterior surface, running
downward and forward to open into the prostatic urethra. The triangular por-
tion of the plflud lietween these duels and the urethra ia called the middle lohe
(Fig. 71).
Fig. 71. — The Lobes or the Phostatb and the Pbhinbal Fahciab. (Albarran.)
The sQ-caUed middle lobe ia seen clearly behind the urethra and in front at the ejnculBtoiy duct.
Thii pan of the gland bounded by tbe bladder, urethra and eJBculatory duels ia supposed to be the
phacipal part of tbe gland involved in prostatic hypertrophy. It is Bimply the portion of the lateral
loba Above tbe ejaculatory duct.
1, preproststic layer of pelvic fascia. 8, transverse ligament ot perineum.
t, eiternal sphiocter, prostatic segmont. 7 and 5. leaflets of the aponeurosia of Denou-
3, subpubic ligament. villiera.
4, dorsal vein. 9, compressor uretbne or cut-oR muscle.
5, lupraurethral fascia. 10, infraurethnU layer of fascia.
The Selations. — It lies in front of the rectum and one and one half incliea
(3.7 cm.) from the anna. It is situated behind the lower part of the syiiipliysis,
ai a distance of about an incli. The bladder ia above it, tlie superior layer of the
triangular ligament below it, and the levator ani muscle on either side, Innue-
diately surrouuding it la pelvic fascia forming a thick layer, A line of cleavage
i? mude in this layer by the prastatic plexus of veins which surround the sides
and base of the gland (Fig. 72). The jiortion of fascia outside of these veins
is Jescrilwd as the external ca()sule. A thin portion of fascia ia foiuid inside the
veins between the latter and tJie true capsule of the jirostate. The gland itself is
siim.unded by a fibrous capsule except at the base, where it adjoins the bladder.
Strncttire. — It consists of two lateral lobes and a middle lobe. The lateral
Iiilies are developed as two separate portions and in some of the lower animals
muain distinct. In man, they unite together to form one mass. The so-called
66 ANATOMT OF THE URINARY AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT
middle lobe is merely the portion of gland between the urethra and common
ejaculatory duct and is not marked off by any distinct separation from the
lateral lobes. A true middle lobe with a distinct line of cleavage is often present
Fio. 72. — SAaiTTAL Sbctioh tbrouoh the Probtat«, a Little to the Lett of ihe Median Jake.
Note the remaini of the ejuculalory (common) duct, the vedcal sphincter and the pleiusea of veiiil
n thig regioD. (Testut.)
1, aymphj-sifl publB.
S. bl&dder.
f, neck ol bladder.
nor bladder ligament. ,
(. umbilico -pre vesical aponeiiroais.
S. prevesical space.
9, rectum.
^ recto-vesical space.
S, prostate.
ejaculatory duct on the l«ft side cut oblique
vas deferens of right side.
inferior layer of triangular ligament with Guthrie's museli
pelvis fascia behind prostate.
IS, external sphincter.
Cowper's gland.
bulb of urethra.
spongy portion of the urethra.
corpora cavernoBft.
suspensory ligament of the organ.
deep dorsal vein.
plexus of Santorini.
perineum.
The gland consists for the greater part of muscle fibers, that portion in front
of the urethra being altogether muscular. Elsewhere, the glandular structure
is found imbedded in the muscular compartments. This consists of minute
XHE PENIS
67
tubules lined with columnar epithelium. These open by about twenty ducts
into the urethra on either side of the veni montanum.
Blood Supply.— The prostate is supplied with blood by the inferior vesi-
cal and inferior hemorrhoidal arteries. The blood is returned by the prostatic
plexus of veins, which empties into the vesical plexus.
LjmidiatiCB. — The lymphatic return goes to the iliac glands.
Netres. — The nerve supply of the prostate comes from the hypogastric
plexus.
THE PENIS
The penis consists of three longitudinal columns of erectile tissue; two of
the columns, the corpora cavernosa, nrach larger than the third, are placed side
by side, while the third cohmm, the corpus spongiosum, is placed on the under
surface in a groove between the other
two. It is through this portion that
the urethra passes (Fig. 73).
Fm. 73.— PENI1.B UBBTHSA is THIl StATB 01
Repose akd Ebbction. (From Poirier.)
I, FuCancaMu layer. S, urethra,
t, ionai vein, flanked 6, corpus aponjiOAUin
OQ each nde by dor- 7, dorsal vcId.
nl aileiy and aerve. S, artery of corpus csvi
3, lunini albugiiiea. noaum.
i. artery of the corpus 9, venous plexus.
Fio. 74. — Roots op tbe Penib. (From Poirier.)
I, the annular Sbera of tbc Buapensory ligamont.
S, pubis.
3, the fibers of the BUspcnsory UxaineQt descending
4, the erector penis muscle.
5, the bulb of the corpora spongiosum.
0, the central Sbrous tendon of the perineum.
Soots of Penis. — The corpora cavernosa arise from the ascending ramus of
the ischium on either side, and are covered by the ischio-cavemosus muscle
(Fig. 74). They extend forward and inward, uniting with one another and the
corpus spongiosum to form the body of the penis. The corpus spongiosum at
its origin consists of an expanded portion called the bulb, which is covered by
68 ANATOMY OF THE URINARY AND GENI TO-URINARY TRACT
the iscliio-bulbosua miiacle and rests against the triangular ligament, the middle
of the urogenital triangle. This proceeds forward in the mid line of the peri-
neum to join the corpora cavernosa. At its distal extremity tlie corpus spongi-
osum becomes expanded and forms a cap which fits over the conical extremities
of the corpora cavernosa. This is known as the glans penis {Fig. 75). It
slightly overlaps the corpora cavernosa and this projecting border is knoMTi as
the corona glandis. At the smnmit of the glans and slightly on its under sur-
face, is the meatus urinarius or external oijening of the urethra (Fig. 76),
The three columns of the penis are
bound together by fibrous tissue, each
of the parts having a separate cover-
ing. Between the corpora cavernosa,
the fusion of this covering forms an
incomplete septum — the septum pec-
tinifonna;.
FlQ. 75. — Manner of Union op the Anteriob
End of the Corpora Cavernosa with the
Glans. (After Testut.)
Tbe aaterjor Ijjiameut has becD cut through and
the eIbus pulled to one aide.
I. anterior extremity of the corpus apongioauni.
S, sntcrior ligaments.
5, urGthral gutter between tbe corpora
4. S. glans with posterior capsule.
6, the cleft iii ita lower part.
5, corpus spongiosum of the urethra.
Fio. 76.— The End of th(
(From Poirier.J
/, the meatus.
S, thetreoum.
3, fOHsa beside the fre-
num. 6, prepuce.
The penis is covered with skin,
which is loose and freely movable, to
allow for expansion of the organ.
It is continued over the glans as a
thin, firmly attached layer, resembling mucous membrane, and frequently de-
scribed as snch. From bcliind the corona glandis, a double fold of delicate skin
is formed which covers over the glans in the flaccid condition of the jJcnis, This
is known as the prejiucc, and disappears in the erect condition, Tlie skin over
the body and glans then appears in its true continuity. From just below the
meatus, a small fold of skin, the frenum preputii, passes to the nnder surface of
the prepuce. The inner surface of the prepuce and posterior ])ortion of the skin
over the glane contains sebaceous glands which secrete smegma.
THE PENIS 69
Suspensory Ligament. — A band of fibrous tissue extends from the symphysis
pubis to the penis, and is attached to its fibrous capsule. This is the suspensory
ligament. At its attachment it separates into two parts and through the space
thus formed pass the dorsal vessels and nerves.
Stmcture. — Each column of the penis is made up of fibrous covering con-
taining many elastic fibers, and within this capsule an irregular spongework
of fibrous trabecular are formed. The interstices of the spongework consist of
blood spaces lined by endothelium and empty directly into the veins. Hence
the size of the organ is subject to great variation, depending upon the amount
of Wood contained within this spongework.
Blood Vessels. — The arterial supply comes from the branches of the in-
ternal pudic; these are the artery to the bulb, the arteries to the corpora cav-
ernosa, and the dorsal artery of the penis. The glans is supplied by the
dorsal arterv' which is a continuation of the internal pudic. The veins empty
directly into the prostatic plexus or into the dorsal vein, which itself empties
into the prostatic plexus. On the upj)er or dorsal surface, in a groove between
the corpora cavernosa, the dorsal vein is situated. On either side of the vein
are the dorsal arteries and just outside of these are the dorsal nerves.
Lymphatics. — These go to the inguinal glands.
Nerves. — The dorsal nerve and superficial perineal nerves from the in-
ternal pudic nerve supply the skin, while the hypogastric plexus, indirectly
through the prostatic plexus, supplies the erectile tissues.
In the female, the clitoris is the analogue of the penis. It is very small in
comparison, and consists of only two columns, the corpora cavernosa. The bulb
of the vagina is the analogue of the bulb of the penis; it is, however, split
in two by the passage of the vagina, and has a separate ischio-bulbosus muscle
covering each part. The bulbs of the vagina imite in front between the urethra
and clitoris to form a venous plexus, which is continuous vnih the glans
clitoridis.
CHAPTEK III
THE URINE
In treating of the subject of urine, it is not my intention to give it the
comprehensive and exhaustive consideration demanded by a text-book on urine
analysis. The examination of the urine will be gone into chiefly with reference
to its bearing on pathological conditions noted in genito-urinary surgery. I
shall, however, not lose sight of tTie importance of so-called medical pathol(^cal
conditions, because we find that the kidney diseases heretofore considered
strictly within the domain of medicine have begun to enter the surgical field.
Moreover, in the surgical diseases of the kidney due to pressure, irritation, new
growths or pathological deposits, an associated nephritis is wont to occur.
Diseases of metabolism do not come within the scope of this work, except-
ing so far as they may be considered associated with the subject or must be dif-
ferentiated from diseases having symptoms in common with them.
We will briefly discuss the characteristics and the constituents of normal
urine before proceeding to take up the various pathological changes. The card
used in my laboratory will serve as a guide, as it indicates the point of view
from which we regard the subject We will give the tests used in our routine
work and mention the others only by name, in order that they may be studied
in text-books on urinary analysis, if the reader desires. There are many topics
not mentioned on the card that will be spoken of and their importance briefly
considered.
I, GENERAL CONSmERATIONS
The normal urine is a transparent fluid of an aqueous consistency, of a pale
yellow color, with a characteristic odor and acid reaction, and a specific
gravity of from 1.018 to 1.025 at 60° F. Few of these characters are so fixed
that a slight variation signifies disease. The diet, the w^eather, the occupation
of the patient, may change the features of the urine within certain limits in
health. On the other hand, great and persistent departure from the above
standard usually means that either the kidneys or the other urinary organs are
diseased, or that the organism as a whole is deranged.
70
COMPOSITION AND PKOPERTIES OF THE URINE 71
n. COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF THE URINE
The constituents of the urine are derived from two sources: from the
catabolism of the tissues of the hody and from the waste of ingested food and
Uquids.
The following table (from Parkes) shows the composition of normal
urine, together with the amount of each constituent excreted in twenty-four
hours :
•
Water 1,500.00 gms. 50 oz.
Total solids 72.00 " 1,110.96 grs.
Uric acid 0.55 " 8.4 "
Hippuricacid 0.40 " 6.1 "
Creatinin 0.91 " 14.04 "
Pigment and minor organic matters 10.00 " 154.00 "
Sulphuric acid 2.01 " 31 .00 "
Phosphoric acid 3.16 " 48.75"
Chlorine 7.80 " 108.01-123.44 "
Ammonia 0.77 " 11.88 "
Potassium 2.50 " 38.57 "
Sodium 11.09 " 171.11 "
Calcium 0.26 " 4.01 "
Magnesium 0.21 " 3 .24 "
Sdection of Specimens of Urine for Examination. — For accurate urinary
analysis, either the total amount of urine passed in twenty-four hours or a
sample taken from the entire quantity, is collected in a clean half -gallon hottle,
kept in a cool place, well corked. In either case, the quantity eliminated in
twenty-four hours should be measured. If this is impossible, a four-ounce
specimen of the night and morning urine should be obtained. The urine passed
in the morning after a night's rest, is least likely to contain albumin or sugar.
Voided urine, if allowed to stand warm and in an open vessel, becomes opaque
in from twenty-four to forty-eight hours by the multiplication of bacteria, which
change the urea to ammonium carbonate.
Preservation of Specimen. — Urine should be examined in as fresh a state
as possible. If it has to be kept more than a few hours, some antiseptic must
be added. The best method in the author's hands, has been the addition of a
crystal or two of thymol. The addition of an ounce of saturated solution of
boric acid, or two five-grain tablets of the same to a quart of urine, is preferred
by some ; others recommend five grains of salicylic acid to four ounces of urine.
A drachm of chloroform to four ounces of urine is also effective. Formalin is
sometimes used, but cannot be recommended, as it interferes wdth the ex-
amination.
Physical Properties of the Urine. — Amount in Twenty-four Hours. —
The amount of urine voided in twenty-four hours by a healthy adult averages
from 1,200 to 1,600 cc, the mean figure being about 1,400, forty-eight fluid
72
THE UKINE
Laboratory of Dr. Ramon Guiteras, 80 Madison Ave.
Urine of
Address
Date
Report to be sent to
Amount in 24 hours.
Color.
Reaction.
Albumin.
Sugar.
Urea.
Uric acid.
Diacetic acid.
Bile pigment.
Chloridi.
Phtsical Examination.
Spontaneous.
Odor.
Specific gravity.
By Catheter.
Transparency.
Total solids.
Chemical Exabanation.
Serum. Nucleo.
Fehling test.
Per cent.
Urates.
Aceton.
Other organic elements.
Carbonates. Phosphates. Sulphates.
Quantitative.
Quantitative.
Grains to ounce.
Indican.
Amorphous deposits.
Crystalline deposits.
Red blood corpuscles.
Pus.
Mucus. Tissue.
Epithelia.
Casts.
Cylindroids.
Microorganisms.
Diagnosis from urine analysis.
Remarks:
Microscopical Examination.
Leucocytes.
Shreds.
Other elements.
Fat globules.
Fig. 77. — Urine Analysis Chart.^
ounces, or three pints. Roughly speaking, the kidneys secrete two ounces an
hour, that is, one ounce each. Children pass relatively larger amounts than
adults. One kilo of the body excretes on the average of 1 c.c. of urine per
hour. Women pass smaller quantities than men, on account of their smaller
average size. By taking violent exercise, by abstaining from drinking water,
etc., and by promoting free perspiration, the excretion is diminished, but the
density is increased. The amount is sometimes markedly increased after emo-
tions (joy, grief, fright), and varies also at different times during the day.
The largest amoimt of urine is usually passed in the afternoon, a moderate
amount in the forenoon, and the smallest amount at night. In warm weather,
much smaller amounts are passed than during the cold months.
Color. — The color of urine varies considerably even in health. The color
is due to the presence of urochrome and urobilin. Diluted urines are usually
pale; concentrated urines are dark. The color may be changed by drugs, the
* The accompanying charts are used by the author in recording urinary examinations. They
may be kept printed in blank form, as illustrated, and filed with the history of the case.
COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF THE URINE 73
amount of water drunk and the other factors influencing quantity, and some-
times by the quality of the food.
The color of the urine is markedly pale and forms a diagnostic feature in
chronic interstitial nephritis, diabetes mellitus and insipidus.
In acute fevers and in congestion of the kidneys it is highly colored, due to
concentration of the urine. A dark brownish-red color is often characteristic
of hemorrhage from the kidney. Hemorrhage from the bladder or ureters gives
the urine a bright-red color.
Odor. — The odor of the urine is characteristic and cannot be compared with
any other. Certain variations from the normal are significant of disease. If
freshly voided urine is putrid or ammoniacal, there must have been decompo-
sition in the bladder or above this organ, as is often the case in pyelitis and
cvstitis.
When large quantities of pus are present, the odor is sulphuretted, owing
to the decomposition of the albuminous substances. In diabetes mellitus, the
urine usually has a peculiar aromatic odor. Certain foods and drugs, such as
asparagus, garlic, the balsams of copaiba and Peru, turpentine, saffron, etc.,
impart easily distinguishable odors to the urine.
Transparency. — Normal urine, freshly voided, is always perfectly trans-
parent On standing a few minutes, a faint cloud often appears, known as
the nubecula, which floats in the center or sinks to the bottom. It consists of
mucus, bacteria and epithelial debris. In women, vaginal mucus is mixed with
the urine and may cloud it considerably; and in catarrhal and other inflam-
matory conditions of the genito-urinary tract, the normal mucous cloud may
also be increased. The urine is then cloudy from the first on being voided.
The normal mucous cloud is distinct from other causes of turbidity to be
mentioned.
Cloudiness in urine may result from (1) bacteria, (2) phosphates, (3)
urates, (4) pus, and (5) fat. The following table shows the shortest methods
of differentiating the causes of cloudiness by means of simple reagents.
Differentiation of the Principal Causes of Turbidity in the Urine.
(1) Heat the urine for a few seconds:
(a) Turbidity increases or precipitate forms: bacteria, mucus, phosphates
or pus.
{b) Turbidity disappears : urates.
(2) Add acetic acid:
(a) Turbidity unchanged: bacteria, urates.
{b) Turbidity increased or precipitates: mucus or pus, or both.
(c) Dispelled at once : phosphates.
(3) Add potassium hydrate:
(a) Turbidity or precipitate disappears: urates.
(6) Is changed to a gelatinous coaguhim: pus.
74
THE URINE
Reaction. — In lierbivora, tlie urine is alkaline; in camivora, acid. In
man, on a mixed diet, it is normally acid. The acidity depends upon the food
ingested and is due chiefly to the presence of acid sodium phosphate and hip-
piiric acid. The acidity varies at different times of the day in regular sequence;
diminishing soon after meals, it changes in about three or four hours, when the
urine may become alkaline. Alkaline salts or vegetable acids in the food in-
crease the alkalinity, the acids being converted into carbonates (alkaline salts)
in the blood. An excess of meat in the diet will increase the acidity, while a
vegetarian diet produces alkalinity.
The acidity is tested by means of red and blue litmus paper; the blue turns
red in acid urine; the red turns blue in alkaline urine.
Specific Gravity. — The specific gravity of normal urine is between 1.013
and 1.024; the standard normal average 1.020 at 60° F. It varies in health,
according to the time of day, the meals and the amount of exercise, the amount
of fluid drunk and the total amount of urine passed daily, as welt as the amount
of solids excreted. Therefore, to measure specific gravity accurately, allowances
must be made for the conditions of diet, exercise, etc.
The specific gravity of urine is increased by an excess of nitrogenous
food, by sweating and muscular exertion. A lower specific gravity with
absence of albumin or sugar, means less urea ; it also means an increased
quantity of urine, except in heart disease and in the last stages of chronic
Blight's disease, when combined low quantity and specific gravity is a grave
sign.
Delcrminaihn. — The specific gravity is best determined by means of a
special liydrometer, known as a urinometer. (See Fig. 78.) Before testing,
tlie urine should be allowed to cool to room temperature, for when just voided,
it has abont the temperature of the body. A suffi-
cient amount of urine is filtered into the cylinder
accompanying each instrument, and the uri-
nometer, carefully cleaned and aired, should be
immersed gently with a alight spinning turn,
which prevents its adhesion to the sides of the
vessel. Any foam on the surface of the urine
may be removed by means of filter paper. To
read the urinometer, we must read the line at
the level of the lower portion of the meniscus,
formed at the contact of the urine with the stem.
Fw. 78.-s<imBBH Ubinohbteb. -^° instrument for the estimation of the
WITH Thehmometbb AND CiL- spoclfic grsvity of about 3 c.c. of urine with clin-
ical accuracy, * was devised by De Santos Saxe
while working in my laboratory, principally with the object of estimating
specimens of urine taken from the kidney by the ureteral catheter. It ia known
COMPOSITION AlfD PROPERTIES OF THE URINE 75
as the pyknometer.' This coDsists of a flask with a well-fitting glasa stopper,
tiie head of which tears a small bead of mercury. (See Fig. 79.) This flask is
fixed to one pole of a small spheric bulb, to the other pole of
which is attached the stem of the instrument. The mark 1,060
is at the top of the stem, and the mark 1,000 at the bottom, so
that the instrument ia graduated in reverse order as compared to
die ordinary hydrometer. When the flask is filled with distilled
water up to the mark " M " and when the instrument is
dosed and immersed in distilled water, it reads at
1,000. When urine is poured into the flask instead of
distilled water up to the same mark, the instrument
sinks in distilled water in proportion to the specific
gravity of the urine, which is then read on the scale in
the same way as the ordinary urinometer.
ToT.vL Solids. — The anioimt of total solids in
the twenty-four hours' urine determines the specific
gravity. The specific gravity, as a rule, varies in pro-
portion to the amount of solids, but in certain diseases
the watery element of the urine predominates, without
any marked change in the amount of solids in the
tnenty-four hours' specimen. ^'°- 79— Saxi'b Ubinoptk.
■^ Hnur.TER AND CtLIWDBB.
For clinical purposes, the amount of total solids in (Elmer 4 Amend.)
the twenty- four hours' nonnal urine can be determined
approximately by multiplying the last two figures of the specific gravity by
Eaeser's coefficient, which is 2.33, and thus obtaining roughly the number of
grams of solids in 1,000 c.c. (1 liter) of urine. This number, multiplied by
the number of c.c. passed in twenty-four hours and divided by 1,000, gives in
grams the amount of solids eliminated in twenty-four hours.
A much more accurate method of determining the amount of solids is to
ei-aporate a given amount of urine in a previously weighed porcelain dish, dry-
ing the residue, cooling and weighing repeatedly until there is no further
loss of weight from drying.
The average amount of excretion in twenty-four hours by a person weighing
145 pounds (66 kilos), is 045 grains (G1.25 grams). This applies to an
nnlinary diet of mixed food and to a liealthy man taking ordinary exercise.
One third should be deducted for persons who have fasted for two days or
I'jiiSer; one eightli if the diet bo spare; one tenth for perfect rest; one twen-
tieth for comparative rest. According to Parkcs, the amount of solids ex-
creted begins to diminish after forty and sinks to fifty per cent of the normal
above seventy years of age.
* Mode by Eimcr & Amend, New York City.
76 THE UKTNE
m, CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF THE URINE
The Proteids
The proteids found in the urine under various conditions are :
Serum albumin. Fibrin.
Nucleo-albumin. Albumose.
Serum globulin. Peptone.
Albumin
Serum albumin is the most important abnormal proteid foimd in the urine.
Albuminuria has reference to the presence of serum albumin of the blood in
the urine, and serum albumin is usually significant of deranged renal function
or pathological changes in the kidney. Serum albumin is occasionally found
in certain individuals under apparently perfect normal conditions. Traces
may also appear in healthy individuals after excessive exercise, overindul-
gence in meats or a diet of eggs.
Nucleo-albumin is a compound of a proteid and nuclein contained in cell
protoplasm. In the urine it is derived from the nuclei of epithelial cells and
leucocytes. The organic debris of normal urine includes more or less of this
cellular element and consequently it is possible by delicate tests to detect
minute traces of nucleo-albumin in normal urine. In inflammatory condi-
tions of the urinary tract where there is considerable amount of pus and
epithelium present, nucleo-albumin is abundant. Where this is the case and
when at the same time the urine is to be examined for possible evidence of
kidney derangement or disease, it becomes very important to differentiate the
serum albumin from the nucleo-albumin. Under the tests for albumin, a
method of procedure will be given.
Qualitative Tests for Albumin. — Xitric-Acid Test (Hellers). — Pour a
small quantity (5 to 10 c.c.) of nitric acid in a test-tube. Hold the tube in
a slanting position and with a pipette allow about an equal amount of filtered
urine to slowly trickle down on top of the acid. If albumin is present, a white
line appears at the junction of the two liquids. If the amount present is large,
there is at once a wide band formed. This test is quite sufficient for ordinary
purposes. It is not only reliable in determining the presence or absence of
albumin, but it also gives evidence as to the presence of other properties,
to wit :
Excess of indican: purple band.
Bile pigment: green band.
Uric acid : faifit waving ring above the juncture of the liquids.
Mucin: a cloudy band still higher up above the acid.
Should the above test give doubtful reactions, the following sensitive tests
can be employed.
CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF THE URINE 77
Potassiom-Ferrocyanid Test. — To a test-tube of filtered urine add five
to ten drops of acetic acid and a few drops of a ten-per-cent ferrocyanid-of-
poiassiuni solution. If albumin is present, a cloudiness will at once appear.
Very delicate in doubtful cases.
TRitiiu»RA(KTic-Acii> Test. — This is one of the moat delicate tests known.
It is often possible to demonstrate minute traces of albumin, with this test,
in urines containing a few casta wlicn the common tests fail to show any reac-
tion. To a test-tube containing the filtered urine, add with a pipette 1 or 2 c.c.
of a solution of trichloracetic acid, depositing the reagent carefully at the
boitom of the tube beneath the urine. (Specific gravity of the reagent equals
1.147.) A white zone at once forms at the junction of the two liquids if albu-
min is present. Albumose and excess of uric acid also show a reaction, but the
former disappears on boiling and the latter on heating.
Serum-Albl'mix Test. — Reference has already been made to the fact that,
in genito-urinary work, it becomes necessary frequently to differentiate the
niideo- from the seruni-albuniin. This can be done very readily by the following
method :
"Xucleo-albumin is not precipitated by heat and acid in highly salted
urines. To prove serum albumin, therefore, to the urine add one fifth volumo
of saturated sodium-chlorid solution, heat the upper one third,
add t\vo to five drops of fifty-[)er-cent acetic acid, heat a second
lime. A iiersistent cloud equals serum albumin." '
Quantitative Estimation of Albumin. — The absolutely ac-
curate quantitative methods of testing for albumin are entirely
too elaborate for clinical work. They will be found described
in the handbooks on urinary analysis.
EsB.wii's Methoik— This is a convenient method of quan-
titative estimation, which is sufficiently accurate for clinical
purposes. The apparatus is a graduated glass tube (albu-
minometer. Fig. 80) which is filled with urine to the letter
" L".*' Esbach's reagent is added up to the mark " R." (This
reagent consists of picric acid, ten parts ; citric acid, twenty
parts; and distilled water, one thousand parts.)
The tube is closed with a rubber stopper and the contents
mixed by inverting it several times. The number at the level
of the precipitate, read after allowing the tube to stand for
. ^' , ' , , , r - „ . FiQ. 80.— Ebbach'b
tffonly-four hours, shows the number of grams of albumin Ai.BnuiNOMETKii.
contained in one liter of urine. Each gram represents one
tenth of one per cent by weight. When large quantities of albumin are
present (over 0.7 per cent, the highest mark on the scale), the urine must
■ Hastings, ffew York Medical Journal, July 7, 1906.
78 THE URINE
be diluted with equal parts of distilled water, and the results multiplied
by two.
This method is not absolutely accurate for the reason that picric acid also
precipitates urates, peptone and vegetable alkaloids.
Serum Globulin
Serum globulin is nearly always present together with serum albumin, and
usually it is not necessary to differentiate them. Excess of globulin, however,
as compared to the amount of albumin, is noted in catarrhal cystitis, in acute
nephritis, and particularly in amyloid degeneration of the kidney. In chronic
nephritis, globulin is scant or even absent.
Tests for Globulin. — The urine is accurately neutralized by adding alkali
or acid, as the case may be; is filtered and is completely saturated with
magnesium sulphate at ordinary temperature, a white precipitate immedi-
ately forming with globulins. If this precipitate be filtered off, the same
urine may be tested for serum albumin by heating w^itli a few drops of acetic
acid.
Fibrin
Fibrin is an elastic, white, stringy albuminous substance, insoluble in water
and alcohol. It is soluble in solutions of magnesium sulphate^ with the forma-
tion of globulin, and by the addition of strong acid it is converted into acid
albumin. When found in the urine, fibrin means the presence of blood. A
urine containing fibrin may coagulate spontaneously on standing. It is im-
portant to distinguish between fibrin and the gelatinous mass formed by pus.
The nature of the clot can be determined chemically by Millon's reagent, but
the point can be settled much quicker by a microscopical examination.
Albumose
Albumose is an intermediate product between the original proteid (albu-
min) and the final products of digestion (peptone). Albumose is not coagu-
lable by heat; is precipitated but not coagulated by alcohol. It is precipitated
by nitric acid, the precipitate thus formed being temporarily dispelled by heat.
It does not usually occur in ordinary albuminuria. It occurs in the urine in
febrile diseases and in septic conditions, such as empyema, in intestinal ulcers,
and ulcerating malignant growths.
There is a very rare form of albuminuria which occurs only in myelo-
sarcoma of the bones and is often spoken of as Bence-Jones albuminuria.
CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF THE URINE 79
Mucus
A small amount of mucus is present in normal urine. Under the microscope
this mucus is seen to be composed of mucous threads — transparent, homogenous,
stringy masses. Mucus is a normal product of epithelial cells and is, therefore,
always found in the urine. An increase in the normal amount of mucus is one
of the first evidences of irritation somewhere along the urinary tract. This
may be due to highly acid or highly concentrated urine, or to the presence of
irritating crystals.
Mucin
Mucin is the chemical basis of mucus and forms the great bulk of the so-
called nubecula or mucous cloud occurring in normal urine. The amount of
mucin is greatly increased in pathological urines, owing to the presence of irri-
tation of the surface of some part of the genito-urinary tract. Mucin is pre-
cipitated by acetic acid and is distinguished from nucleo-albumin in that it is
soluble in a slight excess of the acid. The presence of mucin does not inter-
fere with the ordinary albumin test, as it is dissolved in an excess of Esbach's
and other reagents.
Cabbohydrates
Glucose
The occurrence of sugar in the urine is especially of interest to the urolo-
gist, on account of its association with polyuria and may, therefore, be a cause
of frequency of urination. The polyuria may have escaped the patient's notice,
because people voiding their urine in urinals and closets are not aware of how
much they are passing each time. It is, therefore, important to include sugar
tests as a matter of routine in every urine examination.
Qualitative Tests for Sugar. — Fehling's Test. — The reagent consists of
two parts which must be kept in separate bottles, in a dark place :
I. Copper Solution (Tyson)
Copper sulphate 34.652 gm.
Distilled water 500 c.c.
II. Alkaline Solution (Tyson)
Sodium potassium tartrate (Rochelle salt) 175 gm.
Sodium hydrate solution (specific gravity 1.120) .... 480 c.c.
Distilled water, enough to make 500 c.c.
80 TTTK TRINE
(The sodinm hydrate solution contains 52.727 gm. of caustic soda nnd
enough distilled water to make 500 c.c.)
In testing for sugar, dilute 1 c.c. of each of these solutions in ahout foi;r
times the amount of water anil hoil the mixture for a few seconds. If the solu-
tion becomes clouded on boilin":, the reagents should he freshly prepared. If
the solution remains clear, the suspected urine should be added drop by drop.
If sugar is present in considerable amount, the first two drops will cause a
yellow or red precipitate of copper suboxid.
One should continue to add the urine until an amount has been added equal
to the reagent, and tlien boil it. If no precipitate occurs within thirty minutes,
allow the tube to stand for a day for possible traces of sugar.
Fia. 81. — The Ladrbnt pENtriiBBA PouLBizma Saccoaroueter. (From Tyson.)
An improved solution consists of thirty grains of copper sulphate, half an
ounce of distilled water, half an ounce of pure glycerin, and five ounces of
potassium-hydrate solution. Boil a dram of this solution in a test-tube, and
add eight drops of the urine. Boil the mixture gently, and if sugar is present,
a yellow or yellowish-red precipitate appears.
Nylander's Test. — This test reveals sugar in amounts of 0.1 per cent or
over and can be strongly recommended for the use of the practitioner. It is
easily performed and the solution keeps perfectly for many months. The solu-
tion is composed of bismuth subnitrate, 2 parts ; Rocbelle salts, 4 parts ; sodium
CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF THE URINE 81
hydrate (sticks), 8 parts; water, 100 parts. One part of this solution is added
to 9 parts by volume of the urine and the mixture boiled iji a test-tube for one
or two minutes. The reaction begins as a grayish-black coloration which soon
becomes deep black.
PoLAKiMETBY is a Convenient and quick method for the quantitative deter-
mination of glucose when it exceeds 0.5 per cent The urine must be clarified
before testing. The test depends on the fact that glucose rotates polarized light
to the right, and the proportion ©"f sugar in solution is determined by the de-
gree of deviation noted. The polariscope of Laurent, made by Schmidt &
llaench, of Berlin, is probably the most useful (Fig. 81).
Phextl-IIydrazin Test {Williamson's Method). — Fill a test-tube of or-
dinary size for about half an inch with powdered phenyl-hydrazin hydro-
chlorate ; then add another half inch of powdered sodium acetate. Fill half the
test-tube with urine, and boil it over a spirit lamp for about two minutes. The
powders dissolve and the tube is allowed to stand to deposit a yellow sediment.
This, under a microscope, is seen to consist of bright yellow needle-shaped crys-
tals arranged in sunburst fashion (phenyl-glucosazone). They are almost in-
soluble in water, but dissolve in boiling alcohol.
Precautions in Testing foe Sugar. — In testing for sugar, all utensils
must be perfectly clean, and albumin must be removed if present in any con-
siderable quantities. In using the copper test, always add to the boiling solu-
tion as few drops of the urine as possible, waiting a moment or two before
adding a few more drops, and so on, until equal parts of the reagent and the
urine are used. If the urine is boiled with a copper solution, there may be a
greenish color, or a greenish opacity, or even a brownish color without the
presence of sugar. An excess of copper sulphate or too strong a solution should
not be used, because they give rise to these precipitates without any sugar.
Quantitative Tests for Sugar. — Fermentation Test. — By fermenting
urine with yeast, the sugar is decomposed into alcohol, carbon dioxid, etc., with
a decrease in the specific gravity of the urine. Each degree lost is equivalent
to one grain of sugar to the ounce of urine.
Robert's Method. — Into a twelve-ounce flask, put four ounces of urine
and a small lump of yeast; cork the bottle with a nicked cork to allow the
carbon dioxid to escape ; set it aside in a warm place to ferment With it, put a
tightly corked four-ounce flask of the same urine without yeast, for comparison.
After eighteen to twenty-four hours, the fermented urine is decanted and the
specific gravity noted. At the same time the specific gravity of the unfer-
mented urine is taken. The former subtracted from the latter shows the de-
gree of gravity lost, which may be read at once as grains of sugar per ounce.
Or else, the number of the lost degrees may be multiplied by 0.23 to obtain
the percentage. The chief objection to this method is that it requires too
much time.
82 THE URINE
Lohnstein's SAccitABOMETEB (Fig. 82) is a very accurate fermentation
apparatus devised for urines containing large quantities of sugar. It ia pro-
vided with a scale graduated for
sugar percentages at two different
temperatures and is so constructed
that the fermenting urine is separated
from the outside air by a column of
mercury. It thus avoids the errors
made in the use of the Einhom sac-
charometer at widely differing tem-
peratures.
ElNHOBs's SACCIIAKOMETEB (Fig.
83) is used in sets of two, one being
filled with normal urine for comparison, A small piece of fresh yeast is mixed
thoroughly with a definite quantity of the suspected urine measured in a marked
test-tube that comes witli the apparatus. The mixture is theu poured carefully
into the graduated tiibc, care being taken to expel alt tlie air by slanting the
tube so that bubbles escape. The tubes are allowed to stand at a temperature
of about 86° F. until fermentation has ceased, i. e., for about twenty-four hours.
The COa resulting from fermentation collects at the top of the tube, and the
l>crcentage of sugar is read off at the level of the fluid. If the second tube also
shows a small amount of gas, this is deducted.
CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF THE UKINE 83
The above are the principal tests for sugar employed in clinical work. For
the other methods, the reader is referred to the larger handbooks. *
Other Carbohydrates
Three other carbohydrates are sometimes found in the urine, but are of
very sHght clinical importance. They are lactose or milk sugar, Icevulose or
fruit sugar, and inosite, or muscle sugar. The isolation of these requires elabo-
rate apparatus, and the use of the polariscope. Lactose, however, gives the
phenvl-hydrazin test, forming yellow needles grouped in clusters.
Urea and its Compounds
Urea
The most important element in the urine is urea, representing, as it does,
the last term in the series of oxidized nitrogenous bodies. Its source is two-
fold : from the tissue waste and from ingested food. The greater part of nitro-
gen in food appears in the urine in the form of urea, which* ranges from three
hundred to six hundred grains in twenty-four hours (20-40 grams or 1.5 to 2.5
per cent). The average daily amount of urea for a healthy man on a mixed
diet with moderate exercise may be estimated as 33.8 grams, which gives about
0.015 to 0.035 grams per hour for each kilogram of body weight. Women and
children excrete a less quantity of urea than men, but relatively more per pound
of body weight. The normal standard urea excretion generally accepted in
clinical work is two per cent, or twenty grams per liter, or ten grains to the
ounce.
The organs chiefly concerned in the production of urea are. the liver and
the spleen, but lymph nodes probably assist to a slight extent. The maximum
quantity of urea occurs with meat diet and the minimum with a vegetable diet.
Changes in the daily amount of excreted urea correspond so closely to the de-
struction of tissue and the assimilation of proteids that they form a valuable
index of bodily health. In fevers and inflammations, in the waking state and
under intense muscular or mental work, urea is markedly increased in the daily
amount eliminated ; in liver and kidney disease, in several of the cachexias, it
is diminished.
Quantitative Estimation of Urea. — There are many elaborate methods for
accurately ascertaining the amount of urea. The most available method in
the clinical laboratorv is the one that is based on the fact that urea is decom-
posed into carbon dioxid and nitrogen in the presence of sodium hypobromite.
The reagents are most conveniently kept and applied in the form of Rice's
solutions: (1) caustic soda 100 grams, distilled water 250 grams; (2) bromin
30 grams, potassiimi bromid 30 grams, water 240 grams.
84
THE URINE
The test is made in Doremus'a ureometer, or in one of the numerous modi-
fications of it.
DoREMus's L'rkometer (Figs. 84 and 85). — This apparatus consists
o£ a bulb with an upright graduated tube and a small nipple pipette, hold-
ing 1 e.c. of urine. The gradua-
tions read in fractions of a gram
of urea jwr c.c. of urine, or else
Fia. 84. — DoREUDs Ubboiibteh.
show the number of grains of urea per fluid ounce of urine. The bulb U
filled with the hypobromite. solution (one of the formulii.' given above), and
the tube is inclined so as to remove the last air bubble from its closed part.
Oue c.c, of urine is then taken with the pi|>ette, and the point of the latter is
introduced into the bend of the tube. The nipple is slowly and gently com-
pressed, care being taken to ex]>el all the urine, but not to drive any air out
of the nipple. The pipette should be dried before being introduced, and should
be filled accurately. The sodium hypobromite in the solution comes into con-
tact with the urea of the urine, which is decomjwsed into nitrogen, carbon
dioxid and water. The amount of nitrogen disengaged is a measure of the
urea, and 1 c.c. of nitrogen at standard temperature and pressure equals 0.0027
grams of nrcn. The gas is, therefore, allowed to escape into the top of the tnlic
and the level of the fluid to sink until no more bubbles escape. This takes Icn
or fifteen minutes or sometimes hinger. The jtercentage of urea is then simply
reail on the graduated tube.
Uric Acid
I'ric acid is a nitrogenous com])Ound occurring in the nrine in daily amounts
from 0.4 to O.S grams. It is fornie<l in the body by the decomposition of the
uucleins of the nuclei of the cells of both food and tissues. It is freely soluble
CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OT THE TTRINE 85
in vrator, especially with heat, and 13 still more soluble in solutions of urea.
It Joes not occur often as free uric acid, but usiially is combined with sodium,
potassium and ammonimn to form urates. When a strong acid ia added to a
iirine containing the neutral salts of uric acid which are soluble, a deposit of
itt-«hible acid urates occurs. Uric acid crystallizes in the urine in rectangular
prisms, in wedges, whetstone shapes and rosettes of a yel-
luirisii-red color.
Qnalitative Tests for Uric Acid. — Qualitative tests for
i:ric acid are of no clinical value. The following three
Iwts may be used in recognizing the acid,
Xo. 1. Put a drop of urine on a slide, add a drop of
nitric acid, warm over a spirit lamp. After evaporation
the characteristic crystals of urea nitrate will be discov-
ered by the microscope.
So. 2. Put a few drops of urine in a test-tube, add an
qiial amount of solution of sodium hypobroiiiite. If urea
is present there will be a rapid fonnation of bubbles.
Xo. 3. Warm a few crystals of urea in a test-tube, add
a trace of sodium hydrate, and then a drop of a dilute solu-
tion of cupric sidphate, A violet or rose color will de-
velop in the presence of urea: this is called the biuret
n.'aetion.
Qnantitative Estimation of Uric Acid. — There is no
accurate method of estimating uric acid which is sufficient-
ly convenient for clinical purposes. The following methods
are (lcscril>ed because they are less troublesome than any
iither devised :
Hei.ntz's Method. — Add 10 c.c. hydrochloric acid to
:J(Hl c.c. urine and let it stand twenty-four hours in a cool
place. Weigh a filter and collect the deposited crystals
iijion it, washing with cold distilled water. T>^y the filter
thoroufrlily and weigh. ' Subtract the weight of the filter
aWe and obtain the weight of the uric acid in !>00 c.c. of
urine: from this may be determined the amount in the
total daily urine. Always filter the urine before usiu^
this method. P,^ 86.-RuHB«Am,-a
Rcuku.vjjn's URiqoMETER IS recommended for the Uhicoueter fob toe
., . . . . ■ 1 , !-■- r.,,1 mi 1 Rapid Ebtiuatiok or
rapid estimation of uric acid (rig, 80). ihe lowest UiucAcm.
mark (S) shows the height to which the indicator (car-
l»n disulphid) should reach. Then follows to the mark I, a space of 2 c.c,
content into which iodin solution is poured. This -whition is composed of iodin,
1-5 ; potassium iodid, 1.5 ; alcohol, 15.0 ; water, 185,0. Above the mark I, at 2,6,
86 THE URINE
begins an empiric scale which, at distances of 0.2 c.c, gives the uric acid value
pro mille. After the carbon sulphid and iodin solution have been placed in the
burette, the urine is slowly added and the mixture strongly shaken after each
addition. The urine is added until the primary brown color gives place to a
white one, at which moment the percentage of uric acid is read off at the top of
the column of fluid. If the urine contains less uric acid than the apparatus
will indicate, add the iodin only to the mark midway between I and S and read
half values. Alkaline urines should be acidulated with acetic acid, and, if
abundant sediment of sodium urate is present, the specimen should first be
well shaken. Traces of sugar and albumin do not interfere, but if large
amounts of pus or blood are present, these should be removed by heat and fil-
tration. The procedure requires about from thirty to forty-five minutes.
Urates
Xearly all the uric acid in the urine exists in the form of urates, i. e., salts
of potassiinu, sodium, ammonium, calcium and magnesium. These salts are
soluble at body temperature, but a large part of them precipitate on cooling
the urine.
Two kinds of urates are found : the acid and neutral urates. The acid salts
are less soluble and are more readily precipitated. When the neutral urates
are in excess, they often remain dissolved for some time and precipitate only
when the urine turns more intensely acid. (See Acid Fermentation.) The
addition of acid to such urines also makes the urates insoluble and pre-
cipitates them, as they are converted into acid urates. On heating, the
precipitate of urates is dispelled. Urates usually precipitate in the form of
amorphous granules, which may be mixed with uric-acid crystals if the urine
has been allowed to stand.
HipPURic Acid
Hippuric acid exists normally in quantity from 0.5 to 1.0 gram and is in-
creased by vegetable and fruit diets, by certain drugs like benzoic acid, and in
some diseases, like chorea, diabetes, and acute fevers.
DiACETic Acid
Diacetic acid occurs in the urine in the advanced stages of diabetes. It is
usually a grave symptom, giving warning of approaching coma and death.
Acetone
Acetone is a colorless, thin, watery fluid of a fruity odor, occurring in the
urine and blood in dial^etes and malignant tiunors ; also at times in high fever,
Fir,. I. Fm. 2. Fio, 3.
NoRUAL ['rine. f^iHPLE Indicanuria. Potabsit'm Iodid Reaction.
INDICAX COLOR REACTION' IN URINE. (After W. H. Porter.)
CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF THE UKINE 87
smallpox, typhus fever, scarlet fever, measles and Bright's disease. In dia-
betes, acetone very often precedes a dangerous diaceturia.
Acetone can readily be detected by Lieben's iodoform test :
Liebens Test
1. Distil the urine.
2. Add Gram's solution to the distillate and then some sodium hydrate. If
acetone is present in any quantity, iodoform is immediately precipitated.
If present in small quantities, then iodoform crystals should be looked for
m i croscopically .
Indican and other Ethereal Sulphates
The ethereal sulphates in the urine constitute a group of substances, products
of intestinal decomposition, which are sulphates of sodium and potassium, com-
bined with an organic radical, such as iodoxol or a phenol.
Indican is the most important of this group of sulphates. It is derived
from indol, a product of intestinal putrefaction of proteids. Indol is absorbed
from the intestine, is oxidized to indoxyl, and combines with potassium (and
also partly with sodium) sulphate, forming indican, which is eliminated in the
urine.
Increased intestinal putrefaction increases the amount of indican eliminated
by the kidneys, thus acting as a renal irritant and frequently giving rise to
albumin and casts in the urine to such a degree that many cases of indicanuria
have been diagnosticated as Bright's disease.
Indicanuria is marked in all cases in which intestinal digestion is disturbed,
such as: typhoid fever, cholera, acute and chronic enteritis, acute and chronic
gastritis, dyspepsia, appendicitis, peritonitis, acute cancer of the peritoneum,
diseases of the liver and pancreas, chronic constipation.
Indican itself is a colorless or brown sirup, soluble in water and has a bitter
taste. It can be turned into indigo blue by adding acids and heating.
Test for Indican. — To equal parts, about 10 c.c. each, of concentrated hy-
drochloric acid and fresh urine, add two or three drops of one-half-per-cent
watery solution of potassium permanganate and then invert the tube several
times. After one or two minutes, add enough chloroform to make a sediment
about three quarters of an inch and shake well. If indican is present, the
chloroform becomes blue.
Phenol and skatol are also products of intestinal putrefaction, the latter
forming low down in the tract. They are absorbed from the intestine into the
blood and from there into the kidneys, the same as indican.
88 THE URINE
Bile Pigment
The presence of biliary pigments, bilin, and biliverdin, indicates derange-
ment of the liver or biliary tract. They are always formed in the urine in
jaundice, due to obstruction of the common duct and after an attack of hepatic
colic. Biliary pigments impart a greenish-yellow color to the urine and the
foam produced by shaking the specimen vigorously has a yellow tint.
Omelin's Test. — A modification of Heller's albumin test, known as Gmelin's
test, is commonly used to demonstrate the presence of these pigments in the
urine.
In a test-tube the urine is carefully deposited on top of a small quantity of
fuming nitric acid, to which has been added yellow nitrous acid. A greenish
ring appears at the point of contact if the urine contains bilin or biliverdin.
There are several modifications of this test. A drop of the same acid on the
white filter paper, through which the specimen has been filtered, will give a
similar reaction.
lodin Test for Bile. — A solution of one part of tincture of iodin (or Lugol's
solution) to nine parts of water, overlaid on the urine in a test-tube, produces
a distinct green color at the point of contact of the urine and reagent if bile is
present.
Hemoglobinuria
Hemoglobinuria, or the presence of hemoglobin, the coloring matter of blood
in solution in the urine, is of rare occurrence. Upder normal circumstances,
hemoglobin is a constituent part of the red blood corpuscles and is not found
in the urine separate from them.
Hemoglobinuria has been found with more or less frequency in severe types
of infectious diseases, especially yellow fever, scarlet fever; also in purpura,
scurvy and malaria. It occurs also in severe bums and in poisoning by coal-tar
phenol derivatives, carbolic acid and naphthol.
Heller's Test for Hematin. — By adding a little caustic-potash solution and
gently heating the urine, the earthy phosphates are precipitated. The precipi-
tate carries the blood-coloring matters w^ith it as it sinks and is stained red. If
the urine is alkaline, the phosphates can be precipitated by adding a few drops
of magnesium fluid and heating gently. (See page 91.)
Test for Hemin Crystals. — The precipitated earthy phosphates are filtered
and placed on an object glass and warmed imtil completely dry. Add a minute
granule of common salt and mix thoroughly, cover with a thin cover glass and
then allow a drop or two of glacial acetic acid to pass imderneath the cover glass.
The slide is carefully warmed until bubbles make their appearance. After
cooling, hemin crystals can be seen by the aid of the microscope.
CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF THE URINE 89
Melanin
Melanin is a pigment found in cases of melanotic cancer or sarcoma, and
occurs either in solution in the urine, or is deposited in small black parti-
cles. Melanin also occurs rarely in severe wasting conditions and in chronic
malaria.
To detect melanin, add bromin water to the urine, which causes a yellow
precipitate that gradually blackens. On adding ferric chlorid, the urine turns
gray; if enough be added, the phosphates will precipitate, carrying the coloring
matter with them. The urine containing melanin is normal in appearance
when freshly voided, but on exposure to the air becomes brown or black.
Organic Constituents of Minor Importance
I^ucin and tyrosin are found in the urine, chiefly in destructive diseases
of the hver (acute yellow atrophy, phosphorous poisoning) and in acute infec-
tions (smallpox, typhus).
Leucin and tyrosin usually occur together; they may be deposited in the
sediment when present in large amounts. Usually the urine contains an excess
of bile and a deficiency of urea.
The crystals may be obtained by evaporating the urine and, if the crystals
are extracted with alcohol, leucin dissolves and tyrosin is left.
Inorganic Constituents
The principal inorganic constituents of the urine are the chlorids, phos-
phates and sulphates occurring in combination with sodium, potassium, am-
monium, calcium and magnesium. The total amount of inorganic substances
excreted in twenty-four hours varies between nine and twenty-five grams.
Chloride
The chlorids rank next to urea in importance among the solid constituents
of the urine. The greater part of the chlorids exist as sodium chlorid, while
smaller amounts of potassium and ammonium chlorids are found. The chlorids
HI the urine are derived from the food, and most of the salt ingested is elim-
iJ^ted in the urine as such.
The normal amount of chlorids excreted in twenty-four hours varies from
^ to twenty grams, but if much salt is taken with the food, the amount may
^ach fifty grams. Chlorids are diminished especially in all acute affections,
^ which there is a serous exudation or transudation, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Chlorids are diminished or absent also in cholera, septicemia, pyemia, puer-
peral fever, and acute articular rheumatism. The chlorids may be absent in
90 THE UKINE
the urine in a chronic disease, if accompanied by dropsy (chronic nephritis,
heart disease), and as the dropsy is absorbed, the chlorids gradually are in-
creased. In pneumonia, the chlorids are low or absent in the acute stage, but
as the exudate becomes absorbed, they increase, and may become normal. In
meningitis (acute) the chlorids are also increased, so that by testing for them,
we may differentiate between meningitis and typhoid. In nephritis, the amount
of chlorids eliminated as compared to the amount of urea, is of considerable
importance.
Detection and Approximate Estimation. — Silver Nitilvte Test. — Be-
fore applying this test, if more than a trace of albumin is present, it should be
removed by heat, as albuminate of silver forms and interferes with the reac-
tion. One half ounce of urine is laid upon an equal amount of pure nitric acid
in the same manner as in the test for albumin. Then one drop of a 1:8 solu-
tion of silver nitrate in water is added. . A precipitate of silver chlorid is
formed, which, if normal or increased in amount, appears as a compact, solid
mass which falls to the surface of the nitric acid. If the amount is diminished,
the silver chlorid becomes more or less diffused through the layer of urine.
Carbonates
Minute quantities of carbonates and bicarbonates of sodium, ammonium,
calcium, and magnesium, are found in fresh urine of alkaline reaction. Aui-
monium carbonate may occur in large amounts, owing to alkaline decomposi-
tion. The carbonates in urine are derived from the food, especially from vege-
table acids, such as lactic, tartaric, malic, succinic, etc. They are, therefore,
most abundant in the urine of herbivora. An excess of carbonates renders the
urine turbid when passed or on standing and, as a rule, the sediment is mixed
with phosphates.
Detection. — On the addition of an acid, the presence of carbonates is de-
tected by the evolution of gas bubbles, and this gas, when passed into baryta
water, renders the latter turbid. The determination of the amount of carbonic
acid will be found described in the larger text-books.
PJiosphates
Earthy Phosphates. — Render half a test-tubeful of filtered urine alkaline
with ammonia and warm gently. Earthy phosphates, in the form of a whitish
cloud, settle to the bottom of the tube. The precipitate is dissolved by the
addition of acetic acid.
Approximate Quantitative Estimation (Ultzmann), — A test-tube 2 cm.
wide is filled with urine to the depth of 5§ cm., and a few drops of strong
ammonia are added. The mixture is warmed over an alcohol lamp until the
earthy phosphates separate. The depth of the sediment is measured after
CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF THE URINE 91
standing for fifteen minutes. Kormally, the layer will be 1 cm. high:
a greater depth indicates an increase, while a less abundant precipitate means
diminution.
Alkaline Phosphates. — After the earthy phosphates have been separated,
as shown above, the mixture is filtered. To the filtrate is added one third of
its volume of magnesium fluid (magnesium sulphate, ammonium hydrate, am-
monium chlorid, of each one part; water eight parts). The white precipitate
consists of alkaline phosphates. To make this test available for approximate
estimation, according to TJltzmann, 10 c.c. of the urine are treated with 3 c.c.
of the magnesium fluid. A precipitate of crystalline ammonio-magnesium
phosphate is found, together with an amorphous mass of calcium phosphate.
If a milky turbidity permeates the entire fluid, the alkaline phosphates are
normal in amount. If an abundant precipitate gives the fluid the appearance
of cream, they are greatly increased ; and if a slight turbidity follows, or if
tlie fluid remains transparent, they are decreased.
Sulphates
The ethereal sulphates have already been considered. There are in addition
in the urine the ordinary alkaline sulphate of sodium and potassium, the sodium
salt being present in larger quantities. The amount of sulphates excreted by
healthy adults ranges from 1.5 to 5.0 grams daily. About one tenth of this
amount is represented by the ethereal sulphates, about nine tenths represented
by the potassium and sodium salts.
The sulphates in the urine are derived partly from food and partly from
the decomposition of proteid substances in the tissues. The sulphur from the
foodstuffs and from the tissue elements is oxidized to sulphuric acid, the lat-
ter in turn combining with sodium and potassium to form a sulphate of these
bases. The amount of sulphates in the urine is increased after taking sulphuric
acid or sulphates ; after active exercise ; after the inhalation of oxygen ; in acute
fever, in meningitis and in rheumatism. As a rule, the amount of sulphates is
parallel to that of urea. Sulphates are decreased in most chronic diseases when
metabolism and appetite are diminished ; also after carbolic-acid poisoning or
after the use of large doses of salol, etc. In such cases the ethereal sulphates
are increased.
Detection. — For ordinary purposes, the following test is sufficient: To a
test-tube one half full of filtered urine, add one or two inches of barium solu-
tion (barium chlorid, 4 parts; concentrated hydrochloric acid, 1 part; distilled
water, 16 parts). A white precipitate occurs which normally fills one half the
concavity of the test-tube. A larger amount indicates an increase, a smaller
amount a decrease.
J
THE URINE
IV. MICROSCOPICAL EXAMINATION
General Considerations
To obtain the sediment of a specimen of urine for microscopical examina-
tion, we can use either the old-fashioned gravitation method or the centrif\i{^.
If the former is used, the specimen must Ic allowed to stand in a well-covered,
conical glass, preferably in a cool, dark place, from six to twelve hours. Tins
method has the obvious disadvantages of delay iii examination and more or less
disintegration of the organic elements.
Centrilu^ sedimentation permits the immediate examination of the urine
microscopically and produces a concentrated sediment from freshly voided
urine before cells and casts can be destroyed by the alkalinity of the stand-
ing urine and before the development of bacteria. This is the only method
by which crystals, formed in tbe
urine Iwfore it is passed, can be dis-
tinguished from those formed after-
wards. By tiie old methods in urine
of high specific gravity, the lighter
forms of easts miglit float and thus he
ovcrlookotl. This does not happen
with the centrifuge.
Fio. 88.— Water Centhitdgb.
The Centrifuere. — Three types of centrifuge are on the market: the hand
(Fig. 87), water motor (Fig. 88), and the electric centrifuge (Fig. 89). Of
the three, the hand centrifuge is the least expensive and answers the purpose
MICROSCOPICAL EXAMINATION 93
where it is impossible or impracticable to use either a water or electric centri-
fuge. The labor and time required in using it, owing to the limited speed ob-
tainable, are obvious disadvantages.
The trater motor is in many ways the
most practical. It can be used wherever
ihert' is a faucet of running water under
onlinary city pressure and it is so simple
that it never gets out of order.
The electric centrifuge has some ad-
vantages, and is preferred by laboratory
workpr3 on account of the greater 8i>eed
obtainable. It can be run with ordinary iu-
caQ(le*ent lighting currents of 110 volts,
(lifeot or allemating, or even by currents of
less Toltage.
Aluminum shields protect the tubes from
»1I (lanjter of breaking, no matter what the
^Kvi may be. The tubes have conical tips
inffhioh the sediment collects, and it is not
disiiirW hv sudden stopping of the instru- ^ „ „ „ ..,
• , . ^°- 89.— The Phrdt Elbctiuc Cbntbi-
iDfnt or by decanting the urine. mm.
Methods of Examinino the Sediment
A pipette, consisting of a single glass tube, drawn to a moderate point, is
nelii with its upper opening tightly closed with the inde.\ finger and dipped to
tlie bottom of the sediment glass of the centrifuge tube. The finger is then
released and tJie sediment is allowed to rush in from below upward. A speci-
men should include portions of all strata of the sediment, mixed with a little
UTine, eapecially if the sediment is very dense.
Theswhmont is dropped upon a slide and covered with a large cover glass.
The oscess of urine is taken up with filter pa[>er. When the low power (only
I objective) is used, no cover glass is needed, but for the high-power lens a
wer glaiB is essential to prevent soiling the lens, .the microscope and the ex-
aminer's fingers.
It is best to go over a slide with the low-power lens (Leitz Xo. 3, Zeiss AA,
Bairsch & I^uib 3). With tliis, most of the larger elements can be made out.
For the fine study of cpithelia, casts, etc., however, the higher power (T^itz
Xii. 0, Zeiss D, Bausch & Lomb J) is necessary. For the routine examination
"f .1 large number of specimens without a cover glass, the lower power with a
iifMiifrer eyepiece (Zeiss Xo. 12, Achromatic or Leitz Xo. 3, Ocular ft) will
be found sufiicient. In fact this combination offers a rapid, cleanly way of ex-
94 THE URINE
aiiiining urine, wliieli will appeal to tlie busy practitioner. For differentiating
epithelia and tbe finer structures, however, it cannot serve in all instances.
In searching for casta, especially of the hyaline variety, the diaphragm of
tlie microscope should be closed so as to admit the least possible amount of light.
The micrometer screw of the microscope should be freely used in looking for
casts, as these structures are eyiindrie and often so trocated that one turn of
the screw brings one part into view, while the rest remains hazy. The flat
mirror should be used when looking for casts. The Abbe condenser should not
be used when looking at urinary sediment.
Unokoanized Sediment
Urie>Acid Calculi — In uric-acid calculi in the kidneys or elsewhere in the
urinary tract, considerable masses of uric-acid crystals, with jagged outlines,
may be found in the urine.
Detection. — Uric-acid crystals (Figs. 90, 91, 92) vary greatly in shape,
but the typical forms are the rhombic, or six-sided plates, the whetstone shape
• %' ^
,c| .*:"
FiQ. 90, — Cbvstalb of Uric Acid. (Ftoi
in stellate groups and crystals resembling a comb with teeth on both sides. All
these are more or less yellow in color, though occasionally some of them appear
colorless. They dissolve on adding a few drops of alkali and reappear on add-
ing acetic acid.
MICROSCOPICAL EXAMINATION 95
Ontei. — The mixed sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium and mag-
De«ium urate deposit is a granular sediment of a reddish color, varying from
pink to brick-red, and usually sinks quickly, though it may make the urine
turbid. The precipitate rediasolvcs on gently heating the urine.
Flo. 91. — Uncbcal FonuB of Uric Acre. F:i). 92.^UKcsnAL Fobub of Umo Acid,
Sodium Urate. — This forms the greater bulk of the mixed urate deposit,
and is usually amorphous. It is generally found in mosslike masses of mi-
nute granules which easily adhere to larger masses of sediment. When crys-
tsiJine, it is seen in the form of fan-shaped groups, pointed at the center, or
arranged like sheaves of wheat. These crystals show characteristic striation.
PoTASKiL'M Urate. — This occurs always
as an amorphous sediment, forming a part of
tW mised urate deposit. It is soluble in hot' -, .t^.^
water, inaoluble in cold water. ^ J^
Calcium Urate. — It is a rare deposit and
is found as a part of the amorphous mixed ^fc' '*'
orate sediment. "^^
Ammonium Urate, — It is said by some
that this is in reality sodium urate in modi-
fied form, marking a transition of an acid j
sediment into an alkaline. Ammonium urate ^^^
is characteristic of alkaline fermentation, and iF^Bi^ft^
is usually associated with triple phosphate 1^^^^ ' J^
anJ calcium phosphate. It occurs in the ^^^J
firm of yellowish-red or dark-brown spher- ^^r
uW. studded with fine sharp thorns which )^t
have given rise to the term " thorn-apple "
crystals (Fig. 93). Ueatm. (Fn.m Wood.)
These crystals may be massed in clumps
or chains and are soluble in hot water or in acids; they emit the odor of aui-
aonia on adding alkalies. It is the only urate found in alkaline urine.
96 THE UEINE
Calcium Oxalate. — Normally the greatest part of the oxalic acid taken in
tlie food 13 converted hj oxidation into urea and carbonic acid. When for some
reason (diseaae) this oxidation is inter-
fered with, this change does not take
place, then the oxalic acid is excreted as
such in combination with calcium (from
the blood, also derived from food and tis-
sues).
Detection. — The crystals of calcium
oxalate may be found in acid urine when
they may accompany crystals of uric acid,
or in alkaline urine when they accompany
triple phosphates. Two typical forma of
calcium oxalate crystals are distinguished
(fig. 94).
The octahedral crystals consist of two
four-sided pyramids placed base to base and appear like squares crossed like
envelopes, or, if turned with their long axes toward the observer, like long-
Fia. 95.— Crtstalb op AmroNicv Magnesiuu Pbosphatb. (From Wood.)
pointed octahcdra. Sometimes these crystals coalesce with larger masses. Tlio
dumb-bell crystals arc not so common and look like two crossed dumb-bells.
They must be distinguished from the yellow or brown dumb-bells of uric acid.
MICROS COPTCAL EXAMINATION
97
The dumb-bells of calcium oxalate are soluble in hydrochloric acid, those of
uric acid in alkalies.
Phosphates. — In the sediment the earthy phosphates are represented by cal-
cium phosphate and by am monio-m agnosia phos-
phate (triple phosphate, so called). The alkaline
phosphates are not represented in the sediment.
Calcium Phosphate. — Calcinni phosphate
is either amorplious (the normal salt), or crys-
talline (the acid salt), the latter consisting
partly of magnesium phosphate. The amor-
phous form occurs in feebly acid urines and is
seen in small, highly refractive granules, in
clumps or adhering to other parts of the sedi-
ment. The crystalline form is found in urine
about to undergo alkaline fermentation, but
wbich is still weakly acid. They are prismatic — .«— "^"vv
tod arranged in either single or in star-shaped, ^il^
often in fanlike, groups. Acetic acid rapidly ^"^
<lis3olves them, whereas it slowly affects sodium-
nrate crystals similarly shaped.
Triple Phosphate Crystals. — Ammonio-magnesium phosphate occurs
either as the coffin-lid crystals or the feathery crystals. The former is more
common and consists of a triangular prism with one of the three angles wanting.
They are large in size and at times shortened into squares which may be
mistaken for calcium oxalate. The stellate crystals are feathery stars or parts
of stars. The phosphate crystals are soluble in acetic acid, while the oxalate
crystals are insoluble in this acid.
Carbonates and Stilphates. — (a) Calcidm Carbonate. — Calcium car-
bonate is found rarely in the urine of man, but in large quantities in the urine
of some lower animals. It occurs in the form
of small squares. On adding acetic acid, an
effervescence of carbon dioxid results.
(b) Calcium Sulphate. — Calcium sul-
phate is a very rare deposit ; it occurs in
highly acid urine with high specific gravity,
in the form of needlelike prisms which often
are grouped in radiating fanlike arrange-
ments (Fig, 07).
Leucin and ^rosin. — (a) Leuci:t occurs
in the fonn of yellowish, highly refractive
!T)beres, looking like oil drops (Fig, 98), which show radiating or concen-
tric stripes. They are often arranged in masses or groups of three or more
Pw. 97.— Cbtbtai* o
Calcicm Scl-
98 THE URINE
spheres. Unlike oil, leucin is not soluble in ether, but is soluble in alka-
lies. They are larger than the spheres of araraonium urate and have no spikes.
(b) Tyrosin occurs as very fine needles arranged In sheaves or rosettes
(Fig. 99). Tliey are colorless, biit when arranged in masses, they appear quite
dark. They are insoluble in ether, but soluble in alkalies.
Blood and Bile Pigments; Fat; Cholesterin. — (a) Bilibubin. — In urine
containing bile, bilirubin may be found as amorphous masses, or as needles in
stellate formations, often adherent to cells, or in yellow or ruby-red rhombic
plates. They show a green rim on adding nitric acid.
(b) Hematoidin. — Crystals of hematoidin occur in urine containing blood,
e. g., after an extensive hemorrhage, in pyonephrosis, renal stone, etc. The
crystals are identical with those of bilirubin and probably hematoidin is iden-
tical with the former.
(c) Fat Globiii.es.— Fat globules may be seen in the urine as extraneous
matter from unclean bottles, or from ointments in the genitals. When enough
fat is present to be seen with the naked eye, the term " lipuria " is used. When
the fat makes the urine milky, the tenn " chyluria " is used. The latter is
usually due to the presence of a parasite, the Filaria sanguinis.
Fat in small amounts may occur in healthy urine after a fatty diet, also in
pregnancy and in phosphorous poisoning, ilany minute fat globules are found
in the urine of chronic nephritis in whicli the fat granules are derived from
disintegrated fatty epithclia. They are found also in other chronic inflamma-
tions, such as cystitis, pyelitis, prostatitis, urethritis and vaginitis, in cystic
kidney, and in abscesses opening into the ureter.
{d) CiroLESTEKiN. — Cliolesterin is a monatoniic alcohol, normally present
in the blood, the nerve tissues, the bile, etc. It occurs in gall-stones, in pus, tu-
mors, etc., but is a rare deposit in the urine in extensive fatty changes in the
kidney as a result of acute or subacute or chronic nephritis. Still more rarely
MICROSCOPICAL EXAMINATION 99
it occurs in cheesy degeneration of cystic kidneys. It crystallizes in large
plates, is insohible in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, etc. If
a misture of five parts of sulphuric acid is allowed to act on a cholesterin plate,
a bright cannine-red color appears, which changes to violet.
CyBtin. — Cystin is seldom found as a urinary sediment and probably never
in normal conditions. Its origin in the econ-
omy is not clearly understood, but the liver
is r^riied as the seat of its formation. It is
a crystalline compound and occurs in two
forms; either as hexagonal tablets with an
opalescent luster, or as four-sided prisms. It
is soluble in caustic alkalies, oxalic and strong
mineral acids, insoluble in boiling water,
acetic acid, ether and alcohol. These crystals
may be distinguished from uric acid by treat-
ing them with strong acid — which dissolves
them but not uric acid — and from triple
phosphates by the solubility of the latter in
acetic acid (Fig. 100).
Clinical Significance. — But little is known as yet of the interpretation
of cystin in the urine. It is found in typhoid fever, in renal degeneration, in
chlorosis, and acute rheumatism. It occasionally forms calculi.
Oroanized Sediments
1. Blood CaUb. — As a iirinarj' sediment, blood cells are always pathological.
Their form depends upon the source of the bleeding and the reaction of the
nrine; when the typical biconcave disks are preserved, it is easy to recognize
them by the microscope and in acid urine they retain their
5 shape for a long time, gradually shriveling and becoming
@® w® crenated (Fig. 101). They seldom form rolls as when drawn
0 ® 0 <SJ from a blood vessel, except in cases of great hemorrhatje from
0 0 © bladder or urethra. If the urine be concentrated, the biconca\e
C^ ® form is exa^erated and the corpuscle'- shrink
Fig. 101.— Blood and become Crenated ; when the urine is of
CiLu IN TH* jQ^y specific gravity, they swell and may be
come spherical.
2. PtiB. — Pus cells may be derived from any part of the
urinary tract The urine containing pus is usually turbid
and gives the albumin reactions. Under the microscope, the
pus cells appear as circular, pale, finely granular disks,
about twice the size of the red blood cell; they contain distinct nuclei, often
two or three (Fig. 102). Water swells the pus cell, renders it paler and oh-
100 THE immE
scures its outlines; acetic acid produces the same effect, more quickly, and,
causing the granular condition to disappear, renders the nuclei very distinct.
Pus cells resemble the white cells of the blood and lymph, and in the fresh state
present the glistening appearance of living protoplasm and also ameboid move-
ments ; seen in the urinary sediment, the cells are dead.
The chief constituent of pus cells are albuminous bodies ; especially nucleo-
albumin, which is insoluble in water, but expands into a tough slimy mass
when treated by sodium-chlorid solution. Pus in the urine is usually accom-
panied by tissue elements or bacteria, which aid materially in determining its
anatomical and pathological source.
3. Epithelia. — In normal urine, a few epithelial cells from the superficial
layers of the urinary tract are always seen and have no special significance.
When these cells are altered by disease and are found in considerable num-
bers, accompanied by pus or red blood cells, a pathological process exists in
some part of the genito-urinary tract.
Theoretically, each separate portion of the urinary tract has a type of
epithelium peculiarly its own, but in actual practice there are so many transi-
tional forms in every portion of the tract, that it is not always possible to specify
the origin of a given cell. Inasmuch, however, as the recognition of the differ-
ent characteristic epithelia is absolutely essential to a localization of diseases
of the tract by urinary examination, the problem of distinguishing the epi-
thelia of each portion of the tract is of great importance.
Most authorities maintain that, while histologic preparations of the dif-
ferent urinary organs show that the epithelial lining of each has well-marked
characteristics, the epithelia shed by these organs during life and appearing
in the urine are radically altered in aspect, and their characteristics to a large
extent obliterated. ]\[oreover, the same school of clinical pathologists holds that
the cells of the deeper layers of the bladder, for example, are identical in ap-
pearance with cells from other parts of the urinary tract.
The chief characteristics of epithelia found in the urine are their form and
size. By comparing the size of the different epithelia with that of the leucocyte
or pus cell, we have, because the latter varies so little, a fair idea of the relative
magnitude of the epithelial structures.
Three chief types of epithelia occur in the urine, viz., the flat or squamous,
the round or cuboidal, and the columnar or. caudate. All these epithelia have
one or more distinct nuclei, and are more or less granular. When the epithelia
in the urinary tract are stratified, the outer layers are usually flat, the middle
layers cuboidal, the inner columnar.
The tubules of the kidney, the prostatic acini and ducts, and the ejaculatory
ducts are lined with a single layer of cuboidal or columnar epithelium. The
pelvis of the kidney, the ureters, the bladder, the urethra and the vagina are
lined with stratified epithelia.
I
HnntoveM ^i —
f # •
<' • I
I- • •
«' » t
sr T
^■9
w
Fio. 103.— Epithelial Ckllb tbou DiFFBBEin' Partb of thi Gbnito-ownart Tract.
1. — The diflereut varietiee of these cells bb seen histologicaUy.
H', «i(ivcilul*d tubulca. S". arched collecting tubules. Bd, deep layer of bladder cells.
K". niiral tubules. IP. straiRht collectinR tubules. S. V. Kmiaal vesicle.
B", (tscending and BBcendinB P. pelvic cells, P(^. prostatic urethra.
limb of Henle. (.', ureteral celia. V.D, vas detcrenB.
fi>. looji of Henle. Bi, auperficial layer of bladder (.'.ft, penile urethra.
**, di«ij convtjuted. ccUb. f .A', fossa Davicularia.
II.— The EToups of these cells rccogoiiod in the urine.
fi.C, rpithdial odls from renal B, superficial bladder eetla. C, cells belonRing either to pd-
lubulea. Ur, penile urethra. vis. deeper layers of bladder,
f, nUa from renal peJvis. P.N, totta. navicularis. prostate or ureter.
in.— Comparative siie of epithelium found in the urine.
'■Mood cell. ^, renal pelvis, ureter, proslale fl, superficial layers of bladder.
^cdblrom the renal parenchyma. dcr.
102 THE UKINE
The largest epithelia in the urine are the flat superficial cells from the male
anterior urethra, the vagina, vulva and female urethra. Kext in size are the
superficial squamous layers of the bladder. Next come the cells from the renal
pelvis, the ureters, the prostate and the tubules of the kidney. The average size
and the average shape should always be taken into consideration, not the many
transitional sizes which are confusing. (See Fig. 103.)
(a) Renal Epithelium. — These cells are the most difficult, yet the most
important, to identify in the urine. They do not occur in normal urine, save in
such small numbers that they may be disregarded. Their presence in any
numbers is indicative, at least, of renal irritation ; when accompanied by or ad-
hering to casts, they mean nephritis.
The chief diagnostic characteristic of renal cells is that they are at least
one third larger than the pus corpuscles. This relation is constant. If the
renal epithelia are small in a given case, the pus corpuscles will also be small.
The illustration shows the comparative sizes of pus corpuscles and renal epi-
thelia. The smallest group is that of red corpuscles, which are the smallest
cellular elements in the urine. The next group is composed of pus cells. Then
follow the smallest epithelia, the renal, which are one third larger than the
pus cell. The next group shows cuboidal cells twice the size of the pus cell.
These may be either from the ureter or from the prostate.
The epithelia from the straight collecting tubules are not frequently seen.
They are about the same size as. the epithelia from the convoluted tubule, but
narrower and columnar in shape.
Renal epithelia, pus and pelvic epithelia, especially when accompanied by
casts, are indicative of a pyelonephritis. It is important to look for epithelial
casts and to compare the size and appearance of the epithelia on these casts
with other renal epithelia found free in the urine. In this way we often con-
firm our opinion that a given set of round cells are from the kidney. It is al-
ways important, however, to compare the tubular epithelia with the pus cell. ^
(b) Epithelia from the Renal Pelvis. — These cells are of two types.
The superficial layers shed a characteristic caudate, pear-shaped or lenticular
cell. The deeper layers are represented by round or cuboidal cells, smaller than
the bladder epithelia.
The caudate cells of the pelvis are distinguished from those of the ureter
and from the columnar cells of the bladder by various features. The pelvic
cells are twice the size of a pus cell; they have more distinct nuclei; their
granules are well marked and they often have jointed or bifurcated tails. They
are smaller than those from the bladder and slightly larger than those from the
ureters. The presence of these caudates is characteristic, when present in large
numbers and accompanied by pus, of pyelitis.
The round cells from the pelvis are not so characteristic, and fortunately
are not so frequently seen, as they may be confused with renal cells. They
MICKOSCOPICAL EXAMINATION 103
often occur in clumps of considerable size, are always accompanied by pus, and
indicate chronic pyelitis.
(c) Epithelia from the Ureters. — These occur in the urine of uretero-
pyelitis, stone in the ureter, etc. They are also found in normal specimens ob-
tained bv the ureteral catheter. There are two forms of ureteral cells. The
majority of epithelia from the ureters are round or cuboidal, smaller than those
of the pelvis but of the same size as those of the prostate. They rarely occur
without pelvic epithelia, and can be differentiated only when the renal and
pelvic cells are present. The ureteral epithelia are twice the size of a pus cell
and are comparatively rarely seen. They resemble a small narrow caudate
spindle, having a small bright nucleus. These cells are rarely found in sedi-
ments and are very similar to those of the deepest layers of the bladder, but
are much smaller.
(d) Epithelia from the Bladder. — The upper layers of the bladder
strata are flat. They occur in moderate numbers in normal urines, but in cys-
titis and other bladder diseases are greatly increased and modified. They occur
either free or as fragments of cells irregular in size and shape. The largest of
these flat cells are found near the neck of the bladder, and are apt to be confused
with vaginal cells. The average superficial bladder cell, however, is smaller and
has more rounded outlines than the vaginal cells. The latter also often contain
bacteria.
The middle layers are composed of cuboidal epithelia. These are present
in moderate or in large numbers in acute cystitis, in conjunction with cells
from the upper layers. When chronic cystitis is present, the middle layers
are represented by a majority of the bladder cells found in the urine, as
by this time the superficial layers have been to a marked extent destroyed.
In addition, in chronic cystitis, the cells present are found filled with fatty
granules of various sizes, and many of them are in a state of partial dis-
mtegration.
The deepest layers of the bladder are composed of columnar cells which are
rarely found in the urine, save in ulcerative processes, in tumors, and in cases
of intense inflammation.
(e) Epithelia from the Ejaculatory Ducts and the Seminal Vesi-
cles.— Epithelia from the ejaculatory ducts are elongated cylindrical and cili-
ated, though the cilia may be broken off. These cells are easily recognized by
their shape.
Epithelia from the seminal vesicles are columnar, nonciliated, and some-
times contain a yellow pigment. They are rather larger, broader and less
regular than the epithelia from the ejaculatory ducts.
Epithelia from the ejaculatory ducts and from the seminal vesicles occur
in the urine in cases of seminal vesiculitis, and vesiculo-prostatitis. They are
often associated with pus cells, urethral cells and prostatic cells.
104 THE URINE
(/) Prostatic Epithelia. — There are two types of epithelia from the
prostate. The ducts of the gland are lined with columnar, the acini with cu-
boidal cells. The cuboidal epithelia are twice the size of pus cells, and are
identical with the epithelia from the ureter. Prostatic epithelia, however, do
not occur in association with renal and pelvic cells. They are apt to be asso-
ciated with pus, with spermatozoa and amyloid bodies from the prostate.
(g) Epithelia from the Urethra. — The stratified lining of the urethra
is represented in the urine by cells of a great variety of shapes. The super-
ficial cells are present in the milder grades of inflammation and are squamous
or cuboidal. They are always smaller than the bladder cells and larger than
any other cells from the tract. The deeper layers of the urethra, with their
smaller cylindrical cells, are less frequently represented, appearing in the
deeper and more chronic processes. In such cases they show numerous fat
granules and are often fragmented.
(h) Epithelia from the Vagina. — The largest cells in the urine come
from the vagina. Usually the superficial squamous cells are represented ; in
fact, they are present in the urine of most women in health. In vaginitis, they
are increased in number, accompanied by bacteria, mucus and pus. These cells
may be found wrinkled or folded and show fine granules or fat globules.
Thp cuboidal epithelia from the middle strata of the vagina are found in
severe, especially in chronic, vaginitis ; and may contain fat granules. The col-
umnar epithelia from the deepest layers are seen only in very extensive ulcera-
tions. All vaginal cells are larger than those of the corresponding layers of the
bladder.
(i) Epithelia from the Uterus. — These do not often occur in the urine.
They cannot he differentiated from urethral epithelia. The mucosa of the
uterus itself sheds cylindrical ciliated epithelia, the presence of which indicates
endometritis.
4. Urinary Casts. — Three views are held as to the formation of casts: (1)
That they are the result of the disintegration of the epithelium of the renal
tubes, the resulting products being packed into molds by the pressure of the
urine and at last forced out. (2) That they consist of a morbid secretion from
the renal epithelium similarly caked into molds. (3) That they are formed
from the coagulable elements of the blood (serum) albumin which gain access
to the renal tubes through pathological lesions of the latter, and that any de-
tached portions of the tubules become entangled in this coagulable product,
assisting to form the mold which afterwards appears in the urine. This latter
view is the one most generally accepted.
Casts may be conveniently divided for purposes of study, into ten kinds,
viz.:
(a) Hyaline casts, whose origin and nature are still a matter of discussion,
appearing as narrow hyaline, broad hyaline and comixjsite casts.
MICROSCOPICAL EXAMINATION
105
(b) Granular casts, made up of a hyaline basis, containing granules of dis-
inte^ated leucocytes, and red and epithelial cells.
(c) Epithelial casts, made of unchanged anatomical elements, including
red blood corpuscles, leucocytes, epithelial cells, or bacteria.
(d) Blood casts. (h) Amyloid casts.
(e) Pus casts. (i) Mixed casts.
(f) Fatty casts. (;) Cylindroids.
{g) Waxy casts.
(a) Hyaline Casts (Fig. 104). — These are the pale structures of variable
but usually considerable length, sometimes very difficult to detect in the sedi-
ment. Sometimes they are transparent and free from granules; more fre-
quently they present fine granulations of a very light color. They may also
have a few dropi of fat or fragments of epithelium adhering to the surface.
The origin of the hyaline cast has been variously explained as a result of secre-
tion from the epithelia of the kidney, or as a coagulation of the albumin or its
derivatives excreted with the urine. In support of the latter view it is stated
that they are found only when the urine is albuminous, or has lately been so.
The occurrence of albumin and casts may not be simultaneous.
It is a mistake to regard the presence of very small narrow hyaline casts as
of no great importance, as is sometimes done, for they are often the chief
urinary sign of the existence of a very grave disease of the kidneys, namely,
chronic interstitial nephritis in which the albuminuria may be slight or absent.
Fio. 104. — Htaxinb Casts.
Fia. 105. — Granular Casts. (Ogden.)
a, granular cast. c, coarsely granular cast.
6, finely granular cast. d, brown granular cast.
e, granular cast with normal and abnormal blood adherent.
/, granular cast with renal ceUs adherent.
0, granular cast with fat and a fatty renal cell adherent.
(6) Graxitlak Cast8 (Fig.
105). — This form of casts,
resulting from the metamor-
phosis of anatomical elements, such as epithelium, pus, or blood, is found in
the urine in great variety. The casts vary much in shape and appearance
and are most often seen in fragments. They are irregular, in both fine
and coarse outline, with ragged ends, the granules varying from those which
106
THE URINE
require the higbest powers to discover to a relatively coarse size which gives its
name to the cast. They are of various colors — ^yellow, gray, or brown — and
may have scattered over their surfaces epithelium, leucocytes, fat globules, or
fatty crystals. Granular casts have generally been regarded as evidence of
pathological changes in the kidney of a chronic d^enerative nature.
(c) Epithelial Casts (Fig, 106). — This form is due to pathological con-
ditions which cause the exfoliation of the renal epithelium. At times this is
thrown off intact for short distances, resulting in cylinders with lumens ; or
the cast may be solid, the body being hyaline and the epithelia adherent to it.
The cells when seen under the microscope appear more or less swollen and gran-
ular, with ill-defined margins. Sometimes the epithelial cells appear as rows
or patches scattered over the surface of the cast. In other cases the epithelia
have undergone degeneration and present dots of fat, significant of chronic
inflammation of the kidney and consequent fatty change. Finally, some casts
consist of epithelial cells alone, glued together. Casts of epithelial variety are
usually of medium size and length, refracting light to a marked degree and
therefore easy to find with the microscope. They resist the action of chemical
reagents more than most varieties. Epithelial casts always signify inflamma-
tion of the kidney and are therefore of great diagnostic worth.
TB, CouPOBBD Wholly of
K CoHpnscij;s on Htaune Sdb-
BID WITH Blood Cobfubclbb.
Pio. 106. — Epithelial Castb.
- (d) Blood Casts (Fig. 107).—
Blood casts appear in the urine under
conditions which cause hemorrhage
in the renal tubules. The corpuscles
may be well preserved and glued to-
getlier to form perfect molds of the renal tubes, usually short and of uniform
diameter with rounded ends.
These casts are found in nephritis, especially acute, in hemorrhages, acute
renal congestion and hemorrhagic infarction of the kidney. They do not in
themselves furnish positive proof of organic renal disease, but, on the other
hand, blood casts are positive evidence of renal hemorrhage. These casts are
among the rarer kinds and are usually hard to find, since a large sediment of
blood corpuscles is apt to accompany them and obscure the microscopic field.
MICROSCOPICAL EXAMINATION
(e) Pus Casts (Fig. 108). — Casts composed altogether of p»s are very
rare. Compound easts, however, may present a few corpuscles here and there
Flo, 108. — Pes Cabtw.
Fia. 109.— Fattt and Other Casts, (Ogden.)
1. epithelial cast. 3, pua cast.
t, blood cast. 4. fatty cast.
5, fatty cast with compound granules and fatty
renal cells adherent (cryatalfl of the fatty acid
protruding).
on their surface. They signify puni-
leiii inflammation in the kidney itself
— i. e,, pyonephritis or pyonephrosis.
Sacteria are present in pus casts.
(/) Fatty Casts {Fig. 109). — Oil globules are often found adherent to
many varieties of easts, whereas others are frequently seen which seem wholly
made up of fatty material,
including crystals of the fat-
ty acids. These fatty acids
indicate fatty changes in the
feidneys and are found in
ttieir most typical form in
the large white kidney.
They suggest pathological
slates of the kidney whose
chief feature is chronicity,
since they are the result of
complete destruction of the
<*1I protoplasm, which is re-
placed by fatty elements.
(s) Waxy Casts (Fig.
110), — Waxy casta reseiii-
hle somewhat hyaline easts.
Tliey are more refraetive,
Md are yellow or grayish-
yellow in color and differ
f"ftIiermore in presenting a Fio. no. — Ttpeb of Cabts with * Waxt Matrix from a
.[„„] TT i-i Case or Subacute PAREficHruATOus Nephhitis. (Wood)
cioudv appearance. Lnlike , , , , .,. ,
, ■ ■^' Some Qf the casts are quite transparent, others are granular
I'.^snne easts, they are not at one end and clear at the other. Some are composed partly
attacked by acetic acid. ■>( ajamil" ■°f"=- ""d P"tly "' ""y ■»^t'^ri«'- The casts
_ ' varv Ereativ in sue. but are all drawn to the same scale.
inter is of the hyaline variety.
108
THE UKINE
loid casts in appearance, yet their presence does not indicate amyloid disease
of the kidney. It is possible that they were originally hyaline casts which have
remained in the uriniferoiis tubules for a long time and have there undergone
certain chemical changes analogous to " amyloid metamorphosis."
(h) Amyloid Casts. — Amyloid casts resemble in appearance waxy casts.
They can be differentiated, however, by the addition of dilute iodopotassic
iodid solution (LugoPs solution), when they assume a mahogany color which
changes to a dirty violet upon the addition of dilute sulphuric acid. Waxy
casts do not give this reaction. The presence of amyloid casts is indicative of
amyloid degeneration of the kidney.
(t) Mixed Casts (Fig. 110). — The various kinds of casts are sometimes
found in the same specimen, depending on the stage of pathological process in
the kidney.
(;) Cylindroids (Fig. 111). — In addition to the varieties of casts men-
tioned, the urine may contain what are called cylindroids. These are long,
wavy, ribbonlike .structures,
which often divide and sub-
divide at their ends. The ends
may be folded or twisted.
They are pale, colorless and
of greater length than casts,
and seldom have cells adher-
ent to them. They appear
flat and do not give the im-
pression of being solid struc-
tures like the true renal casts.
It seems probable, however,
that these cylindroids come
from the renal tubules. Thev
occur in nephritis, cystitis and
in renal congestion, and may
be present in urine which
Fio.iii.-<>rLiNDRoiD8 OR FAL8B Casts. (After Peyer.) contains no albumin. They
are not characteristic of kid-
ney disease, but ratlier of irritations of the lower urinary tract, which have
extended to the kidney.
Note. — To find casts with the least delav, the urine should be voided
freshly, immediately centrifuged for three minutes, and four to six drops of
the sediment taken up with the pipette and placed on a perfectly clean slide,
a cover glass laid on, the excess urine removed by blotting paper, and the speci-
men examined with a quarter-inch objective in not too bright a light. Hyaline
MICKOSCOPICAL EXAMINATION 109
casts may be overlooked, but when the focus has been carefully adjusted, if
the field be darkened gradually till perhaps one third of the illumination is
cut off, and the slide be moved slowly about, the contents of the field are viewed
in different lights and the outlines or shadows of the hyaline casts may be de-
tected. If doubt exists as to the nature of a cast, slight pressure on the cover
glass will cause currents under it and cause the cast to turn.
5. Shreds. — Under the Microscopical Examination of Sediment, something
should be said of shreds voided with the urine in an acute or chronic process
of the genito-urinary tract If they are derived from destructive processes in
the bladder, prostate, or the kidney, they contain connective tissue. Shreds
not due to destructive lesions are the result of subacute or chronic urethritis,
prostatitis, pyelitis, or cystitis.
Several varieties of shreds may be distinguished: (1) Pus shreds, (2)
mucous shreds, (3) muco-pus, and (4) epithelial shreds. The characteristics
of these four varieties are sufficiently well marked to be readily recognized by
the microscope.
Examination of Shreds. — They are carefully "removed from the urine
with a platinum loop and spread upon a slide with a few drops of water, teased
apart with a needle if they are thick, and a cover glass placed over the speci-
men, after which their composition can be determined. For a bacteriological
examination, the shreds can be stained like tissue sections. For this purpose
the following method can be employed.
1. Fix with alcohol and ether for ten minutes.
2. Stain for one or two minutes with Unna's polychrome methylene blue.
3. Wash in distilled water. Dry.
4. Dehydrate for a few seconds in ninety-five-per-cent alcohol. Dr^' with
filter paper.
5. Clear in xylol or in clove-thyme mixture.
6. Mount in balsam.
Massage Products in the Urine. — After massage of the prostate and
vesicles, certain products may be voided with the urine and these should, there-
fore, be mentioned under Examination of Sediment.
In chronic inflammations and infections of the prostate and vesicles, the
urine contains many pus cells and red blood cells, together with shreds. In
seminal vesiculitis after massage, large masses of the secretion of the seminal
vesicles, together with inflammatory detritus, are thrown off, looking like meal
in the water, and sometimes like a thick white lump. These are often so large
and thick as to block the urethra for an instant. In addition to these elements,
the urine, after massage of the prostate and vesicles, very frequently contains
other products, the significance and pathology of which are not quite so clear.
1 call them tapioca, sugar granules, skin flakes, and snowflakes.
110 THE URINE
Sago Bodies, — Sago bodies consist of round or ovoid masses, of a semi-
opaque, yellowish-white, colloid material, varying in size from a barley com
to a lentil. Under the microscope they are found to consist of homogenous col-
loid matrix, in which are imbedded motionless spermatozoa.
Tissue Shreds. — Tissue shreds are never found in the urine under normal
conditions. They are always evidence of tissue destruction or deep-seated in-
flammation, and are found in ulcerative conditions, in tuberculosis, trauma,
tumors, and abscess of the prostate.
Sugar Granules, — These bodies resemble granules of melting sugar; they
are much smaller than sago bodies, of the same transparency and light-yellow
color. They are often present in large quantity, falling rapidly to the bottom
and dissolving in a few minutes. Microscopically they are homogenous, struc-
tureless bodies, consisting of a highly refractive matrix, in which there are few
or no spermatozoa and cellular elements.
Skins. — These are delicate, opaque, white, skin or membranelike fragments.
They are composed of thickened inspissated vesicular secretion which has lain
for a considerable time in the organ. They represent a deposit of secretion
that has been formed in some of the recesses of the seminal vesicles and has
been loosened and pushed through the ejaculatory ducts by massage. Skins
are found especially abundant in men who have abstained from sexual inter-
course for a long time, especially if a chronic catarrhal condition is present.
Snowflakes represent a similar accumulation that has lasted but a short time
and are much lighter and more flaky.
V. BACTERIOLOGY OF THE URINE
Although germs have been found in the urine of healthy persons, the ma-
jority of investigators state that the urine in health is sterile, provided it be
obtained by sterile instruments and under proper precautions. The blood and
the various tissues and organs of the body also are said to be free from bacteria
in health. During and after infectious diseases, such as typhoid fever, grip,
pneumonia, and septic infection, germs are often found in the urine.
Inasmuch as the urethra is always inhabited by saprophytic bacteria, the
urine flowing from the meatus can hardly be expected to be absolutely sterile,
all the more so because it is often mixed wdth bacteria from the surface of the
glans and prepuce in men and from the vulva in women. Therefore, an or-
dinary specimen of urine freshly passed even in health will certainly contain
some bacteria.
Experiments have proved that the urine possesses bactericidal properties
in health and shown that the absence of bacteria from normal persons may mean
that the germs have been destroyed by virtue of this property. It has also
been shown that fresh urine has the property of destroying the anthrax, cholera
PLATE II
Fig. 1. — Staphylococcus pyoqenes
AUREUS.
Fig. 2. — Streptococcus pyogenes.
Fig. 3. — Bacillus coli.
BACTERIA FOUND IN THE URINE.
BACTERIOLOGY OF THE URINE HI
and less constantly the typhoid bacilli, by virtue of the presence of the acid-
potassiiim phosphate. If the urine is neutralized by addition of alkalies, its
bactericidal property tends to disappear. Possibly the chlorids or some other
constituents may also act as antagonists of the bacteria.
In disease, the bacteria which may occur in the urine are many. A few
of them, however, are of importance, as they play a prominent role in the causa-
tion of urinary affections. These important special germs are the gonococcus,
the tubercle bacillus, the colon bacillus, the Streptococcus pyogenes, and the
Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus and albus, the Bacillus proteus of Hauser, the
typhoid bacillus, which occurs in the urine in typhoid fever, and rarely the
Bacillus pyocyaneus. Still more rarely the pneumobacillus of Fraenkel is
found. In certain infectious diseases, such as anthrax, plague, etc., the cor-
responding germs have been found in the urine. With the exception of the
last-mentioned germs, which are rarely found in the urine, all the above-men-
tioned germs have been known to produce cystitis. The following is a list of
germs concerned in the causation of suppurative inflammations of the kidney,
ureter, and bladder in the order of frequency :
These may be saprophytes in the
urethra, especially in the female.
1. The colon bacillus,
2. The Bacillus proteus vulgaris,
3. The Staphylococcus pyogenes,
4. The Streptococcus pyogenes,
6. The tubercle bacillus,
6. The gonococcus.
7. The typhoid bacillus.
8. The Bacillus pyocyaneus (rare).
The gonococcus is found in the urine in gonorrheal infections of the
nrinary tract and the tubercle bacillus in tuberculous infections. The germs
of suppuration, such as the streptococcus and staphylococcus, and the colon
and proteus bacillus are found in suppurative conditions of the kidneys, pelvis,
ureters, etc.
Bacteria in the Urine
Hode of Entrance. — Grerms may be introduced from the urethra or from
the outside into the bladder either by unclean instruments or simply by pushing
germs present in the urethra into the bladder with sterile instruments. A
urethral infection also may be transmitted by continuity to the bladder, where
the germs will then appear in the urine. If the bladder is sterile and the
urine therein free from germs and if the urethra is infected, the urine, of
course, may wash numerous germs from the urethra into the vessel in which the
sample is collected. These modes of infection of the urine are practically self-
112 THE URINE
evident. Infection of the urine in the bladder by germs transmitted from the
normal urethra does not occur in man, owing to the fact that the vesical sphinc-
ter shuts off the bladder from the urethra. On the other hand, in women, blad-
der infection may occur through the healthy urethra.
In addition to an infection from the urethra upward, the urine may become
contaminated also by the entrance of bacteria into the kidney through the cir-
culation (especially of the tubercle bacillus), and by the passage of bacteria
into the bladder through the intestinal wall.
The question of a descending infection has been demonstrated both experi-
mentally and clinically. It is difficult to understand at first how bacteria can
infect the kidney from the bladder when the stream of urine apparently tends
to prevent this by opposing the ascent of the germs. Animal experiments,
however, have shown that under certain conditions, the contents of the bladder
regurgitate into the pelvis of the kidney. When the germs reach the pelvis,
they may enter through the lymphatics of the kidney, less frequently through
the urinary tubules, and more rarely through the capillaries of the kidney.
The entrance of germs from the blood through the kidneys into the urine has
been repeatedly demonstrated. Germs may enter the bladder directly from the
intestine in cases in which the bladder is damaged, or from the intestine into
the blood and thence into the kidney.
The Oonococcus in the Urine. — To avoid repetition, we have grouped all
data on the gonococcus in the chapter on the Examination of Urethral Dis-
charges.
The gonococcus is usually found in the urine in urethritis, sometimes
in prostatitis and vesiculitis after massage, and occasionally in cystitis, pyelitis
and pyelo-nephritis in ascending infections of gonorrheal origin. The germ is
much more difficult to detect in the urine than in smears of discharge. In the
urine, it is always accompanied by pus and is to be looked for within the cyto-
plasm of the pus cells, or upon the epithelia of the sediment. The methods of
obtaining and precipitating the sediment for such examination has been given
in the preceding pages.
The Tubercle Bacillus. — The tubercle bacillus occurs in the form of a small
rod, one quarter to one half as long as the diameter of a red blood corpuscle.
The rods are delicate, straight, slightly bent or curv^ed, and somewhat beaded;
They occur either singly or in groups, especially in the form of tufts which
are commonly found in the urine. At times they are found also within the
body of the pus cell. In some specimens, the ends of the rods are somewhat
clubbed or branched, or present swellings at different points. In stained
preparations, the bacilli show alternation of stained and colorless portions.
Method of Staining. — The detection of the tubercle bacillus depends
upon its characteristic behavior toward anilin dyes and decolorizing agents.
The penetrating power of the dye used must be increased by the addition of
PLATE III
^ !/
Fig. 1.
Fig. 2.
BACTERIA, SHOWING THE OPSONIC ACTION INCREASED BY THE PROPER
ADMINISTRATION OF BACTERIAL VACCINES.
Fig. 1 . — Tubercle Bacilli in Sputum. The
tubercle bacilli are stained red with carbol-
fuchsin. At A the bacilli are inside the
leukocytes, showing phagoc3rtosis, or that
the bacteria have been prepared for inges-
tion by the opsonins. B shows the bacilli
outside the leukocjrtes not prepared for in-
gestion by the opsonins.
Fig. 2. — Gonococci in Urethral Pus. The
gonococci are stained with methylene blue.
At A the cocci are inside the leukocytes,
showing phagocytosis, or that the bacteria
have been prepared for ingestion by the
opsonins. B shows cocci outside the
leukocytes not prepared for ingestion by the
opsonins. C shows the cocci having prob-
ably been ingested by the white blood-
corpuscles, but the toxins of the gonococci
have destroyed the leukocytes.
BACTERIOLOGY OF THE URINE 113
either carbolic acid or anilin oil and by the application of heat. Oncis stained
in this way, the bacilli resist acids, and upon this depends the differentiation
from other bacteria in the same specimen.
ZiehUNeelsen Method. — This is the method in common use for staining tu-
bercle bacilli in the urine.
The sediment is obtained in as concentrated a form as possible, and spread
in a thin layer upon a slide or cover glass and allowed to dry in the air. The
preparation is then fixed in the usual way in the flame of a Bunsen burner.
The specimen is then covered with some filtered Ziehl-lN^eelsen carbol-fuchsin
solution (five-per-cent aqueous solution carbolic acid, ninety parts; saturated
alcoholic solution of fuchsin, ten parts) and held over the flame of a Bunsen
burner, allowing the solution to steam for one or two minutes without bringing
it to the boiling point The specimen is then washed in a stream of running
water and immersed in five-per-cent sulphuric or thirty-per-cent nitric acid.
The film turns yellow or brown, but, on washing again in water, the red color
reappears. The operation is then repeated until only a very faint tinge is left
and no more of the stain is given off. The specimen is now washed for from
ten to fifteen minutes in strong (ninety-five per cent) alcohol, followed by rins-
ing in water. In staining a urine specimen, the use of alcohol is an important
step as a means for excluding the smegma bacillus, which is decolorized by
alcohol. The specimen is now covered with a weak, watery solution of methy-
lene blue, which is allowed to remain for from one to two minutes. After wash-
ing and drying, the specimen is ready for examination with an immersion lens.
Differentiation. — The tubercle bacillus may be confounded morphologic-
ally with two different germs: the smegma bacillus and the leprosy bacillus.
The smegma bacillus is most often confounded with the tubercle bacillus.
It occurs in the decomposing secretion around the genitals. In obtaining speci-
mens of urine for examination for tubercle bacilli, care must be taken, first, to
wash the external genitals with soap and hot water, so as to remove any smegma
germs, and then to draw off the urine with a sterilized catheter. If, in addi-
tion to these precautions, the specimens are washed in alcohol after decolorizing,
as previously mentioned, there is very little danger of error in the microscopical
diagnosis.
The lepra bacilltis resembles the tubercle bacillus both in shape and stain-
ing properties, but is somewhat shorter, thicker, and stains unevenly. It oc-
curs, however, so rarely, that its differentiation from the tubercle bacillus need
not be discussed here.
Animal Inoculation, — In case of doubt as to the nature of the bacillus and
in instances in which repeated examinations of urinary sediments do not show
any tubercle bacilli, although clinically tuberculosis is suspected, recourse may
be had to inoculation of animals and to cultures on artificial media. The ma-
terial should be introduced subcutaneously or into the peritoneum, the former
114 THE URINE
method taking from four to ten weeks, the latter from ten to twenty days for
tubercular lesions to develop when tubercle bacilli are present If smegma
bacilli only are present, no lesions develop. At the end of the time stated, an
autopsy is performed upon the animal, and the site of puncture, the peritoneum,
the lungs, and other organs are examined for tubercles.
The Colon Bacillus. — The colon bacillus occurs normally in the intestine
of man, bovines, dogs, and other domestic animals. Its close resemblance to
the typhoid bacillus makes it an object of interest. Certain features, however,
distinguish it from the typhoid bacillus, and it is regarded as a distinct species
of germ. The colon bacillus may under favorable conditions produce serious
disease. It is the cause of local suppuration in a great variety of organs, and
also produces at times general septic infection. The colon bacillus plays an
important role in urinary affections, as it is one of the chief germs concerned
in the causation of cystitis, and is found also in the urine and the purulent
sediment in cases of infection of the kidney, the pelvis, and ureter.
Morphology. — The colon bacillus occurs in the form of rods, with rounded
ends, which may vary in two directions : they may be either so short as to ap-
pear almost like cocci or so long as to resemble threads. No spores have been
demonstrated, but flagella may be shown by LoefHer's method. It is motile in
most cases, but often its movements are very slow.
Staining Properties. — It stains with ordinary anilin dyes and is decolor-
ized by Gram's method.
Streptococcus Pyogenes. — The Streptococcus pyogenes is the cause of local
inflammatory and suppurative processes and of general infections such as sep-
ticemia. In the urinary tract it is found in inflammatory conditions of the
urethra, bladder, kidney, pelvis, and ureter, either alone or more generally in
company with other germs of suppuration, as the tubercle bacillus, with which
it is very frequently associated.
The Streptococcus pyogenes occurs in the form of chains of minute round
or oval cocci resembling strands of beads. Sometimes two or more cells in the
chains coalesce to form a somewhat longer segment. The chains may be short,
consisting of a few cells, or very long. Sometimes the cocci composing a chain
divide simultaneously, so that a chain of diplococci may be seen. The strepto-
coccus stains easily with anilin dyes and usually stains with Gram's method.
Staphylococcus Pyogenes Aureus. — The Staphylococcus aureus is the most
common of the germs of suppuration. It occurs in abundance everywhere, and
is the usual cause of wound infection. It is present in the normal as well as
the diseased urethra, is frequently found in the bladder in cystitis, and plays
a prominent part in infections of the kidney, either alone or accompanying
other germs, as the colon bacillus, the streptococcus, etc. In tuberculosis of the
urinary tract, it is often present as a complicatory organism, along with other
germs of suppuration.
BACTERIOLOGY OF THE URINE 115
It occurs in the form of round or oval cocci arranged typically in clusters,
but often in pairs. In preparations from pus, they are found outside the pus
cells, rarely within these bodies. It stains readily with the basic anilin dyes and
is not decolorized by Gram's method.
Staphylococcus Pyogenes Albus. — Microscopically, this variety cannot be
differentiated from the Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus. The difference be-
tween the two lies in the appearance of the cultures. The occurrence and sig-
nificance of the two varieties are very similar.
Bacillus Proteus Vulgaris. — The Bacillus proteus frequently occurs in cys-
titis. It occurs as short and long bacilli, and also in the form of threads. It
is markedly motile and shows numerous flagella. It stains well with basic
anilin dyes and is not decolorized by Gram's method. It forms grayish-white,
minute colonies upon agar, which later coalesce into a dirty-gray translucent
film. On gelatin it grow^ in the form of grayish-white colonies and liquefies
the medium rapidly.
The proteus is frequently found in suppurative conditions in the urinary
tract, especially in cystitis. Experimental cystitis has been produced by in-
jecting cultures into the bladder in animals.
Bacillus Pyocyaneus. — The Bacillus pyocyaneus, or bacillus of green pus,
is mentioned here as a germ occasionally found in cystitis. It is found in
fetid pus from wounds. It is a delicate rod with rounded or pointed ends,
actively motile and does not form spores. It occurs in irregular masses or
singly ; grows on all the ordinary media, giving a characteristic green color to
the same, which becomes blackish in old cultures. The bacillus stains with
the ordinary anilin dyes.
Other Microorganisms of Minor Importance. — The rays or granules of
Actinomyces may be found in the urine when this infection affects the genito-
urinary tract or when this fungus is present in the system and finds its way
into the urine.
The Micrococcus ureos is the germ which occurs in long chains consisting of
large cocci. It occurs in urines undergoing ammoniacal fermentation and de-
composes urea into ammonia.
Yeast cells and molds of various kinds are very often found in the urine,
entering either from the air or as a result of contamination from the vessels
in which the urine is collected.
Methods of Examining the Urine for Bacteria
Sp)ecimens of urine which are to be examined bacteriologically should be
obtained from the bladder by means of a sterile catheter (introduced after copi-
ous washing of the urethra with boric-acid solution), collected in a sterilized
bottle, and handled thereafter only with sterile apparatus. Before introducing
116 THE URINE
the catheter, the external genitals in either sex should be thoroughly cleansed
with soap and hot water and the smegma removed from the neighborhood of
the orifice of the urethra. The urine should be examined, as a rule, as soon as
obtained, especially w4ien looking for tubercle bacilli, so as to prevent decompo-
sition and multiplication of extraneous germs.
Centrifugation is a rapid and most satisfactory method of obtaining bac-
terial sediments. The centrifuge sediment is drawn up by a slender pipette,
and spread on slides and allowed to dry. The spread preparations are then
fixed by immersing in alcohol and ether, equal parts, or by passing slowly
through the Bunsen flame. Care must be taken always to spread the film very
thinly. The successful fixation of the sediment depends upon the presence of
a certain amount of pus containing coagulable proteid substances. When these
are absent in the urinary sediment, as sometimes is the case, fixation on the
slide is not easily accomplished without the addition of egg-albumen. The
sediment is taken up with a platinum loop and spread upon a slide, upon which
a drop of a mixture of egg-albumen and glycerin has previously been placed,
and then fixed as alreadv described.
Shreds from the urethra, clumps of fibrin, masses of epithelium and other
tissue elements which may be found in the urine, may be examined for bacteria
after being fished out with a platinum loop and spread on the slide and stained.
They are fixed and stained in the same manner as the other smears from the
urinary sediment, but especial care should be taken to spread them very thinly
by means of a platinum needle. It is difficult to detect germs in these shreds
of tissue under the best conditions.
When the bacteria looked for are absent from the sediment on microscopical
examination of stained preparations, cultures and inoculations into animals
may be resorted to — methods to be employed when the importance of the diag-
nosis requires them. The details of cultivation and animal inoculation are
given under the headings of the respective germs.
CIIAPTEK IV
DISCHARGES
Under this heading we sliall consider tlie character of all discharges from
tbe genitourinary tracts of men and women, whether they be normal or ab-
normal. In the list of discharges are included urethral, prostatic and seminal
elements, which are best considered under the headings of :
Urethrorrheaj Chancroidal Urethritis,
Prostatorrhea, Acute Gonorrheal Urethritis, anterior
Spermatorrhea, and posterior,
Xonspecific Urethritis, Chronic Gonorrheal Urethritis,
Tubercular Urethritis, Chronic Prostatitis,
Syphilitic Urethritis, Chronic Vesiculitis.
Discharge for examination is taken in the following manner:
Taking' of the Specimen. — In men, take a slide between the thumb and fore-
finger of the right hand (Fig. 112), and the glans in the same way with the left
Fig. 112. — Manker of Holding the Slide in Taking a
SpBcnacN OF Urethral Discharge in the Male.
117
118
DISCHARGES
hand, and apply the surface of the slide to the meatus (Fig. 113). The dis-
charge on the glass should then be smoothed out on the slide. If none is ax)par-
ent, draw the finger along the urethra
and express its contents from the
meatus. If nothing appears, insert a
platinum loop (Fig. 114) into the
fossa navicular! s and even farther
down the canal to see if some can be
obtained. If so, the secretion adhering
to the platinum loop can be smoothed
out on the surface of the slide for
examination. When the discharge is
abundant,' a sufficient amount can be
taken on a platinum loop for exam-
ination and it is not necessary to
apply the slide to the meatus.
In women, the patient should be
placed on the table with the feet in
the stirrups. If there is a discharge
about the vulva, a slide can be pressed
against it and smear Ko. 1 can be
taken.
The vulva should then be sponged until cleansed. This exposes the open-
ings of the vulvo-vaginal glands on the inside of the labia majora, so tliat the
contents can be expressed by the finger placed upon the gland and drawn along
Fio. 113. — The Urethra Squeezed Between the
Thumb and Forefinger and Pua Appearing at
the Meatus.
Fig. 114. — Platinum Wire to be Passed Down the Urethra, to Take Some Discharge from
its w^alls.
its duct. If discharge appears, it should be taken on a slide smear Xo. 2. The
labia should then be separated by the thumb and forefinger of one hand, when
discharge may be seen at the meatus. If none is seen, the forefinger of the
other hand should be inserted into the vagina as far as the bladder and then
drawn along the urethra (Fig. 115), by which means a drop of moisture may
URETHROKEHEA
119
appear at the meatus. The smear is then obtained by placing the slide against
the mouth of the urethra, or else by taking it with a platinum wire (Smear
Xo, 3). A speculum should then be introduced into the vagina and its wall
and the cervix uteri examined. If discharge is seen at the orifice of the cervical
canal, it can be taken by means of a forceps, a swab or a platinum loop and
then placed upon a slide (Smear No. 4). Figs. 116 and 117 show slides
with i
Flo. 115. FOBCINQ THE DlSCHAROK
Oct or the Feuaue Ufusrafu
BT Pbibbuks Aoainst thb Ca.-
Fio. 117. — The Slides Tooethek.
e wrapped up, the iiAme macribod, and scDt U
Urethrorrhea ex libidine consists of a scant, mucoid discharge which occurs ■
as an oozing in conditions of sexual excitement. It is in all probability due to
an exa^ierated activity of the muciparous glands of the urethra and is inter-
esting because its appearance, when noted by the patient, is apt to frighten
one into the belief that he has some urethral disease, or that he is losing
semen.
Under the microscope it shows the presence of urethral epithelia, mucus,
a few leucocytes and a variety of bacteria normally present in the urethra.
It represents merely an excess of the normal secretion, from which it differs in
no way when examined microscopically.
120 DISCHARGES
The discharge is to be distinguished from prostatorrhea and from sper-
matorrhea by the absence of the Bottcher's crystals, in the first instance, and of
spermatozoa in the second. It is differentiated from the discharge of chronic
urethritis by containing fewer epithelia, and the absence of pus cells and of
pathogenic germs.
ProBtatorrhea. — Prostatorrhea consists in a leakage of prostatic fluid from
the ducts of the prostate. It is characterized by a discharge of a wliite, viscid
substance from the meatus during defecation, after urination, at times of sexual
excitement and sometimes on arising after a morning erection. The fluid is
free from mucin, but rich in proteid substances.
Microscopic examination shows cylindrical epithelia, leucocytes, lecithin
globules, amyloid bodies and " Bottcher's " sperm crystals. A few spermatozoa
also may be found. Bottcher's crystals are rendered more distinct if a drop
of one-per-ccnt solution of
ammonium phosphate is added
to the discharge (Fig, 118),
They are rhombic prisms end-
ing in fine points or rhombic
margins. If one of these
prisms lies upon the other a
cross is formed and if several
are placed across each other a
rosette is produced.
Spermatorrhea. — Sper-
matorrhea ia an atonic condi-
tion, due to passive congestion
and leakage from the urethra
and all contributing genital
channels. It is characterized
by oozing out of the semen,
with or without erection or
pleasurable sensation, <hie to
erotic tlioughts, or light me-
chanical stimuli. It may, however, occur after urination and defecation, as in
prostatorrhea. It is thick and viscid and under the microscope shows large
numbers of spermatozoa, by which it is differentiated from prostatorrhea.
Amyloid bodies may or may not be present. Besides spermatozoa, the discharge
contains testicular cells, cylindrical epithelial cells from the seminal vesicles
and the prostate, flattened epithelial cells from the urethra, large round cells
from Cowper's glands and pigment granules.
Nonspecific Urethritis. — Nonspecific urethritis is an inflammation of the
urethra caused by infection with other germs than the gonococcus, or by ren-
SYPHILITIC URETHKITIS 121
dering active the saprophytic germs that may be present in a normal urethra
in a quiescent state. Any irritant may render the quiescent germs active. If
an irritant is injected into the urethra, such as strong solution of silver nitrate,
there develops within a few hours a fairly abundant purulent discharge, a non-
specific urethritis which to the naked eye appears very much like the beginning
discharge of true gonorrhea. It varies in amount and from white to yellow in
color. On microscopical examination, this discharge presents a large number
of fairly normal epithelia from the superficial layers of the urethra, including
the cuboidal and the columnar varieties, as well as the flat cells from the fossa
navicularis. The epithelia are mixed with a more or less abundant amount
of pus, and among and within the pus cells may be noted numerous microor-
ganisms belonging to the normal urethral flora ; also Staphylococcus albus, colon
bacillus or streptococcus.
Tubercular Urethritis. — Tubercular urethritis is nearly always situated in
the prostatic urethra and secondary to tuberculosis of the prostate. The dis-
charge is scanty, mucoid, muco-purulent or purulent in character, the amount
of pus depending upon the presence or absence of mixed infection. The micro-
scope shows the presence of such bacteria as are found in nonspecific urethritis,
mucus, urethral epithelia, pus, tubercle bacilli, other microojganisms of sec-
ondary infection and connective-tissue shreds. When the prostatic urethra is
involved in cases of tuberculosis of the prostate, prostatic tissue may also be
found. The specimen is placed on a slide in the way already outlined
and it is stained and examined in the manner already described in the chapter
on The Urme.
Syphilitic Urethritis. — Syphilis may involve the urethra in two ways:
^ irst, as the initial lesion or hard chancre just within the meatus, and, second,
as an ulcerating gumma of the glans in the later stages which extends into
the urethra.
When the initial lesion is in the form of an erosion, the discharge is usually
scanty in amount and ranges from a thin mucoid to a sero-sanguinolent or puro-
sanguinolent consistency. It is sometimes quite profuse when due to an ulcer-
ating chancre. Microscopical examination shows few red blood cells, pus cells,
muciis, urethral epithelium and many bacteria. The active organism of syph-
ilis is the Spirocheta pallida.
The Spirocheta pallida (Schaudinn) (Fig. 119), or more correctly, Tre-
ponema pallidum, is a slender spiral-shaped, very motile organism with pointed
ends, 4 to 14 micromillimeters in length, \ micromillimeter in width. The
number of its corkscrew-like spirals is extremely variable, and typical forms
Aare been noted with as few as two to four, or as many as twenty and more,
t^^X:^, In the other treponema of this group, for example, the Spirocheta re-
/fingens, the individual twists are fewer, larger and more wavelike. The Spiro-
cheta pallida is present in practically all acquired syphilitic lesions, including
122 DISCHARGES
genital and extra-genttal chaocres, moiat papules, indurated lymph glands, and
mucous patches, on the surface as well as in the interior of the tissues and in
the blood. All the organs of
the body, notably the supra-
renal glands, the spleen aad
the liver, have been found to
contain it in congenital syph-
ilis. This microorganism has
never been encountered in
any disease except syphilis.
Negative findings in an
initial lesion do not prove
that the lesion is not a
chancre, as In typical initial
lesions we have failed to
find it in repeated examina-
tions.
The Spirocheta pallida
may be demonstrated in the
r,«. 119.-Sp,«,<.«A P.Li,.A. .ecretions from initial lesions
of syphilis in two ways: (1)
Direct examination of the living organism by a reflecting condenser under
dark ground illumination; (2) by the staining methods of Goldhom and
Giemaa.
The specimen is obtained
as follows: The part is
washed clean from discharge
with boric-acid solution.
The syphilitic lesion is then
lightly curetted with a small
sterilized curette until blood
begins to ooze; the blood la
carefully sponged off with
sterile gauze and usually
stops in a few minutes, after
which serum will be seen
to ooze from the lesion. A
sterile glass slide is lightly
touched to this serum and
the specimen is fixed and
dried like ordinary blood
smears. Fia. uga. — Spirocbbta as Seen bx Golpbobh Stain.
SYPHILITIC UKETIIRITIS 123
METHODS OF STAISINO THE SPIROCIIETA PALLIDA
I, Goldhorn's Method:
Goldhorn's Spirocheta Stain is used.
1. Cover unfixed preparation with dye. (Tlie Goldhom Spirocheta
Stain.)
2. Pour off excess of dye in three or four seconds and immediately
plunge the whole slide gently face downward into water to pre-
vent precipitation of the stain,
3. Hold in water for three to four seconds and wash.
4. Dry, (Do not let the slide lie flat while drying, but stand it op or
shake in the air.)
5. The si)eciinen is then mounted by dropping on a drop of Canada bal-
sam and placing a cover glass over it. It is examined microscopic-
ally with a iV oil -immersion lens,
II, Giemsa's Method:
1. Clean a test-tube by boiling in soda solution, after which wash thor-
oughly and dry.
2. Put thirteen drops of Giemsa's Solution II in the test-tube and add
10 c.c. of a 0.5-per-ccut solution of chemically pure glycerin in
distilled water.
3. Warm this solution in flame.
4. Cover fixed preparation with stain, and after five minutes pour off
and cover again with fresh solution; after five minutes wash, dry
and mount, and examine with Vi oil-innuersion lens.
The reflecting eoudenscr under dark-ground illumination offers a rapid
and accurate method for the observation of the living spirocheta. This ap-
paratus (Fig. 120) can be
attached to the stage of
any microscope and held
in position by the ordinary
clips.
The condenser is pro-
vided with two reflecting
Burfaces, as shown in Fig,
121 on next page. The
j:arallel rays of light com- p,^, i2o._RBFLBcnNo Condensbh.
ing from below (that is,
from the plane mirror of the microscope), are almost completely united in
one point " P." An intense illumination of the spirocheta and other organ-
124 DISCHARGES
isms is thus obtained. The light diffused hy the hacteria, aa represented by
dotted lines, enters the objective and thus produces an image o£ the bacteria.
The best source of-light for dark-ground illumination is furnished by a small
arc jight (Fig. 122). But where this is not available, a Nemst lamp or an in-
candescent gas lamp may be used, in which case, it is necessary to employ a
bull's-eye lens on a stand, so placed that it is between the source of light and
the reflecting mirror of the microscope; the distance between the light and the
lens should be 17 cm. and between the lens and mirror reflector of the micro-
scope 40 cm.
Fig. 121. — Reclechno Condbnsbb.
Q. glass slide with cover glass.
a. b, reflected raya meeting at P.
C, condenser apparatus. Fia. 122. — ElectmcaL Arc LaUP witb Hand Feed
O. objective. for a Ccbrbht or 4 Auperes and an Illuhi-
P, point of concentrHtion of the rays. natinq Lenb Mounted on a Stand.
The Specimen to be examined is taken on a slide, but the serum is not al-
lowed to dry; a drop of distilled water is added to it and a cover glass placed
over it, and the si^eciinen is examined in the wet state. The slide is now placed
on the condenser and, the source of light having been adjusted, it is then ex-
amined either with a dry or an oil-immersion lens. The object slide and cover
glass must be thoroughly clean, as dust particles interfere with the observation;
the preparation itself should be very thin and the sjrecimens must not contain
any air bubbles.
Chancroidal Urethritis. — This is the result of infection of the meatus by
chancroidal virus and an extension of a few millimeters down the canal. The
discharge is moderately profuse in amount and muco-jnirulent or muco-san-
gninolent or puro-sanguinolent in character, ilicroscopically, mucus, epi-
tlielium, pus cells, pus-producing organisms. Bacillus of Ducrey and sometimes
blood are found. The infective agent in chancroid is the Bacillus of Ducrey.
The Bacillus of Ducrey is a short, thick bacillus with rounded ends, some-
what like a dumb-bell. It is about 1^ micromillimeters in length. It is found
both within the cells and between them.
CHRONIC GONOCOCCAL URETHRITIS 125
The specimen is taken on a slide and prepared in the usual way, and then
stained for one half hour in the following solution :
Sol. acid boric five per cent oSS ;
Sat. sol. methylene-blue aqueous ov ;
Distilled water 3vj.
It is sometimes very difficult to demonstrate the bacillus in stained speci-
mens, owing to the extremely small number compared to the enormous numbers
of other bacteria present.
Acute Gonococcal or Specific Urethritis. — This condition is the most fre-
quent cause of urethral discharge. The constituents of the discharge are mucus,
epithelial cells, pus cells and diplococci, which are the infective agents called
gonococci. Other germs existing normally in the urethra or complicating the
original infection may be present.
At the onset of the disease, the discharge is mucoid or muco-purulent, ap-
pearing as a slight moisture or a drop at the meatus when the gonococcal in-
vasion has as yet not penetrated farther than the fossa navicularis. , If Very
acute or moderately acute, the discharge becomes more abundant, purulent or
miico-sanguinolent, and the gonococcus is found in the discharge. The char-
acteristic discharge of acute urethritis contains but very few epithelia as com-
pared to the enormous number of pus cells present. As the acute infection
begins to subside and as a proliferation of epithelia goes on in the process of
healing, the number of epithelial cells in the discharge grows larger, while the
relative number of pus cells is less. Thus we are able to gauge with fair ac-
curacy by the microscopical examinations, the acuteness of the urethritis, by
the number of epithelia as compared with the number of pus cells. An excep-
tion must be noted, however, during the first few hours of an acute attack
when the discharge is mucoid and when there are more epithelia than pus cells,
the epithelia coming largely from the anterior region of the canal, that is, of
the large, flat type, irregular or polygonal in shape. Gonococci are present until
tlie discharge has ceased or is a simple moisture.
Chronic Gonococcal Urethritis. — The discharge of chronic urethritis differs
from that of the acute conditions in that it is scanty, mucoid or muco-purulent,
sometimes absent during the day, but present in the morning. It contains mu-
cus, urethral epithelia, especially many squamous cells and usually but a small
amount of pus. Gonococci are usually, but not always, found.
Gonococci are coffee-bean-shaped micrococci, grouped in pairs, the flattened
surfaces facing each other. For this reason the gonococcus is generally spoken
of as diplococcus. It is usually found in the pus cells, that is, intra-cellular,
occupying the protoplasm, but never penetrating the nuclei. It stains deeply
with anilin dyes and can readily be distinguished upon the paler background
126 DISCHARGES
of the pus cells or epithelia. Examined under high magnifications, the longi-
tudinal slit between the two cocci constituting the pair, can be very distinctly
made out.
The gonococcus varies somewhat in size, the average being 1.25 microns in
length and from 0.6 to 0.8 microns in diameter. The well-developed and full-
sized germ is found in acute conditions, while in some chronic cases, the
smaller form may sometimes be seen, showing possibly an attenuated state. A
variety of sizes may be noted in some pure cultures.
The pairs of cocci are grouped usually in small masses; occasionally, how-
ever, a cell will contain but a few pairs. In acute urethritis, on the other hand,
when the process is virulent, numerous pus cells will be found so closely packed
with gonococci, that tlie cell protoplasm is entirely masked. Often, also, the
gonococci are found grouped about the nuclei of a cell, but the cell body seems
to be absent, because it is either very faintly stained or has been obliterated
in the course of the inflammatory process. When epithelial cells occur in the
urethral discharge, the gonococci are often grouped about them or seem to lie
upon the cells or within them. The intra-cellular position of the gonococcus in
the pus cells, however, is so characteristic, that its recognition is made a condi-
tion for the morphological diagnosis of this germ.
The important part of the examination of the discharge in gonococcal in-
fection is naturally for the gonococcus. The number of gonococci found in a
specimen of gonorrheal pus varies greatly, according to the stage of the disease
and the virulence of the infection. There is also a variation in the number of
gonococci found within the pus cells in different stages of the inflammation.
They are most numerous in the creamy discharge.
A large number of other cocci and bacilli are also found in some cases of
gonorrheal urethritis (secondary infection). It is said that when these are
present, complications are more apt to occur.
In chronic cases accompanied by very little mucoid discharge and by some
shreds in the urine, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to detect gonococci
either in the discharge emitted in the morning (morning drop), in the shreds
or in the urine.
In cases of relapse or of exacerbations of a chronic gonorrhea, the gonococci
reappear, although occasionally they are not found.
Methods of Staining and Examination. — The first step in this exam-
ination is the fixation of the smear upon the slide by means of heat. This is
done by taking the slide between the thumb and forefinger and passing it slowly,
smear side up, three times through the flames of an alcohol lamp. The next
step is to stain the smear with one of the anilin dyes, which suffices in routine
work. In case of doubt as to the identity of the germ, it can be determined by
Gram's stain. It is advisable, in important cases, to take several smears, so
as to have material for confirmatory examinations.
CHKONIC PROSTATITIS 127
The gonococcus stains readily with the basic anilin dyes, but loses its color
when treated with Gram's method — in other words, it is Gram-negative.
1. Methylene Blue. — A great variety of staining methods have been used
for staining the gonococcus. The simplest method, which at the same time is
perfectly satisfactory for ordinary clinical work, is with a dilute solution of
methylene blue, which is dropped upon the smear by a medicine dropper in
sufficient quantity to cover the slide and allowed to remain for five minutes;
it is then washed thoroughly with distilled water. Such is the differentiating
action of this basic dye, that the nuclei of the cells are stained a pale blue, while
the cell bodies are stained a still paler tint, forming a background against which
the gonococci appear distinctly. If the preparation has been carefully and
thinly spread, if the light and the optical conditions are perfect, the morphology
of the germ appears sharply defined with this method of staining. (The for-
mula for the methylene-blue solution is a matter of individual choice.)
2- Grams Differential Method. — The most important method of differen-
tiating the gonococcus from other germs which resemble it, and which may
occur in urethral discharges, is the method of Gram, to which reference has al-
ready been made above. This method consists in treating the smears with a
staining solution known as " anilin water gentian violet."
The anilin water is dropped on the fixed smear in the same way as the
methylene blue and allowed to remain five minutes. It is then transferred to
Gram's solution (composed of 1 gram of iodin, 2 grams of potassium iodid, and
800 c.c. distilled water), in which it remains for about two minutes. It is
next rinsed thoroughly in absolute alcohol until no trace of violet can be seen.
If there is still some violet color, the iodin solution is again used, followed by
rinsing in alcohol, and this is repeated until no trace of violet is visible. The
specimen is next washed in water, and then counterstained for about two min-
utes in a solution of 1 part of Bismarck brown, 10 parts of alcohol and 100
parts of distilled water. The specimens are then dried and examined with tlie
oil-inunersion lens.
The characteristic feature of the gonococcus in specimens thus stained is
that it loses its color when treated with the decolorizing solution of Gram, and
takes the brown counter stain.
The other bacteria in the preparation, including other diplococci, which
may resemble the gonococcus, retain the purple color of the gentian violet.
Gram's method is, therefore, useful in the diagnosis of the gonococcus in
smears. It should be employed whenever there is any doubt as to the identity
of a diplococcus found in urethral discharges, especially in medico-legal in-
vestigation.
Chronic Prostatitis. — Chronic prostatitis is an inflammation of the pros-
tate usually following gonorrhea or some other urethral infection. The dis-
charge is generally seen in the morning, having passed the cut-off muscle dur-
128
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130 DISCHAKGES
ing morning erections, as in prostatorrhea. The discharge is similar to that
of prostatorrhea, plus pus and infection. It is scanty and viscid, and con-
tains prostatic and urethral epithelia, leucocytes (pus), mucus, few or no
spermatozoa, amyloid bodies and Bottcher's crystals, gonococci or other
bacteria.
Chronic Vesiculitis. — Chronic vesiculitis is an inflammation of the seminal
vesicles, due to gonorrheal or other infection. The discharge is scanty and
viscid, and resembles that of spermatorrhea. It contains urethral, vesicular and
frequently prostatic epithelia, pus corpuscles, mucous and colloid material, gono-
cocci or other microorganisms, usually many spermatozoa, well developed and
in different stages of disintegration. The condition is characterized by the dis-
charge oozing out in nocturnal erections, the same as in prostatitis.
DISCHARGES IN THE FEMALE
In men the discharges come from the meatus, as the urogenital canal com-
mences in the prostatic urethra, where the secretions of the prostate and those
coming from the ejaculatory ducts first meet the urinary flow. From here
to the external meatus, the genital and urinary tract are in common. In women,
the urinary and genital tracts first meet at the vulva and therefore the dis-
charges from the urinary and genital tracts would reach this point in case they
are suflSciently profuse.
A discharge found on the vulva may come from the vulva itself, the urethra,
Skene's glands, the glands of Bartholin, the vagina, the cervical or uterine
canals or the Fallopian tubes, under the following conditions : Nonspecific ure-
thritis, acute gonococcal urethritis, chronic gonococcal urethritis, gonorrhea of
Skene's glands. Bartholinitis, nongonococcal, gonococcal, tubercular, syphilitic
and malignant disease of the vagina, chancroids, in endocervicitis or endome-
tritis due to nongonococcal or gonococcal infection or to tumors, benign or ma-
lignant, tuberculosis or salpingitis.
A smear should be taken from the vulva by touching it with a glass slide.
This smear may, therefore, contain a combination of discharges from various
points, consisting of mucus, pus and blood cells, epithelia from the mucous
membrane of the vulva, urethra, vagina, glands of Bartholin, uterus and the
Fallopian tubes; also gonococci and various other cocci and bacilli.
The vulva should then be wiped with a piece of moist gauze and the dis-
charges from the various other contributing parts should be taken in the man-
ner previously described.
Urethral discharges occur in gonococcal and nongonococcal inflammations,
just as in the male. The appearance varies from a thin, scanty, transparent or
turbid drop to a thick yellow or greenish-yellow discharge. In nonsj^ecific in-
flammations, microscopic examination shows mucus, pus cells, urethral epi-
DISCHARGES IN THE FEMALE 131
theliiim and the various kinds of cocci and bacilli normally present in the
urethra. Blood cells may also be present, but no gonococci.
The gonorrheal discharge from the urethra differs only on account of the
relatively greater number of pus cells, plus gonococci, both intra- and extra-
cc»llular. In chronic gonococcal urethritis, the discharge is often very scanty
or absent, in which case a specimen should be obtained by introducing a plati-
num wire into the urethra. Skene's glands should then be pressed upon and
ajiy discharge coming from them should be taken. Very often in latent cases
these glands harbor gonococci.
Discharges due to chancre or chancroid are the same as in the male, and
have to be determined by the presence of the Spirocheta or the Bacillus of
Ducrey. Bartholin's glands should next be gently squeezed, and the discharge
from their ducts examined. Bartholinitis is due in nearly all cases to gonor-
rheal inflammation, and the microscopic examination of the discharge shows
mucus, pus cells, columnar epithelium from the gland's duct and gonococci,
both intra- and extra-cellular.
The discharge coming from the vagina is then examined. This may come
from the vagina itself or from the cervix, uterine canal or the Fallopian tubes.
This discharge is known as leucorrhea, although the gynecologist in whose field
it belongs, seems to use the name less than formerly. A speculum is inserted
into the vagina and the sides of its walls explored. The vaginal discharge is
usually thin and creamy, although in chronic cases, it may be thick and ad-
herent The examination may also show a chancre, chancroid, tuberculosis,
cancer or an inflammation due to gonococcal or other infection. Smears or
scrapings are taken and the microscopical examination is made as already de-
scribed in the first part of the chapter.
The cervix is then examined for lacerations or malignancy. If there are
no evidences of either of these conditions, but a thick opaque discharge, white
or yellow in character, is seen coming from the cervical canal, the patient has
an endocervicitis due to a gonococcal or other infection; whereas, if it is very
purulent, it probably comes from the tubes. In case it is due to a gonorrheal
process, gonococci are present. If they are not present, it is due to some other
infection, and has as a predisposing cause uterine displacement, or subinvolu-
tion or new growth. Besides mucus, pus and the germs of infection, the dis-
charge from the uterus occasionally contains ciliated epithelia.
CHAPTER V
THE BLOOD IN RELATION TO UROLOGY
Blood examinations are especially useful in differentiating septic or sup-
purative conditions from other fevers, as, for example, typhoid or malarial
fever. They also give a clew as to the degree of resistance to be expected from
an anemic patient before operation ; while blood counts, periodically made after
operations, show us the progress of our patients on the road to recovery. The
degree of coagulability of the blood, determined before operation, gives us con-
fidence to operate in certain cases, while it warns us not to in certain grave
conditions of the kidneys or the prostate.
In this brief chapter I shall confine myself to those clinical facts which
should be known in order to interpret properly the blood examinations fur-
nished by the laboratory.
Blood comprises a fluid, liquor sanguinis or plasma, in which float certain
specialized cellular bodies known as corpuscles. The plasma is a solution of
various salts and of proteid materials (fibrinogen, serum albumin, serum globu-
lin), and is the fluid medium which acts as a recipient and carrier of metabolic,
eliminative and nutritive substances.
The Percentage of Hemoglobin. — In healthy men, the percentage of hemo-
globin is from eighty-five to ninety-five per cent. In robust persons, it may,
however, reach above one hundred per cent A percentage below eighty-five per
cent indicates anemia. The determination of the hemoglobin percentage is a
most important feature in blood examinations in both general and urological
surgery. All chronic surgical conditions generally produce some secondary
anemia, which grows more profound as the case progresses. This is especially
so in septic conditions and in malignant growths. In this secondary anemia,
the decrease in the hemoglobin percentage is the first change noted in the blood,
except in septic conditions, and frequently the hemoglobin is diminished in
disproportion to the comparatively slow or moderate decrease in the blood
cells.
Corpuscles. — The corpuscular elements of the blood are divided into three
classes: (1) The red blood cells, or erythrocytes; (2) the white cells, or leuco-
cytes and (3) the blood platelets. Other minute particles of irregular-shaped
bodies, known as blood dust or hemokonia, will not be considered.
132
LEUCOCTTOSIS I33
Blood Count. — The blood count means determining by count the num-
ber of red and white blood cells contained in a cubic millimeter of blood.
The Red Cells, — The normal number of red cells is 5,000,000 to the cubic
millimeter of blood in men and 4,500,000 in women. They contain about
ninety per cent of oxyhemoglobin and a small amount of nucleo-proteid. Their
function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in loose combination
with hemoglobin.
Leucocytes. — The white cells or leucocytes in fresh blood appear as color-
less, highly refractive bodies, containing one or more nuclei, and sometimes
granular matter in their cell bodies. They number from 5,000 to 10,000 to
the cubic millimeter, an average being 7,500. A differential blood count means
an estimation of the percentage of the different white cells, which is of great
importance in urological diagnosis. The four varieties of leucocytes found
(Ehrlich) are:
(1) Small mononuclear leucocytes — lymphocytes, twenty-two to twenty-five
per cent.
(2) Large mononuclear and transitional leucocytes, two to four per cent
(3) Polynuclear (neutrophile) leucocytes, seventy to seventy-two per cent.
(4) Eosinophile (polynuclear or bilobed nuclei) leucocytes, two to four
per cent
Blood plaques and blood dust need no mention here, as they are not of in-
terest in surgical conditions.
Leucocytcsis. — When the number of leucocytes is markedly increased, we
have a leucocytosis. Simple leucocytosis affects chiefly the polynuclear leuco-
cytes and is sometimes styled " polynuclear leucocytosis." When the lympho-
cytes (small mononuclear) are increased, the term " lymphocytosis " is used.
When the eosinophile cells are increased we speak of " eosinophilia," and when
several varieties of leucocytes are increased, we have a " mixed leucocytosis.''
A physiological leucocytosis may occur in pregnancy, during digestion, after
exercise, hot or cold baths, massage or electric treatment.
A moderate leucocytosis means from 10,000 to 15,000; a marked leucocy-
tosis from 20,000 to 25,000 ; and a very marked one may reach 85,000 or even
90,000.
Leucocytosis in disease may be temporary in acute and permanent in chronic
conditions.
Inflammatory leucocytosis is the infective type. The theory of this is, that,
when infectious agents (bacteria, etc.) enter the system, they generate chemical
substances which have the property of attracting leucocytes into the blood out
of their hiding places in the spleen, the marrow, etc. In addition, however, the
influence of germs seems to favor the formation of new leucocytes in the mar-
row, spleen and lymphatic glands, and it is from these sources that we have
leucocytosis in the blood — emigrated and newly formed leucocytes.
134 THE BLOOD IN RELATION TO UROLOGY
Leucocytosis and Infectious Diseases. — The importance of leucocytosis
in an infectious process can be realized when we consider that the leucocytes
attack bacteria and engulf them within their protoplasm, where the germs are
digested by a special ferment or killed by a bactericidal substance which exists
in the white cells. The leucocytes are, therefore, the body's army of defense,
sent out to annihilate the enemy, which is the germ', and this process is called
phagocytosis. Blood serum and lymph also contain bactericidal substances
which take part in the fight against the germs and their poisons.
A person with strong resistance to infection will develop a marked leucocy-
tosis when a virulent germ enters the system. A person with poor resistance,
on the other hand, will have a slight or no leucocytosis when the same germ
enters. In a person with good resistance, even a mild infection will produce
moderate leucocytosis. We see at once how leucocytosis may be employed
to gauge the constitution of the patient in a septic case before a serious
operation.
The importance of blood examination is shown in the following diseases,
occurring in or with diseases of the urinary tract :
Septicemia, Malaria, ) ^t- i . -
rjy \_ ^ ' o i_-T > A o leucocytosis,
iubercuiosis, Ibypnilis, )
Gonorrheal Infection, Hemorrhage,
Peritonitis, Malignant Growths.
(a) Septicemia, — In septicemia, patients with a slight resistance to infec-
tion have no leucocytosis. The prognosis of those cases is, as a rule, unfavor-
able. In most patients, however, there is a distinct polynuclear leucocytosis.
The prevalence of polynuclear cells in septicemia, in fact in any septic condi-
tion, serves to differentiate these affections from typhoid fever, where the whole
number of polynuclear leucocytes is diminished, but the lymphocytes are mark-
edly increased. When typhoid is complicated by suppurative conditions, this
rule does not hold good and a leucocytosis is present. In such cases, one
must rely upon the Widal test.
(6) Tuberculosis, — In tuberculosis, no inflammatory leucocytosis results
unless a mixed infection is present, when a polynuclear leucocytosis occurs.
(c) Gonorrheal Infection, — In gonorrheal infection, a moderate leucocy-
tosis of the polynuclear type is found, especially in acute gonorrhea when ac-
companied by fever and complicated by epididymitis, orchitis, etc. The gono-
coccus can be isolated from the blood in gonorrheal endocarditis and other
gonorrheal metastases.
{d) Peritonitis, — All forms of peritonitis, except the tuberculous, produce
a leucocytosis, unless the patient is very weak. A sudden rise in the number
of leucocytes indicates a spread of the process. Chronic cases are associated
with increasing anemia.
BACTERIA IN THE BLOOD 135
(e) Cachectic Leucocytosis. — In malignant tumors there is leucocytosis
which becomes more marked as the disease advances, and which is due to the
local inflammation (that is, ulceration and necrosis) and the chronic toxemia.
The blood is usually normal in the early stages. A profound anemia with a dis-
tinct leucocytosis follows later, due to toxemia. Usually the ratio of the poly-
nuclear cells is increased, but occasionally there is an increase in the mononu-
clears, or myelocytes may be present The anemia becomes profound as the
cachexia advances. In some cases of sarcoma, there is a marked lymphocytosis,
the blood looking like that of lymphatic leukemia.
(f) Posthemorrhagic Leucocytosis, — Great loss of blood is followed by a
marked increase in the white cells. This leucocytosis rapidly disappears before
the red cells reach their normal level and is due to the pouring in of the lymph
to take the place of the lost blood.
The Degree of Coagulability. — The degree of coagulability of the blood ia
of great interest to the surgeon. In urology, it is of special importance in cases
of tumor of the bladder and kidney, and also when such operations as prosta-
tectomy and nephrectomy are contemplated, where much bleeding and oozing
may be expected. Roughly stated, the blood normally clots within five minutes.
If the clotting is delayed to ten or fifteen minutes, one may look for a danger-
ous oozing or hemorrhage in the patient. A number of conditions, chief among
them hemophilia, purpura and jaundice (cholemia), produce a deficient coagu-
lability. Wright's coagulometer is an instrument used to measure this physical
property of the blood. If the coagulability is found deficient, the usual treat-
ment with calcium chlorid, gelatin, etc., may be employed.
Bacteria in the Blood. — The discovery of specific bacteria in the blood is
not an easy matter, and requires the most rigid aseptic technique and the utmost
watchfulness and skill in the preparation and use of the various media. But
few germs occur in the blood in such numbers that they can be detected in
ordinary smears. The principal microorganisms which are found in the
blood are :
(1) Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. — In septic conditions, malignant en-
docarditis, etc., their presence in the blood always means a bad prognosis, but
care must be taken to exclude accidental contamination by the Staphylococcus
albus always present in the skin.
(2) Tubercle Bacilli. — This has been found in the blood in acute miliary
tuberculosis and is difficult to detect, but it exists probably oftener than is
supposed.
(3) Gonococcus. — The gonococcus has been isolated from the blood in a
number of cases, principally in malignant endocarditis due to gonorrheal in-
fection.
(4) Bacillus Coli. — The bacillus coli can be often detected in the blood in
some form of septicemia in urological cases.
136 THE BLOOD IN RELATION TO UROLOGY
(5) Typhoid Bacillus, — Typhoid bacillus is always present in the blood in
typhoid fever and is not difficult to detect
An important point to remember is that the absence of a germ from the
blood is not to be regarded as a negative diagnostic factor.
(6) Protozoa in the Blood, — Among these are the Plasmodia malarise and
the embryos of Filaria sanguinis and the spirilla of European and African re-
current fever.
CHAPTER VI
UROLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
In considering urological equipment, we will discuss the space that the
physician uses for his office work, his office furniture, apparatus, instruments
and dressings. In case he has a clinic or hospital service, it should also be
taken into consideration. The methods of conducting his private and institu-
tional work should also be spoken of.
Space Eeqnired for Office Work. — In order to do good work in urology, it
is not necessary to have an elaborate plant ; efficient urological work can be done
and is done in a very limited space.
This usually consists of one room in which the patients wait, called a re-
ception room, and another in which to attend them, called the office, situated
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on the same floor. The office proper, in case it consists of but one room, is a
combined consultation and treatment room. Such was my office for many years.
(See Fig. 123.)
137
138
UROLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
Here it will be seen that the waiting room faced the patient on entering,
while the office opened into the hall on the left. The office was a large one, hav-
ing two windows facing the street, on the opposite side to which were two
doors, one opening into the hall, the other into the waiting room. The two re-
maining sides of the room with their comers were used for my library and
equipment.
On the side of the room extending from the hall door to the front, was an
open bookcase with hanging curtains on the shelves. In the comer of this,
near the adjacent window, was placed my microscope with its accessories.
On the opposite side of the room, was the fireplace in the center and a cabi-
net with shelves, resembling a bookcase, extending from it to the wall on either
side. The space between the fireplace and the window contained everything
required in the office for urological work — the examining table, the instrument
table and an open cabinet on the shelves of which were all the apparatus, instru-
ments and dressings used for the examination and treatment of patients. In
a corner corresponding to the space between the fireplace and the reception-
room door, was kept my sterilizing and throat apparatus. The fourtli corner
was unavailable on account of the presence of the hall door.
In my one-room office, everything that was used for my microscopical
and throat examinations was kept on the shelves of the bookcase or cabinet
and just before office hours was placed on the tables in the corners, ready for
use; and they were put away again after office hours. The comer where the
examining and instrument tables and the urological apparatus and instruments
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were kept, was hidden by a screen. Within a few minutes, this room was trans-
formed from a library into an office and vice versa twice a day. Everything
pertaining to my work w^as kept in this one room and there was no running
about, no looking for things that were in some other room. The only disad-
APPARATUS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR OFFICE
139
vantage of this limited space was that I could only do a certain amount of work
in the time allotted to office hours.
In the course of time it became necessary to add more space. The first step
was to convert the adjoining reception room into a treatment room and to place
in it a similar equipment to that which I already had in my single office be-
hind the screen. I took an adjoining room for my patients to wait in, thus
making a consultation, treatment and reception room. (See Fig. 124.) This
enabled me to have a patient in the consultation room and another in the treat-
ment room at the same time. It also permitted me to have an assistant to
handle the old cases while I was examining the new ones.
As my practice increased, I added another room as a laboratory, thus mak-
ing a complete suite of offices. (See Fig. 125.)
I
1
c
Q
<?
0
D
u — U
Q
D
X
(y
o
c
C^^TH
^ i
^
Fig. 125.
OflSce Furniture. — The consultation room in a urological office can be fur-
nished in any way that the practitioner desires, but it is desirable to have
strong, heavy furniture, preferably of a dark color, covered with leather. It
should consist of a table-desk, a number of chairs and a couch; also a book-
case, if it contains the library. Besides this, if the patients are to be treated
in the same room, it should have additional office furniture indicated for a
one-room office, such as an examining table for the examination and treatment
of patients ; an instrument table ; a small table for microscope, or for whatever
other purpose the practitioner might desire; a cabinet for apparatus and in-
struments and a lamp — electric or gas (probably both). Small stools and
tables are always convenient and take up but little space.
Apparatus and Instruments Recommended for OflSce. — Tables. — For ex-
amination and treatment of patients; for instruments; for microscope and ac-
cessories.
Lamp. — With a reflector — electric, gas or oil.
Sterilizer. — Steam, formalin, a pan for boiling instruments.
RuBBEB Goods. — Rubber tubing for irrigating jars ; hard-rubber irrigating
tips, shields and cut-offs; finger cots.
140 UKGLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
Glasswabe. — Irrigating jars; jars for dressings; jars for solutions; glass
graduates ; urine tubes ; medicine droppers.
Graniteware. — Basins for solutions ; douche pan ; pus basin.
Piston Syringes. — Large and small urethral; bladder; hypodermic
Dressings. — Assorted bandages; T-bandages; cotton balls; tampons; sani-
tary pads ; gauze compresses — 3 by 5 ; 5 by 6 ; 8 by 10 ; gauze compresses with
cotton-combined dressings — 5 by 6 ; 8 by 10 ; adhesive plaster.
Miscellaneous. — Instrument tray; galvanic and faradic battery; small
water barrel (for hot water) ; tub for bichlorid solution in which to sterilize
utensils requiring chemical disinfection; stirrups and lithotomy uprights for
examination and treatment tables.
Cocain tablets; bichlorid tablets; peroxid; Holzien solution; silver solu-
tion; boric acid; alcohol; lubricants (glycerin, gommenol) ; green soap; brushes.
Instruments. — Special, — Catheters — soft rubber, straight or elbowed ;
woven, straight with olivary tip and elbowed ; metal.
Filiform bougies; bougies a boule. Cystoscope.
Sounds. Prostatic douche tubes.
Stone searcher. Instillating syringe.
Dilators — Kollmann and Oberlander. Applicators.
Urethroscope. Tunneled sound and catheters.
Perineal grooved probe, director, cannula and gorget; perineal drainage tube.
Rectal bag.
Prostatic forceps and depressor.
General. — Retractors, dull with rounded edge, large and small; sharp with
short teeth.
Probe, grooved director.
Scissors, dull curved, sharp curved ; dull straight.
Knives, straight scalpels, large and small ; straight and curved bistouries.
Needles, large and small Hagedorn's, short round, surgical and straight.
Needle holder.
Forceps, thumb ; artery, curved with long slender blades ; bullet.
Sponge forceps.
Vaginal speculum, depressor, dressing forceps.
Throat mirror and tongue depressor.
Sutures, ligature material, catgut plain and chromic, Nos. 1, 2 and 3 ; braided
silk.
Ligature carrier.
Kelly pad.
Paquelin cautery.
Extra Equipment for Outside Work. — Besides the office equipment, little
is needed for outside visits. The following list will show what is generally used
for operations and cystoscopy outside of the office.
EXTRA EQUIPMENT FOR OUTSIDE WORK
141
Syringes
BAGS FOB
For Cystoscopy
Rheostat.
Two cystoscopes and cords.
Bougies a boule ; sounds.
Assorted catheters.
Bladder.
Urethral.
Fountain.
Glvcerin.
Test glass.
Cocain solution.
Bichlorid tablets.
Silver solution.
Medicine dropper.
Rubber tubing.
Suppositories of morphin and quinin
Kelly pad.
Rubber sheeting.
Table and lithotomy leg rest
Sterilized towels.
Cotton balls.
Gauze pads.
Battery, if no electric light.
Forceps
OUTSIDE WOBK
For Operation
Portable metal table.
Rubber sheeting and Kelly pad.
Basins.
Sterilized towels.
Green-soap tincture.
Brushes and nail file.
Alcohol.
Bichlorid tablets.
r. . r Fountain and piston.
Syrmges \ ^y . .
(^ Hypodermic.
Assorted catheters, knives, scissors.
Lubricant.
Cocain.
Peroxid.
Thumb.
Artery.
Sponge.
Bullet
Prostatic.
Assorted retractors.
Assorted needles.
Needle holder.
Sutures
and
Ligatures .
Sounds.
Bougies a boule.
Gouley tunneled sound and catheter.
Filiforms.
Otis.
Maisonneuve.
Grooved probe.
Grooved director.
Grooved cannula.
. Gorget
Bandages, assorted dressings.
Large catheter drain tubes.
Portable sterilizer.
Pedicle clamp.
Infusion jars.
^ Catgut
{
Plain.
Chromic.
Braided Silk.
Urethrotomes
Perineal
142 UROLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
OflSce Dressing Equipment. — Towels. — A large supply of oflSce towels,
18 by 36 in size, must be kept on hand. The variety known as " glass '' towels
are the best for general use. They are kept wrapped in an outer towel, or
preferably in a piece of muslin, in packages of ten for office work and six for
outside operating. The packages of towels should be kept in a tin box as stock.
Cotton Balls. — These are convenient in office work for sponging the
meatus and glans in men, and the vulva, meatus and vagina in women, before
instrumentation. They are kept in glass jars on a treatment table. Before us-
ing, they should be dipped into a bichlorid solution, which should always be
kept in a jar close at hand. The solution should be changed daily.
Gauze. — This is a most useful surgical dressing, and much care should
be given to its preparation and sterilization. The following varieties of gauze
dressings are useful. They should be kept in separate jars and a supply should
be in each room, while a sufficient supply should be kept in tin boxes for office
and outside work.
Gauze sponges, 3 by 6 inches, for absorbing blood, etc., during an operation
and for use with probangs or sponge holders, are folded from pieces of gauze
9 by 16 inches. They are also useful unfolded to wrap about the forefinger in
making a rectal examination.
Sponges or compresses, 5 by 6 inches, are made of pieces of gauze, 15 by 18
inches, folded three times each way, with the cut edges inside. They can be
stitched at their free borders or left free as the surgeon prefers. They are
packed in tiers in jars, or are tied up in packages containing four pads each,
wrapped and pinned in pieces of muslin. Some of these packages may contain
in addition a number of cotton balls, as these are better adapted for use in a
minor operation.
Large gauze compresses for abdominal pads are gauze pieces, 18 by 24
inches, folded to make pads, 6 by 8 inches. For abdominal sponges these gauze
pads should have their edges sewed and provided with tapes.
Oauze packing strips should be an inch wide and three yards long. A thread
is pulled from a piece of gauze of this length and the strip is cut along the line
indicated. These strips are kept in eight-inch tubes plugged with cotton, the
tubes being in turn kept in jars. When the dressing is needed, it is pulled out
with sterile forceps and cut with sterile scissors.
Strips of gauze, an inch wide and a yard long, saturated with five- or ten-
per-cent iodoform and others of the same size, saturated with Balsam of Peru,
are also kept in stock for packing wounds.
Other Dressings. — Bandages, both gauze and muslin, from 1 to 4 inches
wide, are used for office work and outside operating. They can be wrapped in
sets of from two to four in pieces of muslin.
KuBBER TISSUE in assorted sizes is scrubbed with green soap and is kept in
1 : 500 solution of bichlorid.
OFFICE DKESSmO EQUIPMENT
143
SuRGiCAi. PLASTER (diachyloii or zinc oxid) is kept in convenient rolls.
For small dressings, pieces of diachylon plaster, 1 inch wide by 4 to 6 inches
long, are kept in readiness in a small jar and are known as dressing holders.
They are heated for a moment over an alcohol lamp before being applied.
Ordinary adhesive plaster is used for strapping on dressings of large size.
Forceps for taking dressings and gauze out of jars and tubes are sterilized
by dipping into pure carbolic and alcohol, or are kept, during office hours, in a
glass jar containing five-per-cent carbolic.
Glass hand syringes, irrigator tips and shields, couplings of glass
OR HARD RUBBER are kept on the treatment table in alcohol or bichlorid solution.
Infusion jars are rarely used in office work, but they are an important part of
the outfit for an outside operation and should be provided with a thermometer.
Needles, threaded with silk or unthreaded, are put through pads of gauze
in assorted sizes and varieties. The pads with their needles are wrapped in
small pieces of muslin and sterilized by dry heat or formaldehyd. The packages
are thus ready for operations. Ordinarily, needles of assorted sizes are kept
in covered glass dishes containing a mixed powder of boracic acid and lyco-
podium. The suture material is all kept in tubes ready for use.
Fig. 126. — Table in the Examining Room.
On the top are kept in jars, gauze cotton balls, lubricants, syringes in alcohol, applicators, catheters,
urethral speculum, sterile water, magnifying glass. On the lower shelf, urine cylinders, finger cots,
Tsaeline, material for quick urinary tests, two dishes, and cases for instruments.
144 UKOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
Hypodebmic syringes are kept with their needles, etc., in a small glass
tray. The needles should always have wires in them when not in use.
Arrangement of Author's Present OflSces. — In arranging my rooms for
office work, it was necessary for me to convert the basement, situated imme-
diately under my consultation room, into a reception room. This was easily
done and it was connected with the offices and treatment rooms above by a
private staircase. The arrangement of the office floor still remains as it was
then planned.
Room No, 1 is the consultation room, containing bookcases for the largei*
part of the library, a table, a desk, a letter file, two easy chairs, two arm-
chairs, two ordinary chairs and a couch. It opens into the examining room
(No. 2) by one door and into the hall by another.
Room No. 2, the first examining and treatment room, is painted and fur-
nished entirely in white. It contains an examining table, an instrument table
(Fig. 126), a tray table, two stools, a chair, a commode, a screen and a cabinet
for apparatus and instruments.
The examining table is of the counterbalance variety, with a drain pan
below (Fig. 127). The seat section of this table, on which the buttocks of the
FlO. 127. — AUTHOR*8 COUNTBRBALANCB TaBLB IN THK POSITION POR EXAMINATION OP
Male Patients.
patient rest, is made of two pieces of glass with a slit between them, which
allows the fluids used in treatment to drain into the pan. The head or back
section can be raised to any position (Fig. 128) for facilitating the examina-
tion of the abdomen, or increasing the comfort of the patient; while the leg
part of the table, for supporting the lower extremities, can be removed and the
hip portion elevated for cystoscopy. With the leg section removed, this table
makes an ideal table for treating women, as the solutions run into the pan below.
Care must be taken, however, to see that the patient, when lying on the table,
AERANGEMENT OF AUTHOR'S PRESENT OFFICES
146
aits on the middle part first, as seating oneself on either of the end pieces might
result in falling to the floor. The patient must also be instructed in moving
about on the table to take hold of the side bars, as, if the top of the table is
Fio. 128. — Different Positions in Which the Patient Can be Placed in Examining the Abdominal
Organs, espbciallt in Kidnet Cases, bt Raising and Lowering the Shoulder Piece of the
Table.
grasped when the shoulder part is elevated, the fingers might be crushed in
case that part of the table were to slip from the cog in which it is caught.
Over the. examining table is placed a large tray table on an adjustable
stand, which is exceedingly convenient for holding close at hand the various
instruments used in the examination of the patients while on the table.
Fig. 129. — Counterbalance Table with a Douche-pan on It.
This counterbalance table is probably the best antiseptic metal table that
has ever been placed on the market. The slit in the seat part, however, does
146 UROLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
not prevent the solutions from wetting the patient during urethra and bladder
washings, when it is covered by the leather pad, and the glass or metal is too
cold for the bare buttocks. I have personally found an ordinary wood table
of my own designing more convenient for treatment than these more modem
ones and they are more pleasing to the patient. I have consequently gone back
to first principles, in that I do not depend on the slit in the modem tables for
draining away solutions during medication, but prefer to place a douche pan
under the patient's buttocks, finding that in this way the buttocks and clothing
are kept dry (Fig. 129).
In the instrument closet are kept all the instruments and supplies necessary
for a thorough examination and treatment of a patient in the office and outside,
as well as for an operation. On the top of the closet is a row of glass jars for
dressings. Behind the screen, near the washstand, the commode is placed, for
the use of the female patients when they void urine for specimens.
Room No. S is the next room and has conmaunicating doors with Room No. 2
as well as with the corridor. In the little passage between Rooms 'Ko. 2 and No.
3, on shelves, are bottles containing sterile water and solutions, also irrigators
and other appliances kept in reserve.
Room No. 3, also finished in white entirely, with an impermeable floor,
contains a coimterbalance table of the same pattern as that in No. 1. It is also
surmoimted by an instrument tray with a stand (adjustable). One or more
irrigators are hoisted on pulleys over the table from the ceiling, in a manner
described farther on. A glass table in this room serves for dressings and solu-
tions, while in the comer is an instrument closet. On the top of this closet is
the massage vibrator, properly connected with the electric current ; the flexible
shaft of this instrument is sufficiently long to reach the treatment table.
In a recess of this room is an electric outfit for high-frequency current,
for X-ray work and for cautery and for other electrical appliances. A closet
over the washstand holds the stock for the solutions and medicines that are used
in the daily work in the treatment of cases. The scales, on which patients are
weighed from time to time, are also included in the furnishings of this room.
Besides the examining table and tray stand for the instruments, there is an-
other glass-top table for the apparatus and instruments used in the examination
and treatment of patients. This stands just beside the examining table.
Boom No. Jf, the next in order, is of the same size as No. 3 and com-
municates with the latter as well as with the corridor. It connects also with
the room behind it by means of folding doors. It serves as the second examin-
ing and cystoscopic room and is used principally for treating women and for
urethroscopy, cystoscopy and ureteral catheterization in both sexes. The gen-
eral arrangement is the same as Room No. 2, in that it contains an instrument
cabinet, washstand, examination and instrument tables. The table for examining
and treating patients is known as the Allison (Fig. 130), which I find unequaled
AKRANGEMENT OF AUTHOR'S PRESENT OFFICES
147
for cystoscopic work. It seems to afford a better position for this purpose than
any other, as the seat part of it is shorter than that of other tables. The illustra-
tion shows the position of the hips when this table is used in cystoscopic work.
Each of the examining tables is provided with a detachable and adjustable
pair of leg and knee rests^ as seen in the illustrations. The choice of these is
a matter of individual preference, the knee rests having the advantage that the
patient can be more quickly placed in position than with the straps attached
to the leg holders.
Fio. 130. — Allison Table in the Ctstoscopic Position, with Shoxtlder and Buttock
Pieces Elevated.
Knee rests or lithotomy uprights are used when cystoscopy is performed.
In the comer of Room No. 4 is a washstand over which is a closet for solu-
tions, etc., the entire corner being screened by a white, washable curtain swing-
ing upon a hinged rod. An instrument case with glass shelves contains all the
instruments used in this room. A glass table with a shelf underneath contains
all the necessary articles for conducting cystoscopy and other examinations the
same as in Room No. 2.
The next room, No. 5, separated from No. 4 by folding doors, is known
as the back office, and is the assistant's room, in which correspondence is looked
out for and office work attended to which is not accomi)lished in the main office.
The files for histories and records are kept in this room. Doctors who call
with their patients often wait here. It is used as a second consultation room
in which to take histories and interview patients when the front office is in use.
A part of the library is here and easy chairs, and a couch for patients who may
want to rest. It forms with Room Xo. 4 a second consultation and treatment
room corresponding to Rooms Xos. 1 and 2.
148
UROLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
The last room of the series is the laboratory, No. 6. In this room the urines
are examined. All the equipment needed for the examination is found here.
The room contains washstand, draining boards, closets for chemicals and re-
agents, the microscopes and laboratory accessories. A desk serves for keeping
the records and filing the laboratory cards. Some of the interesting operation
specimens are also kept here.
APPOINTMENT
NO
NAMR
ADDBESS
DIAGNOSIS .
FIIE
R1?NT BY -
WIUL COMB ON .
AT - ■
APPOINTMENT
WITH
DR. RAMON GUITERAS
80 Madison Avb.
Nbw Yobk
M
DATB „ „...
.-„„„„..... — . — _....„..
—
HOUR
..A. M.,
NO
•
N. B. — Office visits
are not expected to last more
an hour
than
a quarter
of
No special appointme
in
>nts are given in the afternoon,
the order in which they arrive.
Patients are seen
TBLKPBOKK
OFFICE HOURS:
8-lS A.
M.
IffADiaOlf maVAMM, 07»«
•
Fia. 131. — Appointment Form.
Office Management. — A patient, calling for the first time, on entering the
reception room is handed a card bearing the date of his or her visit and is in-
structed to write the name and address. All old patients write their names on
a similar card at each visit Whenever a patient arrives, the attendant at the
door telephones upstairs announcing the arrival, which is immediately regis-
OFFICE MANAGEMENT
149
tered by the nurse in attendance on the office floor on a list that I have always
before me. The card which has been received in the reception room is then
brought up and placed on a table in the hall. New patients are shown up to
the consultation room and their histories are taken by one of the assistants,
who also makes arrangements regarding the fees. The patient is then brought
to me for examination, and any specimens requiring examination are sent to
the laboratory. When the examination is finished, the diagnosis made, the treat-
ment outlined and an opinion given, if the patient is in need of further treat-
ment in the office, an appointment is given for the next visit- (See Fig. 131.)
The old patients, on arriving, are called up and assigned to one of the as-
sistants with whom treatment is continued until they are discharged. All pa-
tients are seen by me personally at each visit or as often as necessary. At the
expiration of office hours, the cards of new patients are placed in the file index
of patients. A card with the name of the physician recommending the case
is put in another file, and cards with the name of the disease written on them
are placed in the third file. The history is put in an envelope and placed in a
large vertical file. This gives a very thorough record of the case. Very often
histories used to lie about in
the office pending the writing
of the urine analysis or other
data and consequently no
diagnosis of the case was
wTntten, no treatment out-
lined and no diet prescribed. The
following rules were therefore for-
mulated and posted over the mi-
croscope tables in the laboratory.
Arrangement of the Rules
FOR the History of Patients.
— (1) The history of each patient
should be taken by an assistant.
(2) The patient should be ex-
amined physically and the find-
ings written down. The one who
makes any part of the examina-
tion should write it down with his
initial after it.
(3) The urine goes to the
laboratory and is examined by the
laboratory man who writes the urine report on the examination card. It is then
sent to me for the diagnosis and should not be filed until the diagnosis is written
upon it
Fio. 132. — Three Vertical Fiusa in Which the En-
velopes Containing the Patients' Histories and
Correspondence are Kept.
150
UROLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
If there is an opinion to be given, it should be written out by me and
under no circumstances should the history be filed without this having been
done.
When these letters of
opinion and diet are writ-
ten, a carbon copy should
be made and they should
be submitted to me before
they are sent out.
All correspondence is
kept in the history en-
velope.
The management of
the office is entirely in the
hands of the nurse who
is also secretary. She has
care of the correspondence,
the appointments for vis-
its and operation, the pa-
tients' accounts, the laun-
dry, the purchase of office
supplies, the making of
the dressings, the steriliz-
ing of the instruments
and dressings and the lists
of instruments and ap-
paratus that leave the
office for outside opera-
tions.
Equipment for Clinic
and Hospital. — The work
in the clinic corresponds to
that in the office on a largo
scale, although the equip-
ment and records are not
kept so carefully. There
are generally plenty of as-
sistants, most of whom are
there to learn the routine
of the work of the clinic and who are generally not so well trained as are office
assistants.
The clinic records are, therefore, but about a quarter as valuable, except
FlQ.
133. — Plan of the Clinic at the New York Post-
graduate Medioal School.
7, waiting room for old patients.
g, waiting room for new patients.
3, passage to Rooms 4, 5, 6, and 7.
In the corner of Room 3 is seen a table and chair where the
history file is kept by the historian. The room to the left of
Room 4 is for the acute cases. Room 5 is the room for chronic
cases. Room 6 is the cystoscopic room. Room 7 is the amphi-
theater. Each of these rooms has two treatment tables, an in-
strument table and a sterilizer.
EQUIPMENT FOR CLINIC AND HOSPITAL 151
so far as a record for the number treated is concerned. The greatest difficulty
is found in obtaining assistants with the true scientific spirit who are willing
to give their time to tabulating statistics, to investigating new methods and to
doing research work outside of the clinic.
The plan of the clinic (Fig. 133) is that of a semicircle and is arranged as
follows :
No. 1 is the general waiting room. No. 2 is the waiting room for new pa-
tients. No. 3 is the passage in which the records are kept. No. 4 is the first-
treatment room. Ko. 6 is the second-treatment room. No. 6 is the cystoscopic
room and No. 7 is the amphitheater or lecture room. The old patients enter in
the basement Room 1 — the new ones are brought into Room 2 where they wait
for the lecture.
Room 3 is the passage and here is the table at which the card index is kept.
The clinic filer, who sits at this point, directs the new patients to enter from
Room 2 for the lectures and the old patients come in from Room 1 to be treated
in the other rooms. The card filer hands the cards to the patients as they come
in and replaces them when they pass out. The first assistant investigates the
new patients before they go to the lecture room, writing down their names and
principal symptoms, and brings the list into the lecture room (No. 7). The lec-
turer reads over the list and has the cases sent in as chosen. The patient, on
entering, is placed on the table, his history is taken aloud by the lecturer, and
recorded by the historian. The local examination is then made by inspection
and palpation.
If the patient is an acute case, there is usually but little difficulty in making
a diagnosis. If the case is chronic, however, the patient is instructed to leave
the table and pass his urine in two glasses. The first and second specimens are
inspected and the appearance noted, after which the patient leans over the table
and the prostate gland and seminal vesicles are examined. The patient then
passes the remainder of his urine, containing any debris that has been expressed
from the internal genitals during examination. The three specimens are then
handed to the microscopist, seated at the table, for examination. While be is
attending to this, the patient is again placed on the table and the lecturer pro-
ceeds to examine the urethra with the instruments at hand. As the instruments
are used, they are handed to an assistant, who attends to the sterilization.
After the patients have been examined and the diagnoses made, they are
each referred to a certain clinical assistant outside, whose patients they then
become and who are treated by him until cured, unless some complication oc-
curs or the assistant in charge of the case desires him to come again before the
lecturer. All the acute cases are sent to the first-treatment room (No. 4) and
are placed in the care of the two assistants in charge of this room. All chronic
cases are sent to the second-treatment room (No. 5), in which there are also
two assistants working. When an acute case becomes chronic, the physician iu
152 UKOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
charge can either continue treating him or else refer him to the room for the
chronic cases. In both these rooms, there are two treatment tables, an instru-
ment and a sterilizing table and some chairs. The instruments are of the same
variety as those used in the office.
Room 6 is the cystoscopic and bladder room. In this are two tables, on one
of which the patients are prepared for cystoscopy, while on the other they are
examined by the cystoscopist. As the preparation for cystoscopy takes some
time, the case lectured on is not prepared in the amphitheater, but outside, after
which the patient is wheeled into the lecture room with the cystoscope in the
bladder, ready for examination. This is the usual routine, but in cases in
which the fluid medium becomes rapidly turbid, as in marked pyuria and hema-
turia, the last washing is given in the lecture room and the cystoscope is then
introduced.
The clinic is managed by a chief of clinic, who goes about from room to
room and gives help and advice to the clinical assistants. Clinic patients
are in charge of the first assistant. One man is at the head of the cys-
toscopic room, and two in each of the treatment rooms, the man who has
had the longest duty outranking the other in each of the rooms. The rec-
ords are in charge of two men, one in the lecture room who takes all the his-
tories, the other on the outside who niakes notes, at each lecture, of the inter-
esting cases that are kept under observation, such as the kidney, bladder and
stricture cases, as well as those who are to be operated or have already been
operated upon.
The new men coming to assist the clinic go through a regular circle of serv-
ices before they are permanently appointed clinical assistants, serving in each
for at least three months. The rotation is as follows : Historian in the amphi-
theater; first-treatment room, treating the acute cases; second-treatment room,
treating the chronic cases ; third-treatment room, working in cystoscopy. When
they have finished cystoscopy, if fitted for it, they go on the microscope, other-
wise they go on the book and around the circle again, as the head man of the
different departments.
The development of the clinic and of the clinical assistant has been very
satisfactory of late, owing principally to the formation of an Alumni Society,
that meets once a month, at each of which meetings one of the assistants reads
a thesis on some subject that has been assigned as a special work.
The hospital is connected with the clinic, inasmuch as the patients requiring
operation are referred to the hospital for the operation clinic, which takes place
once a week. After they recover, they are again sent to the clinic for observa-
tion and treatment. Patients are also referred to the hospital for treatment,
although it is principally for an operative service. The same instruments and
apparatus are used at the hospital and for outside work, as have already been
indicated under Equipment for the Office.
CHAPTEE VII
8TERIUZATI0N OF INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS
The methods of destroying germs applicable to urological instruments are :
Disinfection by means of chemicals, by boiling, by steam, and by the vapors of
bactericidal substances. It is important to know the particular method which
is suitable for each special class of instruments, as some appliances are injured
by subjecting them to the wrong process. Probably the most efficient method
of disinfecting an instrument that can be sterilized by any method is by boiling
or steam. The least effective of the methods at our disposal is disinfection in
chemical solutions, a method which is used chiefly in emergencies. Disinfection
with chemical vapors is more thorough and more trustworthy than with solutions,
and the vapors of formalin have now been adopted very generally in the dis-
infection of urological instruments which do not bear the application of heat.
Chemical Solutions. — Formerly it was considered sufficient, for all practical
purposes, to disinfect certain urological instruments, such as catheters, by im-
mersing them in solutions of carbolic acid or bichlorid of mercury. It has been
shown, however, that these methods are untrustworthy, and that even when
catheters are immersed for half an hour in a 1 : 1,000 solution of bichlorid,
living microorganisms have been found within their lumen.
Of the solutions which are employed with more or less safety in the steril-
izations of urological instruments, we may mention formalin and mercuric
oxycyanid, the latter 1 : 1,000 to 1 : 500. Formalin is probably the better of
the two, and can be used in a strength of from two to five per cent The most
convenient solution of formalin is that recommended by Holtzein, which serves
for the disinfection of cystoscopes, urethroscopes, woven catheters, etc. The
stock solution consists of sixty parts of formalin and forty parts of alcohol.
Two drachms of this solution are added to each pint of distilled water for im-
mediate use.
Mercuric oxycyanid is employed in the strength of 1 : 200 for the dis-
infection of delicate instruments, such as cystoscopes, etc. The value of this
substance is rather questionable.
Boiling. — Boiling is one of the best ways of attaining absolute asepsis. The
material to be boiled, however, must be carefully selected. Metallic instru-
ments^ cou^isting entirely of metal or of glass or the two combined, may be
153
154 STERILIZATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS
boiled with impunity. It is always best to add some soda to the water, so as
to prevent rusting and to preserve the nickel plating. Soft-rubber catheters
may also be boiled, but plain water
should be used. The time required
ior boiling any of these classes of
instruments is five minutes. Any
instrument boiler, fish boiler, or
common agate or enameled pan,
can be used. Special long and nar-
row pans with covers are useful for
boiling soft rubber, glass or metal
instruments in the office or the
treatment room.
Steam. — When employed
correctly, steam under pres-
sure disinfects with the same
efficiency as boiling. The
steam must penetrate through
every part of the material to
be disinfected, and the time
of exposure must be sufficient
1 1 to kill the most resistant
I germ ; that is, about twenty-
five minutes. Disinfection
with steam requires special
apparatus, although in an
emergency an ordinary fish
kettle, with a perforated pan hanging over the boiling water, can be employed.
One of the best all-round steam sterilizers
is that known as the "Willy Meyer" (Fig.
134). This can be used for both dressings I
and instruments, and is very convenient
for carrying to an operation at the patient's
house. Another of about the same size,
though a more complicated sterilizer, is
the type known as " Rochester Combina-
tion" (Fig. 135). In this sterilizer, we
can use alternately steam and dry heat, so
that the steamed articles can be dried by
heat without removing them from the ^°- 13=— Ro^^'TeH Stihilizrb.
trays. Both these sterilizers have an arrangement for boiling instruments in
the water ■which produces the steam^
FORMALIN VAPOEti 165
Formalin Vapors. — Formalin vapors offer a very convenient, and at the
same time very efficient, way of disinfecting all kinds of urological instruments,
especially cystoseopes, woven catheters, etc. The most convenient apparatus
for this purpose is Scliering-Glatz'a formaldehyd sterilizer (Fig. 136).
This apparatus consists of a box of japanned tin, measuring 18x11^x8
inches. It has two shelves upon which the instruments may be placed, and a
small compartment for the formaldehyd lamp. One side of this box swings
OQ hinges, forming a door of sufficient size for the introduction of the longest
instruments that the box will hold. The lamp is about eight inches high, con-
sisting of a body for the alcohol and a chimney, ia the top of which is a
cup or receptacle for formalin pastilles, white tablets which by heat are com-
pletely converted into formaldehyd gas. The strength of each pastille is five
grains. Two of these tablets are sufficient for ordinary disinfection in this
apparatus.
The instruments are placed on the wire shelves. Two five-grain paraform
pastilles are put into the cup or receptacle. The lamp is now lit and the door
closed. A small glass window in the door permits us to watch the flame of the
lamp. An outlet at the top of the box allows the escajie of gas when steriliza-
tion is complete. The lamp will burn for twenty minutes in the air of the box,
wlien empty. About ten minutes are needed to bum a five-grain pastille of
paraform in the sterilizer. Ten minutes' exposure to the amoimt of gas obtained
by vaporizing two five-grain pastilles will kill anthrax, diphtheria, tubercle and
typhoid germs, aa well as those of suppuration. At my suggestion, Prof. H. T.
Brooks, of the Post-Graduate Hospital, made a series of experiments with this
156 STERILIZATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS
sterilizer to determine its efficiency. The following is an extract from his
report, which was sent to me in December 17, 1899.
Woven catheters were injected with dilutions of live cultures of the typhoid,
colon and prodigiosus bacilli, and the Staphylococcus aureus. The catheters
were then drained, dried, and placed in the Schering formalin sterilizer. Two
pastilles were burned for ten minutes, after which the lamp flame was spon-
taneously extinguished. The door of the sterilizer was then opened, two new
pastilles placed in the cup above the lamp chimney, the lamp relighted, and the
door closed. The lamp was then allowed to bum for an additional ten minutes.
The door was not opened until a third ten minutes had elapsed — i. e., thirty
minutes from the beginning of the exposure. The catheters were then removed
from the chamber with sterile forceps, cut with sterilized scissors, and portions
placed on gelatin plates, in tubes of alkaline bouillon, and also in surface and
submerged agar tube cultures. Xo growth of any of the above-mentioned organ-
isms occurred after three days in the incubator at 98° F. Control cultures
were made from the original dilutions used for injecting the catheters, and all
grew.
Subsequent experiments showed that the tubercle bacillus and the strepto-
coccus also were killed by exposure to the formalin fumes for half an hour.
Detailed Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection:
1. Water.
2. Surgeon's hands.
3. Rubber gloves.
4. Packages of dressings and tubes of gauze.
5. General care of instruments.
6. Catheters.
7. Cystoscopes, urethroscopes, etc.
8. Piston syringes.
9. Glass hand syringes.
10. Instillation syringes.
11. Hypodermic syringes and needles.
12. Glass and agate ware, etc.; infusion jars; irrigator jars and tips;
pans, pus basins, pitchers, dishes, trays and glass jars.
13. Catheter lubricants.
Snell's formaldehyd sterilizer is recommended for catheters (Fig. 137).
1. Water. — The quality of the water used in the office for making our
solutions was found unsatisfactory. It was ordinary boiled city water and
at times was discolored and often formed some chemical combination with silver
or other salts used for solutions. Besides this, the enamel was burned off the
bottom of the kettle, giving rise to a certain amount of mineral deposit in the
water. When thi^ occurred in the instrument sterilizer, which was of the same
METHODS OF STEEILIZATION AND DISINFECTION 157
construction as the kettle, a grittj substance clung to the mstniments, while a
scum floated on the water, !For a long time we used filtered water, which had
been boiled, but even filtered water formed a chemical combination or gave
rise to precipitates. We then began to use distilled water, which has proved
most satisfactory.
In the smaller towns, this can be made in the ofiico with the aid of a still,
such as are now used for its rapid manufacture. In the large cities we simply
buy distilled water in five-gallon bottles. The water is heated in a large tea
kettle, which should be changed for another as soon as it is burned in the least
degree.
After the distilled water has been heated, it is poured into an aseptic pitcher
and thence into an earthenware jar with a faucet in the lower part The
Fig. 137. — 3neli.'8 Forhaun Sterilizer for Steriuzino all Cathbtebs,
BUT BSPBCtALLT UEKTEHAL.
The catheters are pushed over hollow posts leadiuK to the formalin chamber.
sterilized water is drawn, as needed, from this jar. The kettle is always kept
full of hot water in order to replenish the treatment-room jar whenever neces-
sary. The cooled water is drawn ofE into a second jar, which is kept beside the
one for hot water in order to mix the two for solutions at a proper temperature.
An extra supply of cold sterilized water is kept in sterile flasks, stoppered with
cotton or gauze,
2. Sceoeon's Hands. — The care of the hands is one of the moat important
details in a urological ofiico. It is a problem how to keep the hands clean, as
they are constantly touching septic matter. Each treatment room should be
provided with soap, brushes, nail cleaners and jars of bichlorid for the hands.
3. RuBBEB Gloves, — At intervals I have worn rubber gloves, but have
never become accustomed to them in office work. There is so much changing
158
STERILIZATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS
of clothes, telephoning, handshaking, prescription writing and other matters
of a business and social nature transacted during office hours, that the changing
of gloves becomes a difficulty and involves a great loss of time. The surgeon
should, however, wear rubber gloves in the treatment of all cases which threaten
infection. In the office, they are washed with soap and water, wrapped in a
towel, and boiled for ten minutes after using them, then dried, powdered and
wrapped in gauze and put away until next needed.
4. Packages of towels, gauze compresses, sponges or pads, gauze band-
ages, cotton balls, sanitary pads, muslin table covers and sheets should be
sterilized by steam. Strips of plain gauze, for packing, should be sterilized
in the tubes in which they are kept.
5. General Care of the Instruments After Using. — After use, all
instruments should be washed in hot water and green soap with a soft brush
or piece of gauze, thoroughly dried and
put away. Special care should be taken,
in the case of cystoscopes, not to sub-
merge the entire instrument in cleaning
or other solutions. Metal instruments
should be cleaned in the same manner as
house silver, when they begin to tarnish.
All instruments should be kept free from
dust in closed cabinets, or between towels
if on open shelves.
6. Catheters. — It is very difficult to
clean catheters and other hollow instru-
ments, as the remnants of pus, mucus
and blood are apt to remain adherent to
their interior. This is especially true
when greasy lubricants have been used.
A catheter must be flushed out, after
using it, with soapsuds, by means of a
piston syringe, or by attaching to a sink
faucet a small nozzle which will fit into
the lumen of the catheter. In this wav,
a strong jet of water can be made to flow
through it (Fig. 138). This is most
important especially in woven catheters,
which are usually sterilized by means of
gas or chemical solutions that do not
penetrate a coat of dried albuminous matter containing infection that adheres to
their inner walls.
Soft-rubber catheters are best sterilized by boiling for ten minutes in
Fio. 138. — Method op Flushing out Cathb-
TEBs Emploted IN Author's OmcE.
METHODS OF STERILIZATION AND DISIKFECTION
159
plain water after a thorough cleansing. They should be wrapped in gauze or
a towel and put into the boiler so that they do not come in contact with the wall
of the boiler and become burned. In the office, we boil our catheters in bags
:iMi
la. 139. — Cathitbb a
> Catrbtkb Tubs.
and then put the bags into glass tubes. In this way fliey are handled more
easily than in the wet bags alone {Fig. 139).
Woven urethral and ureteral catheters cannot be boiled or placed in carbolic
acid. They may be sterilized either by immersing tlieui for thirty minutes in
a solution of silver nitrate or of mercuric oxycyanid (1 : 1,000), or else by
exposing them to the vapors of fornialdehyd in the
formalin sterilizer. The last-named method is the
best and is the one used in the office.
Another way of sterilizing woven catheters by
formaldehyd, consists in placing them in a glass
tube, in the stopper of which is a rubber receptacle
containing formalin tablets (Fig. 140). The
lower part of the stopper is perforated and
through these perforations the vapors of formalin
are constantly passing into the tube. They can
also be placed in boxes in the center of which is a
piece of gauze containing tablets or a powder of
formalin. The formaldehyd gas is spontaneously
generated and sterilizes the catheters in twenty-
four hours. Special boxes are constructed for this
purpose, although any ordinary fiat air-tight tin
box will do as well.
7. Cystoscopes, urethroscopes and other
delicate instruments of this type are sterilized in
the formalin sterilizer. After being used, the
outer surface of the shaft is washed with tincture
of green soap and water by means of a piece of
gauze, then with alcohol, after which they are laid
away in their cases, or, better still, wrapped in gauze, ready to be sterilized at
any moment.
8. PiSTOM 8YBINOES of large size, that is, holding from four to six ounces,
1. 140. — ^TnBEfl WITH Hollow
itCBBBH STOPFEBS CoNTAlNINQ
POBHAUN.
160 STERILIZATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS
such as are used for washing out the bladder, are usually made of hard rubber,
metal or glass and metal. They are best sterilized with formalin gas in the
Schering sterilizer. The metal syringes and those of glass and metal can
also be boiled. They may be sterilized in chemical solutions the same way
as the woven catheters, but they are better sterilized in the chemical vapor
(formalin).
9. Glass hand syringes are usually kept in jars with cotton in the bottom,
partly filled with five-per-cent carbolic or a 1 : 500 biehlorid solution and placed
nozzle down. I keep mine in alcohol and rinse them with sterile water, as then
no deposits form on the instruments that will make chemical combinations with
the salts in the solutions used. Another good. way is to keep them in water
and boil before using them.
10. Instillation Syringes, Aspirators, etc. — These are sterilized in
the same way as the large piston syringes. The instillation metallic catheters
are boiled before being used.
11. Hypodermic Syringes and IN^eedles. — Hypodermic needles should
be boiled before using. The needles are kept in a small glass box con-
taining a powder made of equal parts of boric acid and lycopodium, always
with their wires passed through their lumen. Two small glasses, one for a
five-per-cent carbolic solution, the other for sterile water, are kept on a tray
on a shelf, called the emergency shelf, during the office hours; also one-
ounce bottles of atropin solution (10 drops equal to -rh of a grain); of
camphor in oil (10 drops equal to 2 grains); of str^^hnin sulphate (10
drops equal to -5*0^ of a grain) ; and pearls of amyl nitrate, each containing
3 grains, in a cotton-lined box. These should also be kept at hand on a
table in hospitals and outside operations in case of emergency. A little
glass receptacle with a cover contains cotton balls in ninety-five-per-cent
alcohol.
For local anesthesia, special solutions, which are prescribed in the appro-
priate chapter, are kept on a tray with special syringes and needles, arranged
in a similar manner to the hypodermic tray just described. (See chapter on
Anesthesia.)
12. Miscellaneous Articles of Hard Rubber, Glass, Porcelain and
Agate Ware. — Irrigator tips and couplings of glass or hard rubber, to be used
with rubber tubes and catheters, are kept in glass jars containing biehlorid
solution.
Irrigator jars should be washed out daily and flushed out with 1: 1,000 bi-
ehlorid solution.
Infusion jars are an important part of the operative outfit and should
hold two quarts; a thermometer is provided for each. They are kept filled
with biehlorid solution and are cleansed with sterile water before using. The
tubes, cannulas, etc., are kept w^rapped in a towel, sterile and ready for instant
METHODS OF STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION 161
use. Two bottles of sterile salt solution, one drachm to the pint, are kept at
hand for use with this apparatus.
Pans, pitchers, pus pans, dishes, basins, trays and glass jars should be
divided into classes, those for aseptic cases and those for septic. Pitchers,
basins for solutions or sterile water, instrument pans,. trays, glasses for solutions,
etc., should be thoroughly washed and cleaned with soap and water, rinsed out
and put into a tank, or an unpainted washtub, where they are kept submerged
in 1 : 500 bichlorid solution. If they are not to be used immediately, they are
kept bottom up on glass shelves or wrapped in sterile towels. Glass jars in
which dressings are kept are cleaned in the same way and should be kept in the
bichlorid solution, with their covers on, for an hour, and then dried with a
sterile towel.
Pans for the reception of dressings which have been removed, pus pans or
basins, urine tubes and all other soiled articles of this order should be scrubbed
with soap and water, rinsed with bichlorid and kept in their customary places
without further attention.
13. Lubricants fob Instruments. — The lubricants generally employed
for urinary instruments include petroleum bases (vaselin), oils, glycerin and
vegetable bases. Vaselin should never be used, except for rectal examinations.
Olive oil should be used only after sterilizing it thoroughly by allowing the un-
corked bottle to stand in boiling water until the oil itself boils. The only cases
in which olive oil is useful is in examination for a supposedly impassable stric-
ture. Certain oils are prepared with an antiseptic, as gommenol, which is a
preparation of olive oil and eucalyptol.
The usual lubricant employed in both hospital and office work is glycerin.
This is kept in tall jars, into which sterilized instruments can be easily dipped.
Glycerin is easily kept sterile, as germs do not thrive in it. Some surgeons use
boro-glycerid, which is a compound of boric acid and glycerin, containing thirty
per cent of the former. Personally, I do not care for it, as it sometimes
irritates.
The vegetable bases, which have of late years been employed for lubricants,
are composed chiefly of tragacanth, or of Irish moss (chondrus, carragheen).
These bases have the advantage of being soluble in water and sufficiently slip-
pery to be an efficient lubricant.
They are easily washed off from the instruments or washed out of the canal.
Most of the lubricants now on the market contain such a base, and have added
to them either boric acid, eucalyptol, thymol, formalin, etc., as antiseptics.
They are usually put up in collapsible tubes with a nipple-shaped nozzle which
can be used to introduce the lubricant into the urethra before passing sounds.
The nozzle can be sterilized by boiling, or each patient should have his owti
tube of lubricant. The lubricant that I use in the office is made according to
the following formula:
162 STERILIZATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS
^ Tragacanth Sss ;
Glycerin 3vijss ;
Ilydrarg. Oxycyanid grs. ij ;
Aquffi 5iij.
The objection to oil and vaselin in urethral work is that they leave a coating
over the mucous membrane of the urethra and thus prevent the thorough medi-
cation of the canal afterwards.
CHAPTER Vni
TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
CATHETERS
A CATHETEB 18 a hoUow tube with an opening at one end the size of its
lumen, while at the other end the opening is smaller and called the " eye." This
is either in the tip or near it.
Shape of Catheters. — The shape of the catheter is either straight (Fig.
141), or elbowed (Fig. 142) or curved (Fig. 143). The straight has the same
caliber throughout, or else it tapers into the neck and then widens out at the
end forming a small olive-shaped
dilatation (olivary tip) (Fig. 144).
FiQ. 141. — Straight Cath-
ETEB WITH Single Etb,
USUALLY OF THE SOPT-
BUBBBB VaBIETT.
Fig. 142.— Elbowbd.Coudb
OB Mercier Catheter
WITH THE Emu ON THE
Side, usually of the
Woven Variety.
Fig. 143. — Curved Catheter op the
Woven Variety.
Not much used.
The neck is the narrowest part of the instrument, while the olive-shaped
end, though larger than the neck, is smaller than tlie shaft.
Elbowed catheters have a curved beak, somewhat similar to that of a sound,
but shorter and more angular. They are also called coude or Mercier catheters.
\Vhen the beak has a double curve, it
is called bi-coude (Fig. 145). Curv^ed
catheters are shaped like sounds.
Fig. 144. — Straight Olivb-tippbd Woven
Catheter.
Fig. 145. — Bi-coud^ Woven Catheter.
163
164 TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
Catheters are made of soft rubber, of a woven material with a varnish fin-
ish, or of metal. Those made of other material are not recommended.
The Eye of the Catheter. — The eye of the catheter is the opening through
which the water escapes into the urethra or bladder. It is more frequently on
the side, the end opening be-
ing confined principally to
instillating and large peri-
neal drainage catheters.
Openings on the side
may be either single or mul-
tiple. The single opening is
most common, usually oval in
shape and, especially in the
soft-rubber variety, situated
about a quarter of an inch
from the tip (Fig. 140).
The edges are rounded, so
they may not give rise to
traumatism of the canal.
Such a finish is frequently
spoken of as tlie " velvet
eye." Straight catheters,
whether they arc soft
rubber or woven, usually
Fia. 146. Pio. 147.
have but one eye. In the olivary type of woven catheter, the eye is
situated in tlie body of the catheter, and may be one inch or more from
the tip.
In the elbowed catheter, when made of soft rubber, the o])cning is usually
made in the concavity of tlie elbow, although, when the catheter is of a
■#-■
large size, it may be on the side, between the convexity and the concavity
(Fig, li7). Side openings are generally found in tlic woven catheters, in
which case two or more may be present. In the single-elbow catheter, there
CATHETERS 165
are rarely more than two, one on each side. Metal catheters are also better
when they have the openings on the side (Fig. 148).
Catheters for giving a general irrigation of the urethra may have multiple
eyes — a dozen or more small round openings, through which the water spurts
against the urethral walls (Fig. 149). They are generally of soft rubber
in texture. Perineal drainage
catheters, to be used after opera- i "'-^i- ^u.-m.^ ^ n^i
tion, usually have an opening in i/uWi'iYiirMfi.tiihiyiUft\WhiitiVaHii^^^^^
one end and on the side to allow Fiq. 149. — NAlaton Cathbteb.
better irrigation.
The Passing of the Catheter. — A soft-rubber catheter is dipped into a lu-
bricant in such a way that about one half of it is covered. It is then held in
one hand, with the fingers a few inches from the tip. The meatus is opened
by the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, the organ being at right angles
to the body. The end of the catheter is then brought into the opening while
dangling from the fingers. After the tip has entered the urethral meatus, a
few doAvnward impulses are made and the instrument glides down the canal.
When the catheter has passed down the canal to the point at which the fingers
are holding it, they are moved farther up on the instrument and the downward
impulses continued, by means of which it glides through the deeper portion of
the canal and into the bladder. When eight and a half inches of the catheter
has passed down the urethra, urine will usually escape from its eye. As the
catheter passes down the canal, it may catch at the compressor urethrae, or neck
of the bladder, this being due to spasm. Such is usually the case when there
is inflammation of the prostatic urethra, or of the neck of the bladder. Such
a spasm will usually yield to gentle pressure, or it may be overcome by substi-
tuting a woven for a soft-rubber catheter, or an olivary-tipped instrument for
one with a larger end. A metal catheter will sometimes enter when others will
not. Urine will not escape until the catlieter has reached the bladder.
Straight catheters are used for washing out the anterior and posterior ure-
thra and bladder, and for drawing urine from the bladder that cannot be
passed spontaneously.
Elbowed catheters are also used in bladder work in drawing off urine in re-
tention and washing out the bladder where inflammation is present. They are
especially valuable in cases of enlargement or deformity of the prostate gland.
The best coude to use is the soft rubber, but it is usually not as easily passed
as the Avoven variety.
The object of bends, angles or elbows in the ends of the catheters is to allow
them to pass over prostatic enlargements, bulging into the urethra. It is easy
to imderstand how the end of a straight catheter would come up against a pro-
trusion in the prostatic urethra and might not pass it, while the elbowed catheter
meeting such an obstruction would have its convexity at the end parallel to the
166 TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
side of the protrusion. Its tip would be against the roof of tlie prostatic urethra
and a slight push would thus send it along the upper wall and past the prostatic
enlargement into the bladder.
The metal catheters are passed the same as soimds. They are not in common
use, but will sometimes pass in cases in which soft-rubber and woven instru-
ments will not. At present I use the metal variety almost entirely in washing
out or filling the bladder after a perineal section, as with this instrument I can
hug the upper wall of the urethra better, and, consequently, am not so liable
to pass the catheter through the incision in the floor of the perineal urethra as
might be the case with a straight instrument.
The catheter with a mandrin, a wire in its lumen, such as is used in the
urethra to overcome prostatic impediments, is not, in my opinion, a good in-
strument. In using this instrument, it is passed as far as the obstruction in the
prostate and the mandrin is then withdrawn, thus giving a slant to the tip of the
catheter, so that it will glide up and forward through the prostatic urethra and
enter the bladder. It seems to me that the improved models of elbowed catheters
have sufficiently good curves, cause less traumatism and can at present be used
in all cases in which the mandrin types were formerly employed.
Retained Catheters. — A retained catheter, or a catheter d demeure, is one
which, having been passed through the urethra, is fastened in such a way that
it will not slip out. Retained catheters are useful whenever it is desirable to
establish continuous drainage from the bladder, or to protect the walls of the
urethra from contact with urine. Usually this necessity arises when the blad-
der is infected, when an operation or traumatism has been done in the urethra,
when it is necessary to cure a suprapubic vesical fistula, and also when spasms
prevent repeated catheterization in cases of a complete retention.
Unless the retained catheter is properly introduced and properly main-
tained, it may give rise to complications, as an ulceration of the bladder, when
the instrument is inserted too far, so that its end presses constantly upon some
point of the wall. At other times, there is an ulceration of the upper part of
the deep urethra, just beyond the pendulous portion, at which point the catheter
is bent Avhen the urethra hangs dov^ni, thus compressing the above-mentioned
portion of the wall. These accidents are rare in my own practice, as I gener-
ally use a soft-rubber catheter, and only employ woven catheters d demeure im-
mediately after an operation when there are blood clots in the bladder. I
believe that the soft-rubber catheters made in this country are superior in qual-
ity to the European product and that, consequently, we do not meet as much
trouble with retained catheters as do some of the foreign surgeons.
Catheters may be retained for several days or several weeks. They should
be so introduced that the eye and the tip alone are in the bladder. This means
that the catheter should be pulled forward after having entered the bladder
until the flow just ceases and then pushed back a trifle until the flow is reestab-
CATHETERS
167
lished. The bladder is emptied and the flow continues in dribbles corresponding
to the flow of urine from the ureters.
The next problem is to maintain the catheter in place. My own method
is simply to tie two pieces of thread about the instrument close to the meatus,
Fia. 150. — Retained Catheter.
P, adhesive plaster. G^ gauze. 7, retaining threads.
then to reflect the threads back on the upper, lower and lateral surfaces of the
organ and to hold them in position by a piece of gauze or adhesive plaster
wrapped around the penis (Fig.
150). The point at which the
FiQ. 150a. — ^A More Secure Method of
Holding a Retained Catheter.
C, catheter.
G, a piece of gause surrounding the organ
and tied to the instrument.
P, a strip of plaster passed around the
gauie-covered organ just behind the corona.
G/, gians penis.
Fig. 151.
Fig. 151.-
FiG. 152.-
FiG. 153.-
FiG. 154.-
Fio. 152. Fig. 153. Fig. 154.
-Malecot's Catheter.
-Another Type of Malecot's Catheter.
-Pezzer's Catheter.
-Another Type op Pezzer's Catheter.
thread should be tied around the catheter is, of course, determined by the
maneuver already spoked of, whereby the exact position of the instrument is
secured for efficient drainage. The catheter can now be inserted into the mouth
of the urinal placed between the legs.
Special catheters have also been devised which are self -retaining (Malecot's or
168
TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
Pezzer's, Figs. 151, 152, 153 and 154). Their bladder ends are wider than the
rest of the instrument and they are introduced after stretching them upon a
metallic mandrin. Personally, I never use these catheters, as 1 always fear that
I may cause traumatism in inserting or withdrawing them, especially if the man-
drin should happen to slip out at the perforated sides and thus injure the tissues.
They often enter with difficulty and pain, and sometimes cause hemorrhage.
If the penis with the retained catheter is allowed to remain too long in
one position, it is said that periurethral abscess or ulceration followed by a
fistula may result It is advisable, therefore, to change the position of the
penis occasionally by placing the or-
gan on the side of the abdomen and
draining by siphonage into a bottle at-
tached to the side of the bed, or into
a urinal in the bed by the side of
the patient. I often allow patients to
walk about with a urinal between the
legs. (See Fig. 156.)
When it is unnecessary to have
continuous drainage and yet it is con-
sidered desirable to retain the cathe-
ter in the bladder, the instrument can
be plugged and the plug withdrawn as
often as necessary. With a plugged
catheter, the patient is much more com-
fortable, as he can move about in bed and
in many cases walk about. The plugged
catheter may also be resorted to in cases
of complete retention in which a large amount of urine has accumulated in the
bladder and is being gradually withdrawn every two or three hours. In certain
spasmodic cases, it may bo desirable to keep the sphincter stretched until the
spasm that is present has worn off, especially when the catheter has been in-
troduced after a long series of trials.
Fio. 155. — Glass Urinai
INJECTIONS
Urethral injections are best given by means of a glass syringe with a
conical nozzle holding two drachms, an amount which usually can be con-
tained in the anterior urethra. In making an injection, tlie end of the glans
should be held by the left forefinger in such a way that the meatus occupies
the middle of the finger (Fig. 156). The end of the nozzle of the syringe is
then inserted into the moatiis ; the forefinger is now contracted around the
tip of the penis, thus pressing the end of the urethra containing the syringe
IKRIGATIONS
169
tip so firmly against it that the injection does not leak around the sides of
the syringe and is contained in the urethra (Fig. 157). As the syringe tip is
withdrawn from the meatus, the
forefinger maintains its pressure
on the end of the urethra, thus
keeping the solution in the canal
as long as desired (Fig. 158).
Injections are usually retained
for five minutes and are then al-
lowed to escape.
Fig. 157. — Manner of Holding the Nozzle of the Fig. 158. — How the Solution is Held in
Stringe in the Uhethra. the Urethra.
The meatus is seen in the bend of forefinger.
IRRIGATIONS
These include irrigations of the antero-posterior urethra and bladder or of
the anterior urethra alone.
(a) With the Piston Syringe Alone. — The syringe is held in the right hand
of the surgeon, while the meatus is compressed by the forefinger of the left
170
TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
Pia. 169. — A Larob Piston Stiuhod (Biaddeb SraraaE)
Ubbd fob Usethho-vehccal Ihhioations and Wabhino
oar THE BlADDEB THBOUOB A CATaETEB.
hand. The piaton is pressed M]mn until the urethra is filled and inflated.
The fluid can then either be held in or allowed to escape, and the canal
then filled again. The fluid may be introduced into the posterior urethra
and bladder by gradually
increasing the pressure on
the piston, thus overcoming
the compressor tirethree and
the vesical sphincter mus-
cles. I am not in favor of
this procedure and never
use it.
(b) With a Piston Syringe and Catheter. — If this is simply for the pur-
pose of washing out the anterior urethra, the catheter is passed down to the
bulb and the tip of the syringe is introduced into the end of the catheter. The
solution is injected slowly and ia allowed to escape along the side of the catheter.
If the catheter is now pushed into the membranous portion, the fluid will still
escape from the urethra, or will flow both into the anterior and posterior urethra.
If the end is pushed into the prostatic portion of the canal, the membranous
sphincter will prevent the fluid from escaping and after filling the prostatic
urethra, the solution will pass into the bladder. The catheter, however, is com-
monly used in filling
and washing out the
bladder, in which case
it is at once passed
into the bladder and
the organ ia filled by
the piaton syringe.
The fluid can then
either escape through
the catheter after the
syringe is removed, or
the catheter is with-
drawn and the patient
allowed to void the
contents of the blad-
der, thus medicating
the urethra.
(c) With an Irri-
gator Working by
Hydrostatic Preasnre
without a Catheter. — The irrigation of the urethra without a catheter by hydro-
static pressure is very effective in treating urethral inflammation. Tor this
Fig. 160. — Cct-oft, Noiei.b and Shield t
I DoncaB Jab. fok GivtNa Uretqbal a
T BtDBOSTATIC PRBsaDBG.
IRRIGATIONS
171
method it is necessary to have a reservoir containing the solution to he used.
With this is connected a piece of rubber tubing to which is attached a nozzle, the
tip of which is inserted into the meatus. The reservoir is then raised to a suf-
ficient height to force the fluid to run into the urethra and as far as the back of
the bulb. Pressure is then made on the tip of the penis, thus pressing the meatus
against the nozzle. The fluid then passes into the urethra as far as the com-
pressor urethne muscle and escapes when pressure is removed.
The Janet Method. — In case it is necessary to introduce the fluid into the
prostatic urethra and the bladder, the reservoir is raised so that its lowest part
is about a yard and a half above the pubes. The pressure on the meatus is
Fio. 161. — Author's Method of Suspending Douche Jars for Irrigations in Office,
Hospital and Clinic.
maintained and the patient is instructed to breathe deeply and try to relax all
the muscles, or else to try to pass out the fluid that is in the canal. The effort
to urinate relaxes the cut-off muscle and alloAvs the solution to enter the bladder,
after which the patient passes it out.
The douche jars vary in shape, but are usually conical. They are made of
glass with a metal collar about the neck, to which is attached a metal bucket
handle. This handle can be used to suspend the jar from a hook, or a cord can
172
TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
be attached to it that is passed through a pulley by means of which it can be
raised or lowered as desired. Other reservoirs are flat on one side and these
fit better to the wall. Some of the jars are graduated. Rubber foimtain
syringes are used, but are not so easily sterilized and do not allow one to see
the level of the fluid.
Various ways of suspending these jars have been tried by us in oflSce and
clinic practice. They are illustrated in Fig. 161.
A represents a board nailed to the wall, the door or a window frame. B
is a hook to which is hung a pulley. C is the irrigator, i? is a piece of cord,
one end of which is attached to the handle of the irrigator. The other end runs
through the pulley and is fastened to a cleat, E, on the wall.
A
U^"
A
1
Fig. 162. — ^Author's Apparatus for Irriqatino Urethra and Bladder by Hydrostatic Pressure.
P shows a gas pipe stretching across the ceiling of the room to which a pul-
ley is attached at B by means of a wire. The cord runs from the irrigator
handle through this pulley to the cleat, as has just been described. This second
method has many advantages, inasmuch as a series of irrigators can be strung
from one pipe. "
F shows an upright fastened to the table which supports an irrigator. (?
shows a fountain syringe hung on a nail on the wall.
IKRIGATIONS 173
The object of the pulleys is to regulate the pressure of the fluid by raising
or lowering the reservoir. If the jars are stationary, the force of the stream
can be regulated by means of the cut-off to be described below.
The irrigator is connected by means of a rubber tube about three yards long
with cut-off, shield and nozzle. The first figure (Fig. 162) shows (A) the rub-
ber tube leading from the irrigator ; (B) the hard-rubber coupling in which the
nozzles (D) fit, and which is provided with a cut-off valve at C. This valve can
be so regulated by pushing upon its lever that one can either shut off the solu-
tion or allow it to flow at different velocities. Over the body of the coupling,
fits shield E, which is a cup-shaped guard intended to prevent the water from
splashing or spilling. Into the coupling, B, fit the various nozzles provided for
the apparatus, D-1, i?-2, Z>-3 and DA. D-l has a blunt end suitable for irrigat-
ing the urethra by hydrostatic pressure. Z>-2 is elongated into a tip that can
easily be inserted into a catheter. D-S is a short nozzle, with an olivary tip,
made for irrigating the fossa navicularis and DA is the same shape but long
enough to extend to the bulb, for irrigating the bulbous portion of the urethra.
It has also an olivary tip.
The shield, which is pictured in the figure (E), is the one I prefer in
my own work. A number of shapes have been tried at my clinic at the Post-
graduate Hospital. At first we irrigated without any shield, using simply hard-
rubber nozzles at the end of the rubber tubing. We next tried round, soft-rub-
ber shields with an opening through which the nozzle could be pushed.
I have for many years used the copper detachable hemispherical shield, modeled
after half of a hollow rubber ball, which I have found to be most satisfactory.
Fig. 163. — Irrigatino Kollmann Dilator.
(d) With Irrigating Dilators. — Irrigating dilators are used for the purpose
of irrigating the canal when it is dilated. They are of the Kollmann pattern,
the dilating portion of which is composed of four blades. They can be used
without sheaths or covers, such as are placed upon other dilators. Tliey are
straight or curv^ed with a Benique curve. They are introduced into the urethra,
their blades are separated by turning the wheel in the handle of the instrument.
This smooths out the mucous membrane and oi)ens the mouths of its follicles.
The attachment is then made and tlie solution is allowed to run tlirough, which
thoroughly washes the urethra, while it enters the ducts, emptying into the canal
as much as possible.
174
TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
INSTILLATIONS
Instillation is the injection of a solution by drops into the urethra or blad-
der. This is done either with or without a catheter. The object of an instilla-
tion is to apply a strong solution to a definitely circumscribed portion of the
Fia. 164. — Guton's InstilIiAtino Strinqb.
canal and allow it to remain there, in contra-
distinction to an injection, which acts upon the
entire anterior urethra and is allowed to escape
after holding it for a few minutes.
The Guyon instrument (Fig. 164) is a
piston syringe, the barrel of which is gradu-
ated and which holds 4 grams (1 drachm).
The tip of the syringe
is attached either to
an olive-ended, hollow
bougie or to a catheter
with a perforation at
the extremity.
The Ultzman in-
strument is a piston
syringe holding twen-
ty drops attached to a
curved, hollow sound
(Fig. 166).
The solution used
in instillations consists
of silver nitrate, in the
strength of from one
to five per cent for
the stronger effects or of 1 : 500 or 1 : 250 for milder action. Exceptionally,
a caustic effect is obtained by the use of ten-per-cent solutions of silver nitrate.
The amount of the latter is limited to three or four drops, while the weaker
solutions are injected in quantities of from five to thirty drops. Other silver
salts are used and will be considered in the chapter on Urethritis. Some sur-
geons use strong solutions of bichlorid of mercury and sulphate of copper for
instillations, but I do not recommend them.
Fio. 165. — Manner of Giving an Instillation of the Urethra
WITH THE Guyon Instillator.
INSTILLATIONS
175
Instillations can either be given in the anterior -or tbe posterior urethra.
The method of procedure is aa follows: The patient ia allowed to pass hia
nrine and the external parts are cleaned in the usual manner. For instil-
lations in the anterior urethra Guyon's perforated, olive-tipped catheter is
used and is introduced as far as the point of localized inHanimation (Fig.
I(i5). The tip of the piston syringe 13 then introduced into the outer end
of the catheter and the fluid is slowly injected, from ten to fifteen drops being
In instillation of the posterior urethra, as practiced with the aid of
the Guyon apparatus, the end of the catheter is passed into the posterior
urethra and the solution de[K>sited there in the same
way.
M
J
Fia. 166. — UlTZUAn's iNSTIU.ATlNa SlBINOB.
The ITltzman syringe is, however, generally
used for the posterior uretlira. The hollow sound
and the piston ayringe are connected and the syringe
filled with the solution. It is then passed into
the posterior urethra
like a sound and the
solution instilled into
it^usuallj ten to
twenty drops. If the
tip has reached the
bladder, by rotating
the instrument it can
be felt to move freely
about and it should
then be withdrawn
until it rests in the
— comparatively narrow
confines of the pros-
tatic urethra. In giv-
ing bladder instilla-
tions, either apparatus can be used, the end of the instrument being introduced
into the urethra and the entire amount contained in the syringe instilled. Usu-
ally from thirty to sixty drops are instilled and left to act locally (Fig.
167).
Fio. 167.— Mannkh o
TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
A sound is a metal instrument consisting of a shaft and a handle. The shaft
is round, 8J to 10 inches l«ng, and tapers toward its distal entl, which is curved
Fio. 168. — Cdbveb o
and well rounded at its tip. The handle is a piece of flattened metal, alwut 2^
inches long, wider in its transverse diameter and not so thick as the remainder
of the instrument. The curve of the sound varies in its length and degree.
Fio. 160. — Frbhcb (CharriIre) Sound Scale, Compared with Enolish Meahdhement.
There is tlie long curve, the short, the acute and the less marked. Straight
sounds are also made, but are very rarely used.
SOUNDS 177
The sounds principally used in this country are the Van Buren, the
Benique and the Otis. The following diagrams illustrate these curves and
ai^iments have been made in favor of each (Fig. 168). The short curve FBE
is the one that I generally use in ihy urethral work, although, for the dilatation
of hard strictures difficult of dilation, CBD is preferable, not on account of
its shape, but because the difference between the sizes of the Benique sounds
is only half what it is between the sizes of the other sounds of the ordinary
French scale, the Charriere (Fig. 169). I ajso prefer the short cnrve
because I believe that I can pass it Oy
more easily and feel the urethra X!;;;;- ^^^^~-^~^
better than I can with any other ^^ ^o.-Sotmi. Cubv. Pb.f»b™» bt a^ob.
sound (Fig. 170).
Technique at PaBsing Sotmds. — This depends on the teaching in different
countries and in different schools. In this country, the physicians pass sounds
from the left side of the patient, whereas in Europe, they are passed from his
right The patient is placed in a reclining position, his body making an
FiQ. 171.— First Step of Passinq a Sodnd.
angle of about 22J° with the table. (1) The physician stands on the left side
of the patient and grasps the handle of the sound between the tliumb and fore-
finger of the right hand, while he grasps the penis with the left hand and holds
it perpendicular to the body. He passes the sound over the thigh at right
angles to its side and inserts its tip into the urethra (Fig. 171). (2) If the
sound is of the proper size and is not held back by the operator, it should slide
178 TECHNIQUE OF INSTHTTMENTATION
down the urethra by its own weight as far as the bulb. The handle is then some-
what elevated and when the instrument ceases to glide, it sliould be swung
Fio. 173.— TaiBti Step of PASaiNo a Soond.
SOUNDS
179
around gently toward the pubcs imtil it is over the symphysis and the median
line of the body, corresponding to the linpa alba (Fig, 172). (3) The organ
is then extended and steadied by the fingera of the left hand, while the right
Fio. 174. — BbNiQU^ Sound, With
hand gently moves the soimd in the arc of a circle from the abdomen to be-
tween the thighs (Fig. 173), In passing the sound, the right hand simply
, 175.— First Step o
PAsaiHa A Beniqd^ Sound.
guides the soimd, while the left hand keeps the organ fairly well on the stretch,
so that the tip of the instrument, in passing the perineal part of the urethra,
will hug the middle line of tlie roof of the canal and not catch along its course.
If Uie meatus is tight, the physician should pull the glans ]K;nis up toward
180 TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
the handle of the sound from time to time, which will allow the part of the
soimd beyond the meatua to glide down farther into the canal. In this way, the
hugging of the sound by the meatus can be overcome. A meatna smaller than
the remainder of the canal ahonld be cnt.
In case the end of the sound catches in the perinea] urethra and does not
pass through its curve, this can often be aidetl by taking the instrument in the
left hand and simply pressing over the pubes and suspensory ligament with the
palmar surface of the fingers of the right hand. If this does not suffice, the fin-
Fio. 17B. — Second Stbp or PAsaiMa a Bbnique Soitnd.
gers of the left hand can be placed in the perineum to steady and lift the end of
the sound out of any pocket that it may happen to be in, up against the anterior
wall of the urethra and in contact with the opening of the membranous urethra.
In France, the Benique sound, which has a long and pronoimced curve like
that of the perineal urethra, is principally used. These instruments are well
adapted for stretching strictures, because they increase in size more gradually,
by one sixth of a millimeter, instead of one third of a millimeter. They are used
with a guide like a filiform bougie, fixed into a metal socket with a screw at the
end (Fig, 174), which is screwed into a corresponding ojiening in the end of the
sound {Fig. 174). The guide is passed through the urethra into the bladder,
and the sound screwed on, after which the instrument is also introduced.
The French method of passing metal sounds is as follows:
(1) The operator stan«lfl on the right side of the patient, holding the penis
with hie left hand and the eound with his right, so that its concavity points to
FiQ. 177. — Third Step ot Pasbino a Benique Sodhq.
tlie right thigh (Fig. 175). He guides it down the urethra to the perineal
portion, at the same time drawing the organ over the instrument around toward
Wia. 178. — FoOBTa Step or PiMtna a Bbhiqcb Soi;in>.
182
TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
the median line (Fig. 176). (2) The left hand then draws the organ up in
front of the abdomen (Fig. 177). (3) When the end of the sound engages in
the membranous portion, the left hand drops the organ and presses supra-
pubically over its suspensory ligament, while the right hand guides the instru-
ment into the bladder (Fig. 178).
DILATORS
Urethral dilators are instruments shaped like sounds that can be enlarged
by turning a wheel at the distal end, so as to stretch different portions of the
canal. The shaft of the in-
strument, where the dilata-
tion takes place, is com-
posed of blades, bands of
steel, that separate from
one another either antero-
posteriorly, or both antero-
posterior ly and laterally,
when the w^heel is turned.
A dial near the wheel regis-
ters the amount of dilata-
tion.
The instruments in
which the bands separate
antero-posteriorly are called
the Oberlander, and the
others in w^hich they sepa-
rate both antero-posteriorly
and laterally, are called the
Kollmann dilators.
The Oberlander dilator
is of three forms, two with
a flat curve for the anterior
urethra (Fig. 179, Nos. 1
and 2), another with a curve
like a sound for the antero-
posterior urethra (No. 3)
and the third with a more pronounced curve, Benique, for the posterior portion
of the canal (No. 4).
Of these four Oborliindor dilators, No. 3 is the best, as it can be used for
the deep anterior urethra and the membranous and posterior portions by intro-
ducing it until the beak is in the bladder and then dilating. Or it can be used
No. 1.
No. 2. No. 3. No. 4.
FiQ. 179. — Oberlander Dilators.
DILATORS
183
simply for the dilatation of the anterior urethra, by inserting it and dilating
when the instrument is at right angles to the table. All these instruments, when
they are closed, show no space between the two blades of the dilator.
No. 5.
No. 6.
No. 10. No. 11.
curved
11
No. 7. No. 8. No. 9.
Fig. 180. — Kollmann'b Dilators.
5. KoUmaon's straight articulated 4-bladed dilator for the anterior part of the urethra, with short
branches.
" anterior parts of the urethra, with long
branches.
'* posterior part of the urethra.
and part of the anterior urethra,
part of the urethra, with Guyon's
curve,
and part of the anterior urethra,
with Guyon's curve.
•* " anterior part of the urethra, with irrigating
attachment.
" " posterior and part of the anterior urethra,
with irrigating attachment. (Shown
in Fig. 184.)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
II
•• double-curved
straight
curved
II
It
II
11
<<
It
<i
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
«
11
II
II
II
II
II II
II 11
II II
II
II
«
The dilator of Oberlander (Fig. 179, No. 3) is composed of a shaft; of two
pieces of steel, with three small levers between them; a handlepiece, composed
of the body where the two pieces of steel come together ; a screw connected with
the wheel, at the end of the handle for separating the two pieces, of which the
184
TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
instruuient is composed; a metal loop for holding the instrument and a dial,
which records the number of millimeters of dilatation. When the Oberlander
is inserted, it is of the size Xo. 16 French, and when fully opened, No. 40
French.
The Kollmann dilators (Fig. 180) are worked on the same principle as the
Oberlander, but, as they have four blades, they dilate on four sides and thus
make more even distention. They dilate from 24 to 50 French. The posterior
dilator, like the posterior Oberlander, has the Benique curve.
The blades of the Kollmann dilators are arranged in such a way that two
blades lie at right angles to the other two, so that the cross section of the instru-
ment at its widest point is shaped like a cross (Fig. 181).
B
Fio. 181. — Blades of a Kollmann Dilatob.
A, cross section of blades closed. B, cross section of blades open.
These four-bladed dilators of Kollmann are made in three different types:
Two straight Kollmann dilators, which are used only in the anterior urethra
(Fig. 180, Nos. 5 and 6), two curved posterior dilators, which are used for
the posterior urethra, as the blades separate only at the distal end (Fig.
180, Xos. 7 and 9) and finally, the dilators which dilate both the anterior and
posterior parts of the canal (Nos. 8 and 10).
Of the Kollmann dilators without an irrigating attachment, if but one is
to be used, the instrument with the curve like a sound for dilating both the an-
terior and posterior part of the urethra. No. 8, is the most useful.
The posterior Kollmann, No. 9, is also of great value, as in many cases
of chronic prostatitis it is necessary to dilate the posterior urethra, and, as it is
so much larger than the remainder of the canal, the necessary dilatation would
not be obtained by means of an antero-posterior dilatation without danger of
rupturing the anterior or membranous portion.
The varieties of instruments just described, both Oberlander and Kollmann,
are all used with a rubber cover or sheath to prevent their blades from pinch-
DILATORS
185
ing the urethral mucous membrane when closing them and thus causing trau-
matism (Figs. 182, 183). The Oberlander with a curve like a sound (No. 3)
is the best of the Oberlander group, while the antero-posterior Kollmann (No.
Fig. 183.
Figs. 182 and 183. — Rubber Sheaths Drawn Over the Dilators.
8) is the best of this group. Kollmann dilators are better than the Oberlander.
The posterior Kollmann (No. 9) is the best instrument for stretching the pros-
tatic portion of the urethra alone.
There are two other varieties of Kollmann dilators — one straight irrigating
instrument (Fig. 180, No. 11), and another curved dilating instrument with
an irrigating attachment (Fig. 184). These two instruments are naturally
made to use without a cover and do not pinch the mucous membrane of the
Fig. 184. — Kollmann Irrioatino Dilator.
urethra, as when they are closed the blades touch only at their inner angle. The
irrigating Kollmann has, in addition to the ordinary dilating instrument, a
hollow shaft for irrigating purposes, and a bell or guard to catch the irrigating
fluid as it escapes from the urethra.
Technique of Instrumentation. — The cover is drawn over the dilator. The
instrument is then dipped into glycerin or some other sterile lubricant that
mixes with water, such as lubrichondrin, and is passed into the urethra the same
as a sound. The straight instrument is only passed into the anterior urethra
until it is in a position perpendicular to the table (that is, at an angle of 90°),
when the dilatation is made.
The antero-posterior and the posterior Kollmann are passed into the bladder
186 TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTATION
in the same manner as a sound and are allowed to remain in the position that
they naturally assume, which is at an angle of about 45° with the table. The
dilatation is made in this position.
The dilator is steadied by its handle with the fingers of the left hand,
while those of the right hand grasp the wheel controlling the distention of
the blades, and slowly turn it to the right until the degree of dilatation desired
is indicated on the dial. But it must be remembered that if the patient
complains of pain, or if any undue resistance is felt, the dilatation should not
be pushed any farther. The dilator is left in place for a few minutes. It is
then closed by turning the wheel in the reverse direction, after which it is gently
withdrawn.
When the urethra is narrowed by a stricture, the No. 16 French Oberlander
may be the only dilator that will pass it, and the first dilatation, therefore, will
be up to No. 17 French. The average dilatation at the first treatment with the
Kollmann dilator can be said to be about No. 25 French.
The rule is to increase at subsequent treatments by one or two numbers of
the French scale each time. It must be remembered also that the two-bladed
dilator of Oberlander causes more tension than the four-bladed one of Koll-
mann, and that, consequently lower degrees of dilatation must be begun with it.
After a size of No. 32 or 35 French has been reached, the dilatation should be
increased very slowly, indeed, a fraction of a degree at a time.
The duration of the dilatation at each treatment should be about ten min-
utes up to No. 32 French; about fifteen minutes from No. 32 to 36 French,
and even longer with higher degrees of dilatation.
After dilating the urethra by means of dilators, the canal should be irri
gated with some antiseptic solution, unless the irrigating Kollmann is used.
In using the irrigating Kollmann dilator (Fig. 184), it is passed in the same
way as the other dilators until its curve corresponds with that of the urethra.
The outflow tubing from the reservoir or douche bag is then connected with
the nozzle on the handle portion of the instrument, and the solution runs
through a central hollow shaft and escapes from slits in its sides, thus irrigat-
ing the urethra and running out along the sides of the instrument against the
bell and then into a receptacle, such as a douche pan, placed beneath the patient's
buttocks, or some other pan placed between the legs. It is a most satisfactory
instrument.
The irrigating Kollmann dilator is of a rather complicated construction. It
can be boiled, or at least its lower portions can be, and the mechanism at the
handle is open so that it can be frequently cleaned and oiled.
The care of dilators is important, as the surgeon will find that, unless they
are well cared for, they rust and get out of order. They should always be
opened to their fullest extent after using, should be thoroughly cleansed and
dried, especially at the joints and cross pieces, and should be wiped with a very
DILATORS 187
thin coat of vaselin and kept free from dust. Some prefer to clean the dilators,
after they have been used, with liquid soap, and to wipe them with alcohol.
The covers should be kept in a cool place, free from moisture and covered with
talcum. Talcum can also be dusted into the covers before applying them to the
dilators, but this is not a good plan, inasmuch as the powder clogs the joints.
The dilators with their covers can be sterilized in a formalin sterilizer. With
care a cover lasts about a dozen treatments.
CHAPTER IX
URETHROSCOPY
The visual examination of the urethra through a metal tube by means of an
artificial light reflected into it, or by means of a lamp in the distal part of
the tube near its end, has been one of the greatest advances in modem urology.
Desormeux, in 1853, was the first to devise a urethroscope of any value.
He used a tube illuminated by a lamp, the rays from which were thrown into
the urethra by means of mirrors. Various other modifications were then made,
using reflected light, until Nitze, in 1878, constructed an instrument which
later became known as the Nitze-Ober] Under, in which the urethral field was
illuminated by means of a lamp in tlie tube. Since then, many modifications
have been brought oitt, siich as the Antal, Casper, Chetwood, Fenwick, Gorel,
Klotz, Mark, Otis, Powell and Valentine, the most practical of which were
those that had the lamp in the tube.
Urethroscopy was revolutionized and made simple by the introduction of
the Mignon lamp by Drs. Koch and Preston of Rochester. This lamp \yas prac-
tically cold and was inserted into the tube on a carrier. Chetwood, Valentine
and myself were among the first to use this variety of illumination in the ure-
throscope.
The urethroscope which bears my name consists of a tube six inches long
and rounded at the distal end ; but the remaining part of the tube, extending
-^
from this point to the disk at its proximal end, has its lower arc transformed
into a glitter which is not separated from the remainder of the tube.
The illuminating apparatus consists of a thin rod or wire carrier, at the
rRETHROSCOPT 189
distal end of which ia the Mignon lamp. At the proximal end of the carrier is
the handle which has a switch for the light and two posts to which a cable ia at-
tached, the other end of which cable is connected with an electric current derived
either from a portable storage battery or from the street. The turning of the
switch lights the lamp at the end of the carrier. Along the gutter of the tube,
the electric lamp, at the distal extremity of its carrier, is passed almost to
Fio. 187. — PoETABLE Battery for the Gditekab Urethroscope.
the end of the instrument. In this position it does not interfere with the view
and yet it gives a perfect illumination of the urethral field. There are several
190
URETHROSCOPY
a UaGTHHoacopy a
tubes, varying in size from 22 to 28 French. A tube of 28 French, or even
larger, is preferable in- uretliroscopy.
The tubes of this urethroscope can be introduced into the deep and the pos-
terior urethra with greater ease than those of any other straight instrument,
on account of the round-
ing of the lower part
of the tube when it curves
over the bottom of the in-
strument.
The battery providing
electricity for illuminating
tlie urethroscope is one
of from four to nine dry cells, provided with a rheostat controlling the current.
Such batteries may bo obtained in cases which liave space for the carrying of
urethroscopie tubes, light carriers and lamps and cables. Fig. 187 shows the
battery made for the author's urethroscope. When the street current is available,
a controller which regulates the current must bo employed (Fig. 188). Care
should always be taken to test the controller before making the connection with
the lamp, as the rheostat at times burns out and when the little lamp is connected
it is instantly destroyed by an excess of current Another precaution in using
the controller is always to turn off the current in the socket of the fixture to
which the controller is attached as soon as the use of the apparatus is discon-
tinued. This prevents overheating ia the controller and prolongs the life of
this appliance.
The battery or controller is connected with the light carrier by means of an
insulated cord, the end of which fits into the hard-rubber handle of the car-
rier. A milled screw in the handle of the carrier shuts off or connects the lamp
of the urethroscope.
In addition to the instruments, the source of light and the controller, the
surgeon should provide himself with glycerin in a wide-mouthed vessel for
lubrication and with a number of applicators about nine inches long. Metallic
applicators are the best for both swabbing out tlic canal and making ai>-
plications. The advantage of the metal applicators is that they have a
special end which prevents the cotton from coming off in the tube and also
because some of tJieni are so fine near the end that, with a thin layer of cot-
ton about them, they can be introduced into small areas for the a])pIication of
solution.
A number of very useful instruments, for intranrethral treatment through
the endoscopic tube, have also been devised by Kollmann and others. These
include a pipetle with a rubber bulb at its end for removing drops of secretion
from the urethral glands ; probes ; silver cannulas which acn^w to a small syringe
by means of which local injection of nitrate of silver can be made; a set of
URETHROSCOPY
191
minute knives for dividing strictures or urethral bands; and a urethral snare
(Fig. 189).
Physicians who wish a special instrument for the posterior urethra will find
one in the urethroscope of Dr. G. K. Swinburne of New York, constructed on
lo. 189.— Cask o
INTBADRITBRAI. iNBTRUMBim.
c^
_^
Fio. I89ft.— Cannula
UaBD fOB Injectcnu
Glands and Fqlli-
^
Flo. 189c. UaKTHRAL Khites.
POLTPDH SNA BE.
192 UEETHEOSCOPT
very much the eame pattern and by the same company. It is 16 cm, long and
has a beak 2 cm. in length. The size used is No. 28 as a rule (Fig. 190).
■^s?^
%t>
Fio. 190. — SwiNBnBKE'a PoansaiOB Urbthrobcopb.
t
The Buerger cysto-uretliroscope gives a fine view of the prostatic urethra
on all sides aud is constructed on entirely different lines from the cylindrical
Fta. 191. — Tqb Boaun-Bubbobb Cibto-ubethroscopb.
urothroacopcB (Fig. 191). The ejaculatory and prostatic ducts, veru mon-
tanimi and all portions of the prostatic urethra can be seen.
TECHNIQUE OF DRETHROSCOPY
The patient is placed either in the dorsal position, with his shoulders ele-
vated, or, if preferred, in a sitting posture with his body at an angle of 67^°
with the table. His feet rest in inverted stirrups below the surface of the table
on either side. If the urethroscopy is to be followed by cystoscopy, as it some-
times is, he can be placed at once in the cystoscopic position.
The examiner then sits in front of the patient between his legs. He takes
the urethroscope with his right hand, in such a way that his thumb is on the
obturator and bis fore- and middle finger on either side of the tube behind the
disk. He dips it into glycerin, opens the meatus with the thumb and forefinger
of his left hand and inserts the tube into and down tlie urethra as far as the
bulb, while he steadies and slightly stretches the penis with his left band (fig.
URETHROSCOPIC CONDITIONS.
Fio. 1, — Appearance of the urethra after a rourse FiG. 7. — Longjluilinal section of the normal iire-
of treatment by electrolysis. thra. showinft the tosaa naviculariH above; two
Fio. 2. — .\ngioma ot the urethra occupying only a lar^ urethral follicles (crypta of MorgaRni)
segment of the canal. lower down. Numerous orifices of smaller fol-
Fia. 3. — Pedunculated polyp of the urethra. lielca are also seen, showing the difficulty of
Flo. 4. — Normal veru montanum, anterior portion. thoroughly treating all these small openings
FiQ. 5. — Normal view of the urethral bulb. when involved in chronic urethritis.
Flo. a.^Normal view of the largest portion of the Fia. 8. — Congbmeratp polypoid (p'tmulations.
1©4 URETHROSCOPY
obscuring the field. The swabs are made by winding sufficient cotton around
the end of an applicator to have a wad one sixth to one quarter of an inch in
diameter. Several of these should be always ready to use in doing urethroscopy.
The canal is swabbed until dry (Fig. 193). The lamp and its carrier, with the
cable attaclied, is then introduced into the tube and fastened to the pins on the
disk. The current is then turned on, and tlie examiner puts his eye to the ocular
end of the tube and proceeds to inspect the urethral field, holding the urethro-
scope with the right hand and the organ with the left. Fig. 194 shows the
position for examining the anterior urethra, whereas Fig, 195 shows the posi-
tion for examining the posterior part of the canal.
Flo. 194, — PoBrnoN in Ekamininq the Atrnimoii Ubbtbiu. (After Luya.)
The Normal Urethra. — In onler to make a correct diagnosis of urethral
lesions with the aid of the urethroscope, one must be tlioroughly familiar with
the normal urethra. An imjiortaiit fact to bear in mind is tliat the urethra
varies normally in appearance, both according to the degree of anemia and
hyperemia, and according to the particular part which is under observation.
It may be pale red, moderately red or deep red. Tlie paler tints have some-
times a grayish or a yellowish tinge. The pressure of the urethroscopie tube,
especially when it is too large for the canal, and when it presses against one
URETHROSCOPIC CONDITIONS.
FlQ- l-
Mc „_ -. - -
inRamcd gliuids of Littr^.
Fio. 2.— Chronically inflamed crypt o( MorRagni
which can be cured only by appliciitions of
eiectrolyaia.
Fig, 3, — Appearance of Litlr^'a glands during a
chronic suppurative prooees.
Fia. 4. — Combined cystic and suppurative con-
dition of the glands 6f Littr^. This sbowa
the necessity of dilatations in such a con-
FiQ, 5.— The same condition as in Fig. 4.
Fia. 6. — .4 very lai^ cyat of Littr^'a gland which
gave way under dilatation.
Fig. 7.- — Normal appearance of a large crypt of
Morgaftni of a "V" ahape.
Fjo. 8. — Strieture of the urethra. Mucous mem-
brane is seen to be darker with rigid walb
invaded by fibroua tissue. Very inelastic. ■
FiQ. 9. — Soft infiltrate of the bulbous urethra, a '
typical case. There is a pufliness resembling-
hemorrhoids.
Fig. 10. — Sessile poiyp in the bulbar region.
Fig. 11. — Small polyp situated on the edge o{ a
large crypt of Morgagni.
TECHNIQUE OF URETHROSCOPY 195
side of the urethra, produces a local anemia which the beginner must learn to
recognize.
Various regions of the urethra present certain important features which
must be remembered. Near tlie glans, that ia, in the region of the fossa navicu-
laris, the lining of the canal is very pale and smooth. Beginning with the re-
gion behind the fossa and extending throughout the anterior urethra, the mucosa
is thrown into longitudinal folds which are necessary for allowing the canal
to be distended when filled with urine. The size of these folds varies in dif-
ferent individuals, as does the size of the j>enis and the urethra. The longi-
tudinal folds ap])ear in the urethroscope between radiating lines from the cen-
tral depression which represents the lumen of the canal. Frequently the
pressure of the tube so distends these folds that they are more or less obliterated.
Aa the urethra, when undisturbe<I, is in a collapsed state, the introduction of
the tube widens the part immediately behind the end, that is, the part we are
looking at in the form of a funnel whose narrow portion is constituted by the
lumen of the undisturbed part of the canal. If we look into the tube, there-
fore, and if we hold it so that the lumen is central, we are looking into the
funnel whose walls are formed by the radiating folds of the spreading mucosa.
The latter are, naturally, most marked toward the bottom of the funnel and are
obliterated where the edges of the tube touch the mucosa. The central depres-
sion at the bottom of the funnel should always he carefully noted, as it varies
considerably. Thus, in the bulb wliere we begin the examination, the inferior
wall of the funnel bulges upward so that there ia a central depression shaped
like a Y whose angles are roimded. Aa we advance into the cavernous part of
the urethra, the central depression becomes smaller and forms either a horizon-'
196 URETHKOSCOPY
tal slit or a small circular figure. Finally, in the region of the glans the lumen
assumes the shape of a vertical slit which sometimes appears as an oval figure.
In addition to the folds, we have in the normal urethra certain radiating
striations which are specially noticeable in the cavernous portion when there is
a good blood supply and when the urethroscopic tube is sufficiently large. These
striations are of a pale or yellowish red. In persons with robust constitutions
and plentiful blood supply, one also sees minute branched vessels coursing
through the mucous membrane.
In the normal urethra, the surgeon should learn to distinguish three kinds
of glandular openings: (1) The mouths of the ducts of Cowper's glands. These
are not always visible, but should be looked for in the lower wall of the bul-
bous portion, at the bottom of the folds of the mucosa. (2) The urethral fol-
licles are widely scattered over the anterior wall (upper wall) of the urethra
and should be looked for in the cavernous or bulbous portions by gently press-
ing the mouth of the tube against the anterior wall and carefully going over the
canal. They look like minute depressions of the size of the head of a pin or
smaller, sometimes of the same color as the mucosa around them, but oftener
of a dark red with a still darker center or depression. We shall see that, in
chronic urethritis, they may be materially altered. (3) Littre's glands, which
are very numerous and scattered throughout the canal, are only visible when
diseased, but they remain in evidence a long time after the urethritis is cured.
All these different characteristics of the normal urethra are far less evident
in anemic and debilitated individuals than in persons with robust constitutions.
It must be remembered that, when it is desirable to examine the posterior
urethra, this should be done before examining the anterior portion of the canal
by inserting the instrument at once through the membranous into the prostatic
portion. The urethroscope is then slowly withdrawn, examining from behind
forward, as has been described.
Pathological Conditions. — Other important factors in urethroscopy include
the localization of lesions along the canal in urethras of large size in which no
strictures are present. One of the important lesions which should be detected
with the urethroscope, if present, is a polyp of the mucosa for which urethras
are frequently dilated for a long time, under the impression that it is a nar-
rowing of the canal. Simple and tubercular ulcers, erosiohs, granular patches
and the dilated glandular ducts can also be seen.
Tubercular ulcers occur in the urethra, although rarely. Soft and hard
chancres are always situated near the meatus and can be easily seen without the
urethroscope.
In strictures, urethroscopy serves to show the narrowing and the presence
near by of chronic congestion or inflammation. Unfortunately, the tube which
has to be used in most cases of stricture is so small that it does not allow us to
examine the field very minutely.
TECHNIQUE OF URETHROSCOPY 197
Uretiiroscopic Treatment of Pathological Conditions. — Foreign
bodies in the urethra can be detected through the urethroscope and occasionally
removed by introducing alligator forceps, grasping them and pulling them out
through the tube. Polyps can be removed from the urethra by means of a snare ;
ulcerated surfaces and granular patches can be curetted and cauterized; the
dilated ducts of urethral glands can be cauterized and destroyed by electrolysis
or slit up with minute knives.
Urethroscopy is of great value' in the diagnosis of the lesions of chronic
urethritis, showing as it does the stage of the disease and the type of the lesions
present. This subject, however, is discussed in the chapter on Chronic Ure-
thritis, to which the reader is referred for further particulars.
There is a certain amount of difficulty in learning to do urethroscopy and
in interpreting wliat is found. The procedure requires much patience, practice
and precision. In order to become skilled in it, one must examine a large num-
ber of cases, remembering always that the introduction of the urethroscope is
contraindicated in all acute conditions. It is a question whether urethroscopy
is of such great practical importance as has been stated by some authors. In
the majority of cases, I have gained nothing from my examinations with the
urethroscope and have often felt that the work has been a loss of time. In most
instances, nothing is seen but a slightly granular condition of the urethra in
certain localities, or else areas of chronic inflammation which can only be
treated by dilatation and irrigation. Occasionally we see something of im-
portance like a polyp of the urethra and then we feel how important it is to
urethroscope all patients with chronic urethral trouble as a matter of routine.
CHAPTER X
CYSTOSCOPY
Cystoscopy is at the present day a practical procedure. During the last
twenty-five years of the nineteenth century, many investigators who were in-
terested in urinary diseases were bending their energies to discover some instru-
ment that would reveal to them the character of the interior of the bladder and
the ureters leading to the kidneys. When such instruments were finally made
practical, the advance became very rapid, so that to-day the bladder can be ex-
plored by every conceivable visual apparatus; and, although w^e can see what
we consider necessary for us in urinary work, the probabilities are that in a few
years this procedure wull be looked upon as crude and behind the times. It
is well to consider what cystoscopy is ; the diflferent instruments that were used
in the past and are used at present, as well as the details of performing cysto-
scopic examinations.
The cystoscope (from cystis, bladder and skopein, to view) is a tube fitted
with lenses, or lenses and prisms, for viewing the interior of the bladder when
illuminated with an electric lamp.
While cystoscopy is essentially a method of examining the bladder, it also
shows the vesical aspect of the prostate and, through the inspection of the ure-
teral orifices and the urine coming from the ureters, it aids in diagnosing dis-
eases of the kidneys.
It must always be borne in mind that the object of cystoscopy is to examine
the bladder, and that it is not done for the purpose of catheterizing the ureters,
unless clinical and urinary evidence point to ureteral or renal involvement.
fflSTORY OF CYSTOSCOPY
The early attempts at cystoscopy were combined with those to illuminate
the urethra. The first of these dates from 1805, when Bozzini, of Frankfort,
invented an apparatus which was meant to illuminate the urethra and bladder.
A number of attempts of similar character were made Avith little success until
Desormeux, Furstenheim and Cruise (1853-65) constructed the first endo-
scopes that made an examination of the bladder possible. In 1867, Briick, a
dentist in Breslau, devised an instrument for examining the mouth, called
198
HISTORY OF CYSTOSCOPY I99
a stomatoscope, which was illuminated by means of an incandescent platinum
loop, heated to white heat by means of a galvanic current, and later constructed
another for examining the bladder, called a diaphanoscope. Although it was
found to be unpractical, it is interesting, because the Nitze instruments, which
are now in use, are constructed on the same principles.
In 1876, Xitze devised an electric cystoscope and urethroscope, and demon-
strated the instrument in 1877. This cystoscope was later improved and sim-
plified by Leiter of Vienna, so that the first electric cystoscope bears the name
of Nitze-Leiter and the date of 1879. The lighting device of this cystoscope
was also an incandescent platinum loop which was surrounded by a stream of
water so as to keep the end of the instrument cool. A flow of water was neces-
sary to keep the temperature of the beak of the instrument below the danger
line. The original Xitze-Leiter cystoscope was complicated, cumbersome and
imsatisfactory in many respects.
In 1879, Edison first patented his incandescent lamp, which revolutionized
the methods of constructing illuminating instnmients in general and cystoscopes
in particular. Since then, the incandescent lamp system has been used in
cystoscopy.
In 1887, came the introduction of the cystoscopes of Nitze and loiter, both
constructed on similar principles, and also the direct cystoscope of Brenner,
which have served as models for all the cystoscopes since devised. These cys-
toscopes had shafts shaped like a coude catheter and were of the observation type
for viewing the interior of the bladder through a water medium.
Catheterization of the Ureters. — The steps leading up to the catheterization
of the ureters began at about the time that Xitze, Leiter and Brenner had per-
fected their observ^ation cystoscopes in 1887 and were not associated with
cystoscopy.
Iverson, in 1888, began to catheterize the ureters by opening the bladder
suprapubically and thus reaching their mouths, while Bozeman reached them
through a vesico-vaginal opening; these procedures were in the line of major
operations and consequently dangerous in character.
At about the same time, in the development of ureteral catheterism, Pawlick
(Wiener Med. Pressc, 1886) found that, by placing a woman in the genu-
pectoral position, he could lift up the posterior vaginal wall with a speculum
and expose to view the anterior wall; then, having introduced a catheter into
the bladder, he could guide the point of the instrument by his finger in the
vagina until it reached the ureteral orifice, when he could push it into the
ureter. This procedure was exceedingly difficult of execution, rather dangerous
on accoimt of the blind manner in which it was performed, and, of course, only
applicable in women.
Later, Kelly, of Baltimore, modified the method that had been employed
without much success by Pawlick and devised a method of catheterizing the
200
. CYSTOSCOPY
ureters, familiar to us all, which consisted in passing a tube through the urethra
into the bladder, illuminating its interior by reflected light from a head mirror,
and searching for the ureters with the aid of a long stilet which served to unfold
the bladder. When the ureteral orifices had been found, the stilet was re-
placed by a catheter.
It was not, however, until 1892 that catheterization was performed through
a cystoscope and then by means of the direct instrument. The first of these
was that of Brenner in 1892; then that of Nitze in 1895, of Casper in 1896
and finally the Nitze- Albarran in 1897.
A COMPARATIVE CONSIDERATION OF MODERN CYSTOSCOPES
Having gone over our historical review and found that the principal men
to whom we are indebted for early knowledge of the examination of the bladder
were Nitze, Brenner, Feilwick, Pawlick, Kelly, Casper and Albarran, let us con-
sider the later work along these lines.
We will put first on our list Brenner and Nitze, as the two leaders in the
respective lines of direct and indirect cystoscopy.
Brenner's direct instrument (Fig. 196) was perfected in 1887 and was the
first direct-observation cystoscope of practical value for examining the bladder
^
Fig. 196. — Brenner s Observation and Catheterizino Ctstoscopb.
through a water medium. The instrument had an optical apparatus consisting
of a telescope, which looked straight into the bladder without requiring any
prisms to reflect the image.
The First Direct-Observation, Irrigating and Gatheterizing Cystoscope. —
In 1892, Brenner added a small separate compartment on the convex side of
his instrument which contained a mandrel. The mandrel could be withdrawn
and the bladder washed out through this channel, or a catheter could be intro-
duced through it into a ureter. The instrument could also be slipped out over
this catheter, leaving it in the ureter. It was for a long time considered the
best instrument for ureteral and kidney work in women. The Brenner instru-
ment was thus transformed from an observation cystoscope to an irrigating, and
a single catheterizing cystoscope, which marked the greatest achievement up to
that time in cystoscopy.
The Indirect Cystoscope. — The steady improvement of the indirect instru-
ment in the hands of Nitze, Casper, Leiter, Fenwick and others, made the
CONSIDERATION OF MODERN CYSTOSCOPES
201
indirect cystoscope of the Nitze type more useful than the direct. The advan-
tage of the indirect instrument was that a better view of the whole bladder
interior could be obtained, especially of the anterior wall.
The Construction of the Nitze Cystoscope. — The Nitze cystoscope
(Fig. 197) consists of an elbowed tube, having at its vesical end, in the elbow,
Fio. 197. — Nitze's Observation Cystoscope.
an electric lamp, contained in a metal sheath which is fenestrated upon its an-
terior surface. Close to the elbow, upon the upper surface of the straight por-
tion of the tube, is a prism, which lies so that the hypothenuse, which is silvered,
forms a mirror and reflects the rays of light entering the prism from the blad-
der into the lumen of the cystoscopic tube. In this, Jby means of an arrange-
ment of lenses similar to those of a telescope, the rays are transmitted to the
eye applied at the ocular end of the cystoscope. Owing to the fact that a prism
is employed as a mirror, we obtain an inverted image. This, at first, may lead
to some confusion; but, after a little practice, it will be found that one grows
sufficiently accustomed to this change to be able to disregard it entirely. To over-
come the difficulty of dealing with the inverted image, the use of the straight-
tube telescopic cystoscope, minus the prism, has been advocated by Brenner and
others. All the instruments of the Brenner type, while giving us an image in
its proper relative position, have the disadvantage that there are parts of the
bladder wall which cannot be brought into the field of vision. The indirect
cystoscopes made by the Wappler Company now have a correcting appliance
in their telescopes by means of which the image is seen as it naturally exists,
that is, not inverted.
The Observation, Irrigating, Catheterizing Indirect Cystoscope. — Nitze
added an irrigating apparatus to his cystoscope, making an irrigating instru-
Fio. 198. — Nitze's Irrigating Cystoscope, Showing the Nozzles for the Entrance and Exit
OP the Solutions.
ment (Fig. 198). Later he made further improvements, enabling him to treat
and operate on bladder lesions and crush stones and remove foreign bodies. He
also added a channel to his instrument through which a catheter could be passed
into a ureter. Nitze, then, advanced a step beyond Brenner, in that he had
202
CYSTOSCOPY
combined (1) observation cystoscope, (2) irrigating cystoscope, (3) single-
catheterizing cystoscope, (4) operating cystoscope and (5) photographing
cystoscope.
Nitze Operating and Photographic Cystoscope (Fig. 199). — The cautery
snare is used to cauterize the base of groM^ths in the bladder.
FiQ. 199. — Nitze's Operatinq Cystoscope, Showing the Snare and Lithotrite.
The lithotrite can be used for crushing small stones, while the evacuator
washes out the fragments.
The photographic cystoscope requires much care and rarely produces photo-
graphs which will repay one for the time expended upon them.
Mechanism for Influencing the Direction of the Ureteral Catheter. — The
Nitze cystoscope was a better one for catheterizing the ureters, as it could not
only show the ureters in women as well as the direct instrument, but in men it
could turn its beak over the base of an enlarged prostate and catheterize the
ureter when it could not be done with a direct instrument. It was, however,
exceedingly difficult to introduce a catheter into the ureter by means of Nitze's
indirect cystoscope. Cas^x^r modified Nitze's instrument and constructed a slot
along the concave shaft of the instrument, which helped to give a turn or bend
to the catheter, thus facilitating its entrance into the ureter.
Albarran modified Nitze's catheterizing instnnuent by constructing a lever
upon the concave surface of the shaft at the point where the catheter comes out,
which can change its direction by the turning of a screw on the side of the cysto-
scope. This lever in Albarran's instrument is a little tongue of metal which is
controlled by the screw near the handle, by means of which the end of the cathe-
ter can be pushed away from the prism or lamp and straighten out at any angle
to the cystoscope the operator desires. Albarran's instrument, in addition, had
CONSIDERATION OF MODERN CYSTOSCOPES 203
an irrigating attachment somewhat similar in construction to that seen in the
newer types of Nitze's catheter izing cystoscope (Fig. 200).
Fig. 200. — Nitze-Albarran Catheterizino Cystoscope, Showing the Lever for Moving thb
Ends of the Catheters toward the Ureteral Openings.
The Air Direct-Observation and Single-Catheterizing Cystoscope. — At
about the time that the Nitze-Albarran cystoscope was considered the highest
development of the combined observation and catheterizing instruments, the
catheterizing of the ureters was still considered a mysterious, sleight-of-hand
trick, and was not believed possible by many practitioners, who were inclined to
put in the fakir class anyone who professed to be able to do it. Indeed, so won-
derful was it considered, that the announcement that a lecture on catheteriza-
tion of the ureters was to be given with a demonstration of the same was suffi-
cient to pack an amphitheater.
How strange it must have seemed to the unbelievers of the profession to see
a direct cystoscope put upon the market (by an instrument company in Roches-
ter, X. Y.), which was not only capable of showing the ureters in a bladder
dilated with air, but by means of which the ureters could be catheterized even
by the lay salesman who sold it! It seemed then that cystoscopy had been
brought to such a simple form that any practitioner could examine the interior
of the bladder and perform a ureteral catheterization. It was found, however,
on trying the instrument, that such was not the case and that a knowledge of
the subject on the part of the best physician or surgeon did not avail as much
as practice in the hands of a lay agent of the company. Many of these so-called
direct-air cystoscopes could be used by means of a water medium as well as by
air. Since then air cystoscopes have been used in France, and much improved
by Luys and Cathelin.
The air cystoscope consists of a tube which has in its upper wall a smaller
passage for the conduction of a wire that connects with the electric lamp and on
its lower or convex wall another tube for the introduction of the urethral cathe-
ter. The light from the lamp emerges through a glass window, in the convexity
of the main tube near its end. The lamp, when burned out, is removable by
imscrewing the tip and pulling it out. To facilitate the introduction of the
cystoscope, an obturator is furnished, which closes the distal orifice and pre-
vents scraping of the membrane against the edges of the opening. A glass-
covered cap may be placed over the ocular end to enable the operator to dis-
tend the bladder forcibly with air, when that condition is not effected by
posture. The inflation is made by a rubber bulb attached to a stop cock.
204 CYSTOSCOPY
The instrument resembles somewhat the megalescope of Boisseau du Kochet
(Fig. 201).
The Cold Lamp. — The use of cystoscopy by air dilatation was first made
possible by the production of a diminutive incandescent lamp, practically heat-
<Z~P
Fig. 201. — A Direct Air Ctstoscope op American Make.
less, by E. C. Preston of Rochester. lie first began to manufacture it for
throwing light into the nostrils, by using it on a long holder for illuminating
the mouth and throat, and also attached it to a tongue depressor. Later, working
with Dr. Koch of liochester, they applied it to urethroscopes and cystoscopes,
calling it the Mignon lamp.
As soon as the cold lamps were introduced, I had them placed in all of my
imported cystoscopes — the Xitze, Albarran, Leiter and Fenwick — and have
been using them as cold-lamp cystoscopes since that time. The cold lamps do
not give as powerful a light, however, as the hot lamps, and at times superficial
ulcerations might be overlooked. The cold lamps have been very much im-
proved since they were first introduced and are now much more powerful and
durable.
It is claimed that it radiates so little heat that it may be held within a quar-
ter inch of live tissues for an indefinite period without any discomfort, to say
nothing of pain. It is really this property of the electric lamp that made the
air instrument feasible. A hot lamp requires the protection of fluid before it
can be safely introduced into the bladder. Thus, the use of fluid is eliminated,
together with its several disadvantages, such as rapid clouding by inflowing pus
or blood, etc.
From the brief description given, it is evident that the air instrument is ex-
tremely simple, which, I believe, is one of its chief advantages. Its freedom
from complexity relieves it from many of the sources of difficulties encountered
in the use of the older forms. Many of them have no lenses between the eye
and the subject of investigation. Lenses must be perfect in order to be of any
service whatever, and perfection in them is both expensive and difficult of attain-
ment ; also, after perfection has been attained, the usefulness of the instrument
may be destroyed in an instant by their displacement in the slightest degree.
The Combined Observation and Double-Catheterizing Cystoscope. — The
advance in cystoscopy next turned to perfecting the double-catheterization appa-
CONSIDERATION OF MODERN CYSTOSCOPES
205
ratus which had been devised by Boisseau du Kochet some time before this. The
catheterizing apparatus consisted of a double tube, or else a single tube divided
in two parts by a partition. In either case, two ureteral catheters could be
placed in the cystoscope at the same time. Such an arrangement for the carry-
ing of two catheters was incorporated in both the direct and indirect instruments.
Direct-catheterizing cystoscopes through a water medium were brought out
in this country by Ayres, Brown, Cabot, Kolisher, Schmidt, myself and others,
while that of the indirect type was first brought out by Bierhoff. The addition
of the double-catheter channel, however, did not interfere with the observation
purpose of the instruments any more than when the single-catheterizing tube
was used.
The first direct-observation and double-catheferizing cystoscope of American
make was brought out by Brown of Xew York. It was manufactured by
Wappler of the Wappler Electric Controller Company, of this city. The shaft
Fio. 202. — The Brown Cy8TO»cope. Below is the shaft with its obturator, and above it is the direct
telescope showing the catheters in their grooves.
of this instrument was constructed on the same plan as that of the direct-ob-
servation type and the light showed through a window in the convex side of the
beak. The instrument, like that of the observation type, was introduced into
the bladder with a mandrel in place. After the end of the instrument was in
the bladder, the mandrel was withdrawn and the telescope carrying the catheter
was introduced. It now has a double passage in order to carry two catheters
(Fig. 202).
Indirect-Observation and Double-Catheterizing Cystoscope. — Bierhoif was
the first in this country to construct a double-catheterizing cystoscoim of the in-
FiQ. 203. — BiERHOPy's Indirect Catheterizinq Cystoscope.'
direct type. (Med. News, March 8, 1902.) The size of the instrument is 23
French. It is arranged for double-current irrigating.
It is a modification of the improved Nitze-Albarran catheterizing cystoscope
and consists of a cystoscope U|)on which is the movable catheterizing portion.
206
CYSTOSCOPY
(See Fig. 203.) The latter contains two separate tubes in which the catheters
pass and which terminate at the outer end in two separate cannulae capped by
the usual screw caps. At the inner end they terminate in two small, movable
tongue, finger or knee mechanisms, which are controlled and moved by the
large screw, as in the single-catheterizing instrument. There are also two stop-
cocks to replace the screw caps upon the cannulse, when the double-current irri-
gation is to be employed. The catheterizing portion, being movable, can be
sterilized by boiling. The cystoscope itself must be sterilized by formalin vapor
or by immersion in an antiseptic solution (Holstein solution).
FiQ. 204. — BiujfSFOBD Lewis Cystoscope.
1, The shaft.
f . The direct observation part.
5. Direct catheterixing.
4. Retrograde vision.
6. Indirect observation.
6, Indirect catheterizing.
CONSIDERATION OF MODERN CYSTOSCOPES 207
The first direct-observation and double-catheterizing air cystoseope in this
country, was that of Bransford Lewis, made by one of the Rochester companies
(Fig. 204). This was shortly afterwards made into a water cystoseope and is
manufactured by Kny-Scheerer. It is a very complete instrument and is to-day
probably the cystoseope that has more additional contrivances for bladder work
than any other.
The Combined Direct and Indirect Teaching Cystoseope. — Five years ago
I had a combined direct and indirect observation cystoseope constructed for
examining the interior of the bladder. The need of such an instrument was
shown to me by the difficulty that practitioners encounter in making a thorough
and systematic examination of the bladder which is so important for bladder
diagnosis, and for familiarizing oneself with the position and appearance of the
mouths of the ureters before using the catheterizing cystoseope.
For a long time cystoscopy was not taken up in the United States, although
it was quite extensively practiced in Europe. The two principal reasons for the
neglect of this important step in diagnosis were the price of the imported in-
strument and the lack of teachers in cystoscopy, such as could be found in Berlin
and Paris.
Eventually genito-urinary surgeons visited Berlin and Paris to acquire the
knowledge and art in which they found they were lacking. Finally the instru-
ment-makers and electricians in the United States, principally Wappler in New
York and Preston in Rochester, through the suggestions of surgeons interested
in cystoscopy, started to manufacture cystoscopes and they have placed very
satisfactory and creditable instruments on the market.
At the time, however, when the American manufacturers began to intro-
duce their instruments, the cystoscopists in Europe had passed through the
period of observation cystoscopy and were interested in the catheterizing in-
struments. The result of this was that the catheterizing cystoscopes were prin-
cipally brought out in this country, and were bought by practitioners without
training in cystoscopy, who soon found themselves unfitted for the work. The
instruments then became toys which they could not use, and when trials were
made, it was generally for the purpose of endeavoring to pass catheters into the
ureter, in which undertaking they were usually unsuccessful, in consequence
of which most of them gave up cystoscopy as hopeless.
WTien I first started the cystoscopic room in my clinic nine years ago, I used
the Leiter and Nitze indirect-observation instruments. The assistants follow-
ing used a direct-observation and catheterizing instrument of American make,
with the result that they found numerous cases of papillomas of the bladder.
These proved to be from traumatism due to the rough manipulation of the tel-
escopic end of the direct cystoseope. Accordingly, I made a rule that no one
should do cystoscopic work until he had served a certain time as an assistant
in the cystoscopic room, washing out the bladder and preparing the cases
208
CYSTOSCOPY
for cystoscopy. After this no more vesical papillomas of this nature were
seen.
I also found that, with the development of the direct-catheterizing cystoscope,
the object of cystoscopy, that is, the examination of the interior of the bladder,
was lost sight of, and the men working in cystoscopy simply looked for the
ureters in order that they might catheterize them as a matter of practice.
Therefore I had this observation cystoscope made in order that the assistants
might learn to examine the bladder before taking up the catheterization of the
ureters and each man could spend six months on cystoscopy, three with the ob-
servation and three with the catheterizing instrument.
Description of the Cystoscope. — The teaching cystoscope is a com-
bination of Nitze, Brenner and Boisseau du Rochet instruments, or, more prop-
erly speaking, of F. Tilden Brown, Bransford Lewis and William K. Otis, with
modifications that have seemed to me practical, the principal one being the
elimination of the obturator as an unnecessary attachment.
My cystoscope consists of four parts (Fig. 205) : (1) A hollow shaft with a
lamp in its beak; (2) a combined obturator and indirect-observation telescope;
^^rr
£
<EI
3
4
Fia. 206. — GuiTBRAS Teaching Ctstoscopb.
1. Straight, hollow shaft for reception of the S. Direct telescopic tube.
telescopic tube. 4. Direct telescope with grooves for the
S. Indirect telescopic tube. catheters.
(3) a direct-observation telescope; and (4) a direct-observation telescope with
catheterizing attachment.
To go into the separate parts more in detail: (1) The first is a straight tube
with curved beak, in which there is an electric light that throws its rays both
from the convexity and concavity. It has an oi)en space on the straight part of
CONSIDERATION OF MODERN CYSTOSCOPES 209
the shaft near the concavity, serving as a window through which one can look
from the indirect visual part of the telescope that fits directly behind it.
(2) The second is a combined telescope and obturator with a visual ap-
paratus, the window of which is about one third of an inch from its end. The
end is solid, cut obliquely and of an angle that exactly fits in the distal ex-
tremity of the hollow tube which it fills, thus serving both as an obturator and
for indirect examinations.
(3) The third is a telescope similar to those in all the direct Wappler cys-
toscopes for the direct examination of the bladder, which, when pushed through
the hollow shaft, protrudes through the opening in its convexity.
(4) The catheterizing part closely resembles the direct telescopic portion,
excepting that it has on its surface a fin with a groove on either side of it. These
two grooves connect with the nozzles on the proximal end, through which the
catheters are inserted. The catheters then pass along the grooves to the end
of the instrument, being held in place by the inner wall of the hollow shaft as
far as its distal end, from which point they are pushed out into the ureters
when the instrument is in the bladder.
This instrument is very practical, as, with the indirect visual apparatus in-
serted, it answers the same purpose as a Nitze observation cystoscope. After
the bladder has been thoroughly examined by the indirect method, the indirect
apparatus is removed and the direct telescope of the instrument is introduced
for the corresponding examination. The cystoscope stands for my teachings in
cystoscopy during the last ten years : First, that a bladder should always be ex-
amined with the indirect cystoscope before the ureters are catheterized ; second,
the ureters are more easily catheterized by the direct cystoscope.
This instrument combines these two important principles. The straight,
hollow shaft with a curved beak can hold either the indirect or direct telescopes
(Xo. 1). When the indirect telescope is introduced, the solid beveled end
of the telescope fills the opening in the end or convexity of the shaft and they
enter in the same way as the former shafts did with the solid ends. At the
same time, the mirror near the end of the indirect telescope fits into the window
near the convexity, on the straight part of the shaft, in such a w^ay that a most
satisfactory indirect examination can be made.
Having thoroughly examined the bladder, the indirect telescope (No. 2)
is withdrawn and the direct telescope (No. 4) containing the catheters is in-
troduced into the shaft (No. 1) and its end protrudes from the opening in the
end of the shaft. The ureters are then catheterized. No. 3, the direct-
observation telescope, is only used in teaching the student to find the ureters.
There is an irrigating apparatus connected with the shaft (No. 1), into
which the direct telescope has been introduced. The bladder can consequently
be washed clean, examined thoroughly and the ureters catheterized without
removing the outer part of the instrument.
210 CYSTOSCOPY
The bladder can be washed out through the shaft of the instrument by al-
lowing the solution to run through the opening in one of the posts when neither
the direct nor indirect telescope is inserted, or through the same opening when
the direct telescope is in place.
TECHNIQXIE OF CYSTOSCOPY
The following practical part of this chapter has been the result of experience
gained in twenty years of cystoscopy. The work was principally done in the
Post-Graduate, Columbus and City hospitals. In my clinic at the Post-Gradu-
ate, we have done over 3,000 cystoscopies and ureteral catheterizations.
The following instruments and apparatus are required in cystoscopy :
(1) Cystoscopy
(2) Table with knee or leg rests.
(3) Battery; or, if street current is used, a controller.
(4) Soft-rubber and woven coude catheters, Nos. 12 to 16 French scale.
(5) Piston syringe, holding six ounces; or a fountain syringe.
(6) Ultzmann syringe for injecting cocain.
(7) Antiseptics: Bichlorid solution, 1:2^000; silver solution, 1:4,000;
boric-acid solution, 1 : 30.
(8) Cocain solution, 1 : 100.
(9) Glycerin as a lubricant.
(10) Test glass.
(11) Douche pan or Kelly pad to catch fluid.
(12) Slop jar at foot of table.
For sterilization of the cystoscope, catheters and above apparatus, see the
chapter on Asepsis and Antisepsis. The cystoscope should never be boiled
or placed in hot water. It may be sterilized in an emergency by placing
it for fifteen minutes in a two-per-cent solution of formalin. This solution we
prepare by adding two drachms of our stock office solution, called Holzien's
solution, to one pint of water. (Holzien's solution is composed of formalin,
sixty parts, and alcohol, forty parts.) Cystoscopes in the office are always kept
sterilized and ready for use. After using them, they are cleaned on the outside
with soap and water and then alcohol, wrapped in gauze and placed in Schering-
Glatz formalin sterilizer for ten minutes and allowed to remain in the gauze
until the next examination.
The catheters used for washing out the bladder should have been previously
sterilized. This is done by boiling the rubber ones, while the woven ones are
sterilized in the same manner as the cystoscopes. The author keeps the rubber
catheters in a muslin bag, in which they have been boiled, while the woven cathe-
ters are kept wrapped in the gauze in which they have been sterilized.
TECHNIQUE OF CYSTOSCOPY 211
Just prior to the examination, all instruments shoiikl be laid out on a sterile
towel, where they will be within easy reach of the examiner. Before doing a
cystoscopy, the instrument and the light should always be tested to see if they
work properly and to determine how much light will be necessary; the op-
tical part should be wiped with alcohol and dried with gauze. The urethra
should also be examined to see i£ it will admit the cystoscope. Nothing
is so exasperating as to prepare a patient for cystoscopy and find that
the lamp is burned out or that the cystoscope cannot pass through the
urethra.
It is well to have everything in readiness before the patient is brought into
the room. The table generally used in this country is one which will admit
of a certain position, that is, the body part at an angle of 135° with that part
which supports the thighs. There should bo
supports on each side, either upright lithot-
omy bars or knee rests.
If cystoscopy is to be performed in a
private house, it is advisable to send a port-
able metal table, which can be adjusted to
the position already referred to; tlie appa-
ratus referred to should also be sent.
The patient, if a male, is placed upon
the table in a reclining position, with his Fiq. 206.— Portable Table Uhed fob
head and shoulders sliurhtly elevated and Ctstoscopt in the Cuhic anb at
. PaiVATB HOVSEB.
feet extended. The clothing is removed
from the lower limbs, which are covered with clean towels, a sheet or flannel
stockings. The external genitals are thoroughly washed with soap and water,
followed by bichlorid solution 1 : 2,000 as for an ordinary surgical operation.
The operator prepares his hands by s<Tubbing and iuuuersing them in bichlorid
solution.
In the ease of a female patient, she is immediately placed in the gimecolog-
ical position, with her feet on the sides of the upright lithotomy bars, or else her
legs are supported by knee rests.
Waahing the Bladder. — The first step is to determine the bladder capacity
by the amount of urine voided, plus the amount of residual present; or else by
measuring the entire amount of fluid that can be tolerated when injected into
the empty bladder. A solution of boric acid, in the strength of one part of boric
acid to thirty of water, is used for washing out the bladder. In cystoscopic
work I usually have small packages consisting of half an ounce of boric acid
wrapped in a piece of sterile gauze, and in making my solution I put one of
these into a pint of hot water, or two into a quart. The solution is injected
through the outer cylinder of the cystoscope from a fountain syringe, after
removing the indirect telescope, or through a catheter from a six-ounce piston
212 CYSTOSCOPY
syringe, until the patient's bladder begins to feel full. This marks the subjec-
tive capacity of the bladder in a given case, and the amount so injected should
be noted for future reference. The more fluid a bladder holds, the more easily
it can be examined.
When the bladder feels full, the fluid is allowed to escape into the test
glass, its clearness or turbidity is noted and a fresh quantity is injected into
the bladder until the viscus is filled. This is repeated until the boric-acid
solution flows into the test glass perfectly clear. At times, this is not possible
when there is much pus in the bladder ; in such cases, we wash until we get as
clear a washing as possible, and then hasten the examination for fear the blad-
der fluid will become clouded again before we see its interior. I have fre-
quently washed out a bladder for an hour and a half without obtaining a fluid
medium sufficiently clear for an examination. This usually occurs in cases of
I)us kidney or sacculated bladder.
The test glass is a small glass such as is used for mineral water, or else an
ordinary tumbler.
Filling the Bladder. — ^When the washing of the bladder results in the dis-
charge of a clear fluid through the catheter, the organ is tilled with as much
fluid as can be introduced without causing hematuria. The desired amount of
distention for cystoscopy is 150 to 200 c.c. (5 to 6 oz.) of fluid in male cases,
and 200 to 300 c.c. (6 to 10 oz.) in female.
Introducing the Cystoscope. — The instrument, having been well lubricated
with glycerin, is then passed into the bladder, practically the same tecli-
nique being used as in introducing metallic sounds. Very often the in-
strument glides into the urethra dowTi to the cut-off muscle, w^here it meets
resistance, due to a certain amount of spasm whicli takes place if the posterior
urethra is involved and tender. The cystoscopist must not attempt to push the
cystoscope through this muscle, for if he does it may be attended by a certain
amount of hemorrhage which would blur tlie vision ; therefore, he should hold
the instrument against the muscle, exerting gentle pressure, and soon it w411
be felt to relax and the instrument will glide through into the posterior urethra
and then through the sphincter into the bladder. Sometimes, however, it is not
the cut-off which resists, but the vesical sphincter, in w^hich case the same tac-
tics are pursued and the cystoscope passes the rebellious sphincter and enters
the viscus. A small amount of two-per-cent cocain, injected by means of an
Ultzmann syringe or through a very fine catheter into the posterior urethra and
the neck of the bladder just before the final filling, will prevent the spasm. This
is usually caused by an inflammatory condition beyond the cut-off muscle or the
bladder sphincter, which sensitive areas these muscles try to protect through
their contraction.
Changing the Patient's Position.— The foot board of the table is then low-
ered to the full extent, and the patient, if a male, has his legs supported in
TECHNIQUE OF CYSTOSCOPY
213
lithotomy uprights, or knee rests (Fig. 207), after which his buttocks are
brought to within six inches of the edge of the table, the surgeon meanwhile
keeping the cystoscope in place by a gentle grasp upon the handle of the in-
Fio. 207. — The Patient's Legs Supported by Knee Rests, and the Seat Portion op the Table
SLIGHTLY Elevated, the Position usually Employed in the Office. The table is the Alli-
son model.
strument. In the case of a female patient, she is already in such a position
from the first, and, therefore, does not require to have it changed. The patient's
hips may be slightly elevated, as this helps the cystoscopist to examine the
bladder more easilv.
Should the bladder contents become too cloudy before the examination is
completed, the cystoscope, in case it is a simple observation cystoscope, should
be withdrawn, the bladder once more washed, filled with clear fluid and the
instrument reintroduced.
The irrigating cystoscope has an arrangement for washing the bladder while
the instrument is in place. In order to do this, there must be a small piece of
rubber tubing on the nozale of the irrigating opening, and water should be
forced into this through a piston syringe. This not only cleanses the bladder
wall, but also the window of the instrument and thus washes away any deposits
of blood, mucus or pus, that may have collected there. The fluid escapes from
a nozzle on the other side of the instrument. Thus a thorough lavage of the
bladder can be made. In my own cystoscope, the lavage can be made through
an irrigating apparatus by connecting the tube from a fountain syringe with
the nozzle and allowing the solution to run into the bladder and out of the hoi-
214
CTSTOSCOPT
low shaft (FigB, 208, 209). The quickest way to cleanse the bladder is through
the shaft of the instrument, as a larger quantity of solution
can quickly run in and out again.
The Light. — The power for the light is taken either from
the street current by means of a Wappler electric controller,
or else from a storage battery on the
left side of the patient. One end of
the cable is then connected with the
cyatoscope and the other with the
electric controller or the storage bat-
tery, after which the operator turns
on the current by means of a switch
or screw in the handle of the cysto-
Bco|)e. And here the technique dif-
fers according to whether a direct
or indirect instrument is being
used.
If the instrument is indirect, as
in the observation part of my own
cystoscope, turning on the current is
sufficient to allow the cjstoacopist to
examine the bladder ; whereas, in di-
rect cystoscoi>ea of American make,
it is necessary to withdraw the ob-
turator, place the thumb quickly
through a tube attached to the irrigating noiile "^^r the Opening of the shaft of
rftheinBtrameDtithethumbisbeidovi'rtheend the instrument to prevent the es-
of the hollow shaft. Thetorceof the fluid can be a . i i i
chaogetl by raising or loweriDg the irrigating jar. cape of the nuid and then intro
Flo. 209. — Washing Ottt ths Bladdbb. The bladder has been dilated to its point of tolcraoce (sei
dotted lines), the thumb has been removed from the end of the shaft and the Quid rushes ou
through its lumen, the bladder quickly emptying.
TEOHjfrenE or ctstoscopt
216 CYSTOSCOPY
duce the telescope before the interior of the bladder can be examined by the
cystoscopist.
In either case, after the instrument has been introduced and everything is
in readiness for examination and the cable connection is made, the examiner sits
between the .legs of the patient and turns on the power until the light is suffi-
ciently bright for him to see plainly the interior of the bladder, before pro-
ceeding to examine it (Fig. 210). The storage battery, freshly recharged at
regular intervals, is generally used for outside work in private houses and in the
office or in hospitals, unless electric illimiination is present, in which case a
controller is preferable.
The position of the patient wdth air cystoscopy is different as, in this case,
the patient is in a partial Trendelenburg position which allow^s the bladder to
balloon out to better advantage and the urine coming from the ureter to gravi-
tate toward the apex of the bladder and away from the instrument (Fig. 211).
DIFFICULTIES IN CYSTOSCOPY
Stricture of the Urethra. — The first difficulty encountered in cystoscopy is
organic stricture of the urethra. Very few cystoscopes that give a good view of
the bladder are less than No. 24 of the French scale in size. Therefore, the
urethra should be a": least 25 French in caliber, in order to allow free admission
of the cystoscope without causing traumatism or hemorrhage. If the meatus
is smaller than this number, it should be cut up to 28 or 30 French and should
be treated as any other case of meatotomy for a few days, until it has healed
to a larger size, sufficient to admit the instrument easily.
If there are strictures along the canal, they should be dilated, if soft and
dilatable ; if not, they should be cut to a sufficient size to admit the instrument
before cystoscopy is performed.
Spasmodic strictures are also common, but they usually yield to instilla-
tions of a two-per-cent solution of cocain, given through a small catheter, or by
means of an Ultzmann syringe. In case, however, that local cocain anesthesia is
not sufficient, a general anesthetic should be administered, preferably nitrous-
oxid gas alone or followed by ether.
An enlarged prostate that bleeds easily should be treated by a deep urethral
instillation composed of equal parts of a two-per-cent solution of- cocain and a
1: 1,000 solution of adrenalin.
Pelvic exudates, uterine displacement and pelvic tumors, of sufficient size
to interfere wuth the function of the bladder and to make cystoscopy difficult,
are of enough importance to call for a vaginal operation in the first instance and
an abdominal operation for the other two conditions.
Small, Intolerant and Sensitive Bladders. — Sometimes a few irrigations
of the bladder will dilate it sufficiently to allow of a satisfactory cystoscopy, for
DIFFICULTIES IN CYSTOSCOPY 217
which 150 to 200 c.c. (5 to 6 oz.) is usually necessary. Examinations can, how-
ever, be made with two ounces of fluid in the bladder, and I have made them with
but one ounce and a half, by means of an indirect instrument. In case a bladder
is very sensitive, cocain or a general anesthetic should be used, as many blad-
ders that will hold but from one to two ounces under other circumstances
will, when anesthetized locally or generally, retain four ounces or more.
Twenty grains of antipyrin and ten minims of laudanum in an ounce of water,
injected into the rectum forty-five minutes before cystoscopy, will often relieve
the patient sufficiently to permit a cystoscopic examination.
If the bladder is found intolerant and will not hold enough fluid, it should
be emptied and half an ounce of a one-per-cent solution of cocain, or a two-per-
cent solution of eucain, should be injected into the bladder through a catheter,
(^hismore, of San Francisco, in doing lithotomy in old men, used to inject two
or three ounces of a three-per-cent solution of cocain into the bladder as a mat-
ter of routine, with no ill effects. Surgeons differ so much as to the strength of
cocain used, that it is really a matter of individual experience. In the ordinary
case, ten one-half-grain cocain tablets in two ounces of water, making a one-half-
per-cent solution, is sufliciently strong for cystoscopic use. In cases of severe
tubercular cystitis, a solution of the maximum strength cannot be relied on.
If cocain does not produce sufiicient anesthesia, nitrous-oxid gas should be
used during the introduction of the instrument; and if anesthesia has to be
continued, ether should be administered.
Distention Hematuria. — Under ether, patients are supposed to hold more
fluid in the bladder than when examined without anesthetics. If, under anes-
thesia, the bladder holds two ounces and you try to insert three for cystoscopy,
you may have a pinkish discoloration of the fluid, due to the bladder wall being
stretched and some capillary leakage resulting, or else bleeding from ulcera-
tions, tumors or erosions. Such bladders can often be dilated, under anesthetics,
better by means of the fountain syringe than by the piston variety. In this
way, after a quarter of an hour of washing, during which time the hematuria
may increase somewhat, perhaps five ounces can be introduced into the bladder.
In these cases, the time that it takes for this amount of fluid to enter should
be noted, and at the next filling a certain number of seconds under this time
should be allowed the fluid to run in, to see if hematuria is caused. If hema-
turia is caused, then, the next time the bladder is filled, allow still less time for
its filling; and so on until a point is reached where, in a certain time, the
amount of water entering the bladder is not sufficient to cause a pink discolora-
tion of the fluid. On the following injection of the bladder, if five seconds less
are allowed, you will be sure to have a clear fluid for cystoscopy.
To make this clear, I will cite one or two cases. A patient with a cystitis
dependent upon a hypertrophied prostate had a maximum bladder capacity of
two ounces of urine. Under an anesthetic, his bladder held three ounces. The
218 CYSTOSCOPY
three ounces ran in through the catheter in forty-five seconds. The next time,
fluid was allowed to run in for one minute ; four ounces were then introduced,
which in escaping was found to be tinged with blood, being slightly pink in
color. At the next filling of the bladder^ a minute and a quarter was allowed
and five ounces entered. The escaping fluid was then of a more reddish color.
The next time it was allowed to run in for about a minute and a half, and six
ounces entered. This on escaping was no more bloody than when the five ounces
had been injected. The next time four ounces were put in in one minute and
the fluid was clear. Five ounces were again put in, which showed on escaping
a pinkish tinge, but not as marked as before. It was then felt that a little undet
four ounces would be the sure capacity of the bladder for cystoscopy without
hematuria while under an anesthetic. This was accordingly carried out by
allowing the fluid to run in for fifty-five seconds.
Another patient with tuberculosis of the bladder could hold but an ounce
and a half of fluid when his bladder was washed out. Under an anesthetic two
ounces entered in half a minute, producing no hematuria. Three ounces entered
in forty-five seconds, producing hematuria. On introducing two ounces again,
there was no hematuria. Several trials were made with three ounces both
through fountain and piston syringe, and each produced hematuria. It was
foimd that two and one half ounces could be put in the bladder in thirty-eight
seconds without making the urine bloody. The cystoscopic examination was
then made with this amount in the bladder. It must always be remembered that
a very sensitive bladder, particularly in tuberculosis, will not dilate to its full
capacity, even under general anesthesia, unless it is pushed to a point at which
it is dangerous to life. Ether is the best general anesthetic to use.
NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS WITH THE CYSTOSCOPE
After the cystoscope has been introduced and the light has been turned on,
it is always advisable to pursue a certain routine in the order of examination,
so that one may not miss any part of the bladder in the survey and yet may per-
form the examination with as few movements of the instrument as possible.
We will now speak of the indirect cystoscopes used for observation which are
the best for diagnostic purposes. As the field of the cystoscope is limited, we
must form a picture of the entire interior of the bladder by means of a series
of partial pictures which should so follow each other as the instrument moves
that we gain a very accurate knowledge of the entire organ. The rules that
Nitze gave for this purpose may be set down here for reference, although each
observer will necessarily vary his method somewhat, according to his own prac-
tical experience.
Nitze advised that the anterior and upper portions of the bladder be in-
spected first and the fundus and trigone last. After the cystoscope has been in-
FINDINGS WITH THE CYSTOSCOPE
trodiiced, with the mirror poioting upward and tlie instrument parallel with
tlie table, its beak is turned at an
patient and the instrument is now
passed slowly backward until the
beak touches the posterior wall.
The field o£ the eyatoscope thus
sweeps over a section of the an-
terior and upper vault of the
bladder, and covers part of the
posterior wait. The strip of the
illuminated bladder corresponds
in width to the angle of the prism
which defines the width of the
field. As soon as the beak touches
the posterior wall, it is
turned still farther to the
right (i. e., at an angle of
45" from the median
line), and is swept for-
^le of 22.5° toward the right side of the
Pro. 212a. — InapBCnoN of the Bi.ai>deii with thb
Indirect Ctbtobcopk. The cicuraion made on the
right aide of the bladder at an angle of 22.5° from
the median line of tbe bladder. aA, and the eicuraioD
iiiadeHtsaangleof45°, Dd. AS and Ccahow similar
excurtdoDa on the left side of the bladder. The cyato-
■oope turned down in a similar pomtioD would easjly
Bhow the trigone. (Prom Morrow, after Nit«e.)
ward, illuminating a strip paral-
lel to the first, but lying to the
right of the latter, sweeping the
beak from behind forward and
thus covering the right lateral
portion of the bladder. Next the
left half of the bladder is in-
spected. This is done by placing
the instrument again in the me-
dian line with the beak at the
internal opening and turning it
22.5° to the patient's left, sweep-
ing it slowly from before back-
ward in this position until it
touches the posterior wall ; then
turning it to 45°, i. e., still more
to the patient's left, and sweep-
ing it from behind forward, thus
covering the two zones lying to
220
CYSTOSCOPY
the left of the median line. With these four motions, two to the left and two
to the right, practically the entire upper and lateral portions of the bladder are
inspected (Fig. 212a).
There remains to be seen now the fundus and the neighborhood of the in-
ternal meatus. For this purpose the instrument is turned so that the beak points
directly downward and is swept from side to side from behind forward, or from
before backward, until every portion of the posterior wall of the bladder and tlio
trigone has been covered.
It is needless to say that all
these manipulations must
be gentle to avoid injuring
the bladder wall. Burning
the bladder would not be
liable to occur with the cold
lamp now generally used
in this country, although it
was common when the hot
lamp was in use.
The direct cystoscope is
not so good for observation
purposes. It is introduced
with its obturator, which
is then withdrawn and the
direct telescope inserted.
It is then pushed well back
into the bladder and its
beak is tilted up and
swept from side to side, in
this way showing some of
the roof of the bladder
with the adjoining part of
the anterior wall; the lat-
eral and posterior walls
are then examined and the
instrument is drawn for-
ward imtil the interure-
teral band and the trigone
are seen. This applies to direct-air or water cystoscopes, while another telescope,
made by Wappler, with an opening in the side near the end, allows us to look
back at an acute angle at the neck of the bladder and the prostatic base.
Normal Cystoscopic Pictures. — It is necessary for the practitioner to be
familiar with the appearance of the normal bladder before he can understand
Fia. 2126. — Inspection op the Bladder with the Direct
Cystoscope. The beak of the direct cystoscope is moved
from right to left and vice versa in examining the floor and roof
of the bladder, and from above downward in examining its
sides.
FINDINGS WITH THE CYRTOSCOPE 221
the conditions seen in a pathological organ. The interior of the bladder as illu-
minated by the cystoscope has a pale-yellow, orange or a pink tinge, depending
for its exact color upon the lamp and prism used. A number of branching blood
vessels are seen outlined upon it in darker red, which in healthy bladders are
clear-cut and finely drawn. The upper hemisphere of the healthy bladder wall
is smooth, but as the cystoscope is drawn over the posterior wall toward the neck
of the bladder at its base, a thickened, slightly redder portion is brought into
view, triangular in shape and tapering toward the vesical neck, where it ends
in a dark-red color. This triangular space, with sides an inch and a quarter to
an inch and a half long, is called the trigone. Its apex corresponds to the in-
ternal meatus, and its base to the interureteral band. The apex is on the base
of the prostate in men, which is a dull red, or crimson, color. The female blad-
der differs from the male principally in not showing so much thickening about
the internal meatus, nor such a well-marked trigone. The base of the trigone
sweeps from one ureteral opening to the other and disappears in the w^all of the
bladder beyond these openings, where the color changes to an orange shade.
On either side of the trigone is the paratrigonal fossa.
The Finding of the Ureteral Orifices. — The next step is the most
important of the whole procedure, namely, the finding of the ureteral mouths.
With the direct instrument, it is more difficult to inspect the bladder walls and
consequently the position of the instrument must be changed considerably to
accomplish this. The instruinent in the bladder, with the direct telescope in-
serted, should be pushed back slowly, in the median line, illuminating the
trigone until the interureteral fold is brought into view. The end of the cys-
toscope is then turned from the right to the left, following the interureteral
band, until an angle from 30° to 40° from the perpendicular is reached,
when the ureteral orifice will usually be brought into view. This is the theo-
retical procedure, but practically the exact modus operandi must be varied to
a marked extent, according to the condition of the ureters, which varies normally
to a considerable degree according to various peculiarities of the bladder of the
individual examined.
The Appearance of the Ureteral Orifices. — The ureteral openings are
at the two posterior angles of the trigone and present in most bladders the sha})e
of a slightly oblique, dark-red slit, or a more rounded depression, and are situ-
ated ui)on a more or less marked papilla or prominence. With the indirect
cystoscope and the patient in the cystoscopic position, if the beak is turned
downward, the part of the bladder before us will be the base, the interureteral
band and the ureters.
Difficulty in finding the ureter in a healthy bladder depends usually on an
insufficient amount of fluid and the consequent folding in of the mucous mem-
brane in places. The introduction of an additional amount of water through
the irrigating apparatus, by dilating the entire wall, will stretch out these folds
222 CYSTOSCOPY
and bring the ureters into view. This is best accomplished as follows : The irri-
gating nozzle of the cystoscope is connected with the tube of a fountain syringe,
or the tip of a large piston syringe is inserted into a small piece of tubing at-
tached to the irrigating nozzle, and the fluid slowly injected, while at the same
time the base of the trigone is carefully watched. This portion of the bladder is
sometimes out of position ; in men, usually due to prostatic involvement, and
in women, due to cystocele. In such cases, the finger, a rectal bag or a vaginal
depressor inserted into the rectum will serve to push it to a better position.
Having found the ureters, it is well to examine them carefully, not only for
the sake of learning their shape and locality, but also to note any abnormalities
connected with them or the urine they emit.
The ureteral mouths are sometimes so dilated as to resemble diverticulse,
and I have at times been able in this condition, after a perineal urethrotomy,
to insert the tip of my forefinger into the mouth of each ureter.
If a ureteral mouth is prolapsed, it reminds us that there may be some in-
flammation of it, or, more probable, that a calculus is present in the ureter near
the opening into the bladder, not perhaps of the correct shape to absolutely
occlude the ureter, but sufficient to give rise to ureteral strain and a consequent
protrusion of its walls. Sometimes a stone can be seen protruding into the
bladder, as a dark spot in a gaping ureter.
If the ureteral openings be watched for a time every thirty to sixty seconds,
the slit may be seen to dilate suddenly, to take On a transparent pink-orange
hue and a whirl of fluid of an oily appearance is seen streaming from it as the
result of the expulsion of the urine from the ureters. These spurts are not
synchronous.
In disease, the ureteral opening is often markedly altered and blood and
pus may be seen coming from it. Blood coming from the ureters is almost al-
ways renal, although it may be ureteral. It usually comes down mixed with
the urine and is often squirted out like a thin stream of red ink, although clots,
of a wormlike appearance, may descend. Pus comes down in flakes and is car-
ried away in the swirl and then seen to scatter and fall in the bladder, or else a
flake may catch in the ureteral mouth and be thrown out with the next swirl ;
or it may come down from a ureter as a thick mass and remain hanging in the
bladder at the ureteral mouth, or mixed with urine giving it a milklike color, or
as a mealy mixture which is shot out in a urinary swirl.
Pathological Findings in the Bladder. — Cystoscopy tells us whether the
ureteral orifices are both present, their location, shape and condition, whether
they are both secreting urine normally, and whether this urine is clear, purulent
or bloody. It also enables us to determine whether the sphincteral margin is
normal or the seat of disease, such as inflammation, ulceration, papillomatous
formation, etc. ; whether the trigone is normal or the seat of inflammations or
new growths; or whether foreign bodies or calculi, which occur in a majority
FINDINGS WITH THE CYSTOSCOPE 223
of cases in this region, are present. It shows us the presence and probable char-
acter of new growths ; the presence and position of foreign bodies and calculi ;
the presence of prostatic hypertrophy, of cystocele, the condition of the wall
of the bladder and whether it is the seat of trabecular bands or the scarlike con-
tractions of pericystitis; whether it is normal or the seat of inflammations,
points of hemorrhage, ulcerations, nodules, new growths, vesicles or diverticula? ;
whether the cavity of the bladder is encroached upon by other organs, as an
enlarged or displaced uterus or by pelvic tumor-masses or exudates.
Trabecule, Bands and Pouches. — When the bladder is subjected for a
long time to an increased strain, the muscular wall may become more or less
hypertrophied, the result being that muscular bands develop in certain parts of
the bladder, while other muscular fibers remain unchanged. When we look into
such a bladder, we notice prominent bands or trabeculse crisscrossing in various
directions and forming an irregular network. As the hypertrophy goes on, the
bands become more and more markedly developed, resembling the intertwining
of the roots of trees in the woods or swamps, and the spaces between them be-
come dark depressions. W^hen large enough, these depressions are called diver-
ticula. With an increase of pressure and with an atonic condition of the de-
pressed portions, the latter become veritable pouches, which sometimes have
such small mouths that their interior cannot be inspected. In fact, in many
bladders removed at autopsy the pouches have such small mouths that they look
like distended ureteral orifices.
Trabeculation is easily recognized even by the beginner and may be inter-
preted as a sign of hypertrophy of the walls due to some jcondition which in-
terferes wdth the emptying of the bladder. The conditions may be a small
meatus, a stricture or enlarged prostate in men, and displacement of the bladder,
adhesions or pressure on the outside of the bladder in women.
Inflammations of the Bladder. — It is difficult to cystoscope a patient
with an acute cystitis on account of the very sensitive condition of the bladder.
Inflammation is most frequently about the vesical neck, although it may extend
throughout the viscus. Less frequently there is a generalized reddening and in-
tense congestion of the entire bladder. The characteristic changes of an acute
inflammation consist in the presence of reddened areas with many enlarged
blood vessels, with the presence of pus and mucus — both upon the walls and in
the fluid which becomes rapidly turbid — and at times blood oozing from the
walls which quickly renders the field obscure. When we make a closer exam-
ination of the mucosa in such cases, small erosions, which have a dull surface
instead of the normal shiny lining of the wall, and localized hemorrhagic areas,
which appear as dark-red patches, may be noted.
In chronic cystitis, the bladder is usually pale in its interior, except over the
trigone, where it is generally thickened and reddened. Reddened patches may
also be noted in other portions of the wall, however. In cases of long standing,
224 CYSTOSCOPY
with hypertrophy of the walls, there are also trabeculse and pouches. Accumu-
lations of pus may be noted adhering to the walls, or hanging or waving in the
fluid in the form of shreds. The blood vessels are turgid in places and circum-
scribed ulcerating areas may also be seen in this condition.
In the early stages of chronic cystitis, there is no perceptible change in the
volume of the bladder, but later on there may be hypertrophy, or an interstitial
inflammatory process with a contraction of the viscus; while in the advanced
stage of chronic obstructive cystitis, there may be a dilatation of the organ due
to the retention of urine. When this takes place, the mouths of the ureters will
appear to be enlarged and distorted.
Simple Ulcees of the Bladder. — Simple ulcers may be either single or
multiple. If single, they are usually large and accompanied by thickened and
elevated edges and irregular base which may be covered by a collection of phos-
phate-of-lime salts or an accumulation of pus. Multiple ulcers are usually
smaller and less marked. They are sometimes mistaken for epithelioma, espe-
cially when they are large and have a coarse, granular base covered with pus.
They are generally due to traumatism and heal, leaving scar tissue.
Tuberculosis of the Bladder. — Tuberculosis of the bladder is one of the
most frequent pathological conditions. In its early stages, all that can be seen
are the minute lesions, white, yellow or gray, surrounded by a pink aureola.
These are seen scattered about the bladder, often in clusters. Later they break
down as tubercular ulcers which are of different varieties. There may be a clus-
ter of small ulcers resembling a cold sore, but more infiltrated, usually seen
about the mouth of a ureter ; or a local thickening with fine ulcerations on its
surface ; or a superficial ulcer resembling an erosion with the epithelia removed,
and a pink, pulpy surface with the edges but slightly marked and with almost
no infiltration. In other cases the bladder, especially the trigone, may be cov-
ered with small ulcers, the wall intensely inflamed, oozing blood and contracted :
this is spoken of as hemorrhagic cystitis. In this last class of cases, which are
tubercular, it is diflScult to obtain a good view of the bladder, even under an
anesthetic.
When ulcers are seen around the ureteral mouths, we must suspect a tuber-
cular renal affection on that side, especially when such ulcers have some sur-
rounding hyperemia and a base so uneven as to make it difficult to know which
of its various recesses is the opening into the ureter. In advanced cases of
tuberculosis of the bladder, the organ is so contracted and sensitive that cystos-
copy cannot be satisfactorily performed.
Stone in the Bladder. — Stone in the bladder can usually be recognized
quite readily with the cystoscope. The appearance of a stone in the bladder,
next to a tumor, is the most beautiful sight in cystoscopy. The detection and
recognition of stones, however, is not so simple as might be supposed. The
position of stones varies quite markedly with the position of the patient. When
FINDINGS WITH THE CYSTOSCOPE 225
the patient is standing, the stone tends to fall down into the depression at the
neck of the bladder. When the patient is lying down, the stone tends to fall
back upon the posterior wall of the bladder. When reclining, with the body
elevated at a moderate angle (145^ or less), the stone tends to rest on the
trigone. It is in these two latter positions that the calculus is best seen
through cystoscopy.
The appearance of stones through the cystoscope is somewhat deceptive, as
they look much larger than they really are, especially if the cystoscope is brought
close to them. The shape of the stones cannot always be accurately determined
with the cystoscope and some stones which seem fairly well rounded, appear like
lozenges when they are removed.
One of the difficulties often mentioned in the diagnosis of stones, is the
tendency which they have to lodge in pockets. This is not so common as was
formerly believed before the cystoscope was in use. The principal pocket for
stones is in a posterior prostatic pouch in men, and in a cystocele pouch in
women. Cystoscopy can do more to show the presence of pocketed stones than
the stone-searcher or any other method save exploratory incision. A cystoscopic
examination should be made in every case in which stone is suspected, and, in
fact, in every case of chronic cystitis before we exclude the presence of stone.
Vesical calculi are sometimes not detected by cystoscopy, and I have seen well-
known genito-urinary surgeons fail to see them when situated in the postpros-
tatic pouch.
Tumors of the Bladder. — These can be properly diagnosticated only with
the cystoscope. They vary greatly in size from that of a split pea to that of an
orange and are either infiltrating, sessile or pedunculated, the sessile form being
more common. If malignant, the surface may appear granular and red or
whitish and covered with pus or salts like ulcers of the bladder. Sessile growths
sometimes appear like a luminous cone in the crater of a volcano, while at other
times they have a cauliflower appearance or a warty surface. Pedunculated
tumors are usually more vascular, and the growth is not so dense. The small,
pedunculated growths have numerous tendrils that wave about as they are
struck by columns of urine shot from the ureters.
Tumors of the bladder frequently bleed so that it is impossible to use the
cystoscope satisfactorily. In such cases, it is best to wash out first with hot
boric acid and then to use a solution of adrenalin. This often stops the hemor-
rhage, but sometimes defeats the purpose of the examination, as the adrenalin
shrivels up the tumors to such a degree that, when small, they cannot be seen.
In one case of most persistent hemorrhage, no tumor could be found upon cys-
toscopic examination; I saw simply a dark area on the anterior wall of
the bladder which could be barely made out on account of the rapid discolora-
tion of the fluid. The tumor, which was afterwards discovered at the opera-
tion, was no larger than a very small French pea and was directly in the
226 CYSTOSCOPY
line of the incision so that it showed only when the retractors were taken
away.
The posterior wall of a hypertrophied prostate at times simulates a tumor,
in that it resembles a new growth with a granular surface which projects into
the bladder; at other times a bladder tumor develops on the base of the en-
larged prostate, showing itself as a papilloma.
Malignant tumors, especially those situated about the trigone, which is the
favorite location, are often red and indurated, their color sometimes resembling
the coral of a boiled lobster. These tumors usually have an irregular surface
which may be granular or lenticulo-papular.
Rugae sometimes resemble papilloma, especially if they have suffered
from traumatism. When we first began to use the direct cystoscope in
the clinic, numerous papilloma were diagnosticated, but these usually disap-
peared with rest and bladder washing. Multiple sessile villous tumors of the
bladder are sometimes seen, but slightly elevated and covering a large part of
the bladder area.
In prostatic hypertrophy, the base of the gland often projects into the blad-
der. A dark space may be seen behind it, which is a favorite seat for calculi.
These can usually be seen with the cystoscope and resemble eggs in a nest, al-
though they are occasionally overlooked.
Edema Bullosum Yehicje, — Of the forms of edema which affect the
human bladder, that which Kolischer describes as " edema bullosum " is per-
haps the most characteristic, and certainly the most interesting. Circumscribed
areas of the vesical mucous membrane appear to be covered by vesicles varying
in size from a small seed to a pea, often closely packed together, between which
white, floating particles are seen adherent at one end to the bladder wall, the
probable remains of ruptured vesicles. They are situated near some inflam-
matory tissue pressing against the bladder wall, as carcinoma of uterus, tumors
of the prostate, pelvic tumors and in connection with cystoscopic bums, pyosal-
pinx, parametritic exudates and abscesses.
Intravesical Evidence of Perivesical Processes in the Female. — In
women with bladder symptoms, a condition resembling trabeculated bladder is
often seen. Bierhoff noticed that the changes were confined to limited por-
tions of the bladder wall and occurred in people without obstruction or diflBculty
in urination, but who were suffering, or had formerly suffered, from parame-
tritis or similar trouble. He examined 443 cases. In 214, there was a history
of parametritis or perimetritis. In 264, there were symptoms referring to the
urinary organs present. In 136, pericystitic strands were seen.
In cases of perivesical inflammation, the cystoscopic picture varies accord-
ing to whether it has extended to and involved the bladder wall, or only the
adjacent tissues. If the process is recent, the exudate encroaches to a greater
or less extent upon the bladder, the distensibility of which is, to a corresponding
CATHETERIZATION OF THE URETERS 227
degree, impaired. If the exudate is unilateral, the excursions of the cystoscope
are limited on the affected side, while normally free on the unaffected one.
Similarly, if it occupies Douglas's cul-de-sac, the uterus tends to be somewhat
displaced forward and the excursions are limited toward the posterior wall of
the bladder. In all these cases, if any amount of exudation is marked, the blad-
der wall will be seen to bulge inward over the site of the exudate. When an
inflammatory process in the tissues adjacent to the bladder extends to and in-
volves the wall of this viscus, as in cases of salpingitis and perisalpingitis,
" edema bullosum " is often present.
When the process is an old one and the exudate has gone on to organization,
the cystoscopic picture is an entirely different one. In the same way that dis-
placements of the uterus and ^dnexa may be caused by the traction of the
fibrous strands, resulting from the contraction and organization of an inflam-
matory exudate, we may have the bladder affected by these strands pulling upon
parts of its wall. The most characteristic appearance, however, in these cases,
is the presence, over parts of the bladder wall, of sharp, scarlike formations,
which rise, to a greater or less extent, above the surrounding wall, have a yellow-
ish-white color and tend to fimbriate at the ends. The parts usually affected
are the lower lateral and the upper posterior, and the postero-lateral portions of
the bladder.
The pericystitic strands are limited to certain circumscribed portions of the
bladder wall, and are less marked above the surface than regular trabeculae. They
tend to have fimbriated extremities and are of sharp contour. These conditions
of the female bladder, described by Bierhoff, were frequently noticed by me in
my gynecological ward at the City Hospital, and the operations confirmed the
cystoscopic and gynecological examination made. Ilis admirable description
of these conditions from the view point of a cystoscopist, cleared for me many
an uncertainty which I did not understand prior to reading his work.
CATHETERIZATION OF THE URETERS
Catheterization of the ureters has always been a difficult procedure and for-
merly surgeons went abroad to learn it, when they could as well have mastered
it at home if they had had the necessary amount of patience. Ordinarily in
the past, the practitioner bought a cystoscope and looked for a case to work
upon. He at last found one and, not being familiar with the details of the
examination, he hurt his. patient and did not accomplish the catheterization.
After a few more trials, he usually gave it up and put his cystoscope away on
the shelf, where it soon became an unused instrument.
How to Acquire the Knowledge. — It is advisable for the practitioner to
buy a phantom (artificial) bladder (Fig. 213) and to practice upon it for a
while ; or to use for this purpose half of a rubber ball with openings correspond-
228
CYSTOSCOPY
ing to the uretlira and the ureters. The eystoscope can then be inserted through
the urethral opening in the phantom or in the ball and he can practice catheter-
izing the other two openings.
He should then obtain a position in
some clinic with the necessary clinical
material, and every day he should keep
certain of the patients after the others
have gone and practice washing out their
bladders, examining them and searching
for the ureters. After he hag found
them in the way I have spoken of, he can
catheteri^e them, although it might re-
quire three months to find them easily
in norma) cases (Fig. 214).
In everything that one undertakes in
, the line of professional work, there are
difficulties to be encountered. It is diflfi-
ciilt to palpate the pelvic and abdominal
organs ; to detect the abnormal sounds in
the lungs and heart with the stethoscope ;
to examine intelligentlj' the eye with the
ophthalmoscope; to make a diagnosis of
the condition of the larynx; to see the
CATHETERIZATION OF THE URETERS 229
posterior nares, or to catheterize the Eiistacliian tubes. It is also difficult to
cystoacope a patient and catheterize the ureters, and one must not be discour-
aged because he fails and hears those who have acquired the art speak of it as
easy. It must be remembered that no one is bom a cystoseopist and that every-
one who learns cystoscopy causes more or less harm to patients' bladders before
he becomes proficient.
I have seen the most expert surgeons fail to catheterize the ureters after
trying for an hour and a half. I have seen them at times fail in two cases out
of three even after they have had long experience.
In order to acquire tlie cystoscopic eye and the cystoscopie fingers, one must
look many times into the bladder and into many bladders. He must cultivate
persistence, patience and precision. It is easy for a man in a large city to learn,
Fw. 21fi,— The Savb PoamoN a
if he is willing to take the time, for, after trying a number of times without
success, he can go to one of his friends interested in that branch who will show
him the way; but in smaller comuiuntties it is more difficult, and one is more
easily discouraged if he is not persistent A well-known surgeon in a city of
150,000 inhabitants in which there was no one who could do cystoscopy or cathe-
terize the ureters, cut both ureters in doing a hysterectomy. He concluded that
if the patient had had catheters in the ureters, the accident would not have
happened and he accordingly bought an air-catheterizing cystoseope. He exam-
ined bladders religiously for one year before he could see the ureters. He was
then able to find them and he catheterized fifty successive cases before doing
hysterectomy. lie accomplished his purpose and for a long time was the only
thorough cystoseopist in bis city.
230
CrSTOSCOPT
The Instruineilts. — At present all the models of catheterizing cystoscopea
made in tliis country have the double canal and can be used for observation as
well ; therefore, in considering the subject of catheterizing the ureters, only the
double-cat lie teri zing instruments will be mentioned. The ureteral catheters
should be Nos. 6 to 8 French scale, the latter being the better size to prevent the
leakage of urine along the sides. A catheter with a tip No. 6 French gradually
increasing in size toward the proximal end ia most desirable.
The Dieect Inbtkument. — The iiretera having been seen as outlined
under cystoscopy, a catheter is first passed up the ureteral opening on one
side and then tlie instrument is moved along the interureteral band to the
other ureter, and the remain-
ing catheter is pushed up in
the same way ( Figs. 215,
216).
The same method applies
to the air cystoscope, which ia
also direct. When the ure-
teral orifice cannot be seen,
more water should be added
by the piston syringe, in the
case of water cystoscopy; or
more air by means of a
pump, if the air cystoscope is
used.
The Indieect Instru-
ment.— The Bierboff instru-
ment is the one used in this
description, and presents
more difficulties in ureteral
catheterization than docs the
direct instrument, as it is
necessary to move the cathe-
ter toward the ureter in an
angle instead of in a straight
line. In other words, one
must di]> the end of the cathe-
ter into the opening instead
of pushing it straight in. It
must he remembered that, as the image is inverted, the movement is liable at
first to ajipear ata.\ic, and the examiner must consequently learn to turn the
wheel on the side of tlie shaft in wliat aeems to he the wrong way, in order to
make the point of the catheter move in the right direction. The ureters are
Flo, 216. — CaTHETBHIIation or the Ureterh. The riRht
ureter has been catbctcriied by the direct method and the
bpftk of the instniment moved across the inteniret«ral hand
with the catheter in the left ureter.
CATHETERIZATION OF THE UEETEES
231
at the extremities of the hypothenuae of a triangle represented by the inter-
ureteral band, the apex of which is the internal urinary meatus. In looking
for the ureters, the floor of the bladder must be compared to the dial of n watch,
the central point of which should be that from which the catheter protrudes from
the instrument, in which case the
opening of the right ureter should
correspond to twentj-five minutes
before the hour and the left ureter
twenty-five minutes after.
When the catheter is in place
and the examiner, looking at the
ureteral mouth, endeavors to in- I
sert the tip of the catheter, he '
finds that it tends to catch on the
side of the trigone, or reach over
it. The wheel on the side of the
shaft of the instrument is then
turned, which projects a knee or
finger on the concave surface of
the instrument near its base in
such a way that it moves the end
of the catheter in front of the
ureter mouth. When the catheter
tip has reached this position, the
fingers are removed from the
wheel and grasp the catheter and
gently push it into the ureter.
The finger is then turned down
again and the other ureter is lo-
cated. During this latter pro-
cedure, the first catheter moves
entirely out of the field of vision,
and may be entirely disregarded
by the operator. The second ureter
is now catheterized (Fig. 217),
the knee again turned down and
the instrument turned so that the operator may assure himself, before with-
drawing it, that both catheters are in situ (Figs. 218 and 219). The cystoscope
is then turned within the catheterizing portion, so that the beak points toward
the median line of the abdominal wall, the catheterizing portion meanwhile
being held, and continuing to point downward. The instrument is then slowly
withdrawn, its removal being compensated for by a gradual insertion of more
Flo. 217. — Cathbtbweation op thb Urcterb. The
catheter id the left ureter, and OD the other aide, la
dotted linea. the movement of the catheter before
enterins the right ureter in cathcteriiation by the
indirect method.
232 CYSTOSCOPY
of the catheters into the eannulsp. When the kneea of the inatniment, with the
catheters, appear at the meatus, the catheters are fixed at the urethral orifice
with one hand, and the cystoscope steadily withdrawn with the other. In
performing cystoscopy, the catheters should be of different colors, so that they
FlOS. 2I8-2Ifl. CATRBTEtUZATION <
the ureteral catheter poiuta to '
" twenty-five miDutca after." ^
can be easily distinguished from one another, as a black and a brown, or a black
and a striped catheter. The collecting bottles should also be marked right and
left. It is thus an easy matter to distinguiali and collect the separated urines.
With the present system of lenses in the Wappler cystoscopes the image is not
inverted and the catheters can easily be introduced without resorting to the
maneuvers just described.
Should the urine become turbid during the cotirse of the e.iamination, the
catheters should be withdrawn and rubber tubes attached to the irrigating noz-
zles connected with the cannula?, after which the solution should be forced
through one of the tubes from a fountain or piston syringe. The streams
then, flowing through separate tubes, are kept distinct, and the one tube may
be used for the inflow, the other for the outflow. In refilling, after irrigation,
one stopcock is closed, and the bladder filled through the other tube.
The lUiTthm of Ureteral Secretion— How to Remedy It When Interfered
with.— After the catheters are inserted, the plugs, if used, are removed from
the ends and the urine is collected in different test-tubes or bottles. Normally
the urine will be seen to come in dribbles, interrupted periodically, each dribble
consisting of about ten or twelve drops. If the urine does not flow from one
side, it is probable that the catheter is blocked with pus or mucus, and should
be aspirated. If this is not successful in reestablishing the flow, a small hut
measured amount of boric-acid solution should be injected to clear the catlie-
CATHETERIZATION OF THE URETERS 233
ter, by means of a hand syringe inserted into the end of the catheter. It
must be noted whether this all comes away or not and its appearance after it
comes away as compared with the solution before injection. A clear fluid in-
jected and a turbid one coming away would indicate pus ; a bloody one coming
away, hemorrhage ; a less amount of turbid fluid coming away would show that
some debris has plugged the catheter. If the fluid comes away clear, it shows
that the pelvis is normal. If no fluid enters, it shows that the catheter was
plugged before using it and it should be withdrawn and cleaned, or else an-
other one used. This shows the importance of testing the catheters always
before using them and washing them out immediately afterwards. If but one
ureter can be catheterized, a soft-rubber catheter should be left in the emptied
bladder to collect the urine from the other kidney.
The catheterization of both ureters at the same time is very important, as it
shows us the comparative secreting activity of the kidneys. We know that the kid-
neys secrete normally about forty-eight ounces of urine in twenty-four hours ; or
that each organ will average an ounce an hour. This gives a certain standard for
us to compare the urines with, although we know that there are certain conditions
depending upon ureteral catheterizations which influence in a way the secre-
tion of urine. Changes in the rapidity of secretion of the two specimens, of
the color and the clearness are also noted, as well as the appearance of the
coloring matter in case it is given for testing the function of the respective
kidneys.
If, on inserting a ureteral catheter into the pelvis of the kidney, a few
drachms of urine of normal appearance pours down from that side, it is
a case of renal retention ; whereas, if it be of a whitish, turbid flow, pyonephrosis
is probably present in that kidney.
The primary purpose of ureteral catheterization is the determination of the
presence of both kidneys, their function and a comparative examination of
the urine from each. After the urines from each side have been collected, they
should be examined separately, and the examination recorded on blanks marked
right and left kidney.
Diagnostic Value of Ureteral Catheterization in Ureteral Diseases. — Ure-
teral catheterization, furthermore, is useful to recognize the presence of and to
locate obstruction in the ureter due to strictures, bends or kinks (movable kid-
ney), valvular formation, stones and the pressure of bands of adhesions or
adjacent tumors. Furthermore, this procedure may be employed for the
diagnosis of inflammation, distention or suppuration in the pelvis of the
kidney.
Ureteral Catheterization as a Therapeutic Procedure. — As a therapeutic
procedure, catheterization may be resorted to for the purpose of increasing kid-
ney drainage by dilating the narrowest parts of the ureter ; for the purpose of
irrigating and treating the ureters and the pelvis when they are inflamed. A
234 CYSTOSCOPY
catheter in the ureter can also be employed as a guide in some abdominal and
pelvic operations, and as a means of permanent drainage. By introducing a
catheter, provided with a silver or lead mandrel, and then exposing the abdomen
to X-rays, the course of the ureter can be accurately mapped out and strictures,
calculi or displacements of the renal pelvis can be detected.
The Importance of Ureteral Catheterization in Pelvic Operations. — ^Ure-
teral catheterization is also an important step, prior to hysterectomy, in cases of
malignant growths of the uterus, as the independent tumors in the abdomen, not
connected with the kidneys or ureters, can thus be made out.
Dangers and Complicatons of Ureteral Catheterizations. — These are gen-
erally slight, provided two conditions are fulfilled. The first is not to work too
long on any one occasion, but, if unsuccessful after working a short time, to
have the patient call again and to repeat the calls until the catheterization is
successful. The second important point is to be careful not to use undue vio-
lence in the introduction of the instrument. It is needless to mention the im-
portance of as perfect asepsis and antisepsis as possible, both in the preparation
of the bladder for the eucain or cocain, and in every manipulation connected
with the procedure.
It is remarkable how rarely infections of the pelvis and ureters occur if
proper precautions are taken in catheterizing the ureters. At the Post-Gradu-
ate Clinic, where several hundred cystoscopies and ureteral catheterizations
have been performed in the past few years, no distinct cases of renal or pelvic
infection following ureteral catheterization have been noticed, although numer-
ous attacks of urinary fever have followed in patients whose urethra, bladder
or kidneys were already infected. The prophylactic injection of solutions of
silver nitrate, 1 : 2,000, with a syringe through the ureteral catheter and into
the pelvis of the kidney, and the washing of the bladder with the same solution
after every ureteral catheterization, has been carried out in these cases as a mat-
ter of routine. This has proved to be a useful precaution against the exten-
sion of existing infections and the prevention of a new infection.
It must be remembered that a certain amount of blood and a certain number
of ureteral epithelia are often found in the catheterized specimens of urine, sim-
ply as a result of the mechanical effect of the catheters upon the mucous mem-
branes. This should be borne in mind in judging the results of the urinary
examinations of the separate urines.
Ureteral catheterization has now become so universally recognized as a
method of diagnosis and treatment, that it is no longer necessary to plead in
its favor or to refute the attacks which have been made upon it by surgeons
who were so conservative that they did not care to employ this procedure. The
technique is difficidt to acquire, but with practice, patience and perseverance,
there is no reason why anyone possessed of moderate dexterity, cannot become
expert.
CYSTOSCOPY IN AUTHOR'S CLINIC 235
EVOLUTION OF CYSTOSCOPY IN THE AUTHOR'S CLINIC
For a long time, although there were assistants in the clinic who had
studied cystoscopy and ureteral catheterization abroad, the cystoscopy was
performed by me alone and none of them could catheterize the ureters.
To remedy this state of affairs, I accordingly established a cystoscopic room,
which was probably the first one in this coimtry, connected with a clinic
for routine cystoscopy. Now every assistant coming to the clinic has to
go through a certain course of service — three months in each department
of the clinic — so that it requires from one to two years for him to reach the
cystoscopic room. Here he is on duty for three months, washing out bladders
and preparing patients for cystoscopy, and then for three months more in per-
forming cystoscopy and in catheterizing the ureters, at the end of which time
he has become very proficient.
The result has been that we have developed a cystoscopic school and some
of the most expert cystoscopists in this country have served terms in our clinic.
It requires about six weeks for each man to become acquainted with the
bladder, and six weeks more for him to be able to catheterize the ureters. For-
merly, physicians returning from Europe were constantly telling us about the
dexterity with .which certain surgeons abroad, who taught them, could cathe-
terize the ureters. When they attempted to show their technique, however, they
usually failed. At present, they find that our methods of catheterization are
the simplest and that our cystoscopists have more speed than those in Europe.
On one occasion when the question of quickness was being discussed by a body
of men visiting the clinic, I requested the cystoscopist in charge of the room
to illustrate the speed of our American method. He filled the patient's bladder
with solution, inserted the cystoscopie and catheterized both ureters in twenty-
nine seconds.
I do not approve of these trials of speed and it was the only time in our
work of ureteral catheterization in the clinic that it has been indulged in, as I
feel that, while showing the dexterity of the operator, it detracts from the care-
ful and conservative methods which it is our endeavor always to carry out in
bladder work.
After the cystoscopic examination, either for observation or ureteral cathe-
terization, is finished, the patient is again placed in the horizontal position, a
catheter is introduced and the bladder is emptied, after which it is washed out
with a 1 : 4,000 solution of nitrate of silver, as is also the urethra.
Fifteen grains of urotropin in a glass of water is given by mouth, and a
suppository is inserted containing ten grains of quinin and one quarter of
a grain of morphin to prevent an attack of urethral fever.
Fig. 220 is a chart showing bladder laid open, used by me in depicting blad-
der lesions seen by cystoscopy.
236 CYSTOSCOPY
Eeaction after cystoscopy ia due to the patient's spasmodic resistance to the
passage of the instrument through the urethra, which causes a traumatism and
consequently a urethral fever in case the urine or the canal is infected. This
is intensified in a damaged condition of the kidneys. A alight reaction may
occur even though asepsis and antisepsis is perfect, and the bladder and urethra
are washed out after it by silver solution, and uiorphin and quinin solution is
given,
QUESTIONS REGARDING CYSTOSCOPY
In concluding this chapter, I will consider the questions that have been so
frequently asked uie regarding cystoscopy:
(1) Which is the bettor instrument, the direct or the indirect?
(2) Which is the better instrument, the air or water cystoscope ?
(3) Which is the easier to eatheterize, a man or a woman?
(1) As to the question, which is the better instrument, the direct or in-
direct, I will say that the indirect is the better. This is especially true in
the hands of the eystoscopist who is an expert in the use of both instruments,
as with an indirect you can examine the interior of the bladder better, which is
the object of cystoscopy. You can also see and pass the catheter into any ureter
that can he catheterized by the direct instrument, besides introducing it into
many ureters that cannot be catheterized by the direct cystoscope on account
of an enlarged prostate, a displaced or deformed bladder, or a cystocele.
QUESTIONS REGARDING CYSTOSCOPY 237
With the direct instrument, it is much easier to catheterize the ureters of
ninety-five per cent of the patients, if this percentage can be catheterized ; I
feel quite certain that they cannot be, the first time, in pathological cases. Once
the ureters are seen, the catheters can easily be introduced, as they are simply
pushed straight into the openings. The direct cystoscope, however, does not
give the examiner as good a view of the entire bladder and, therefore, is not
such a good instrument for observation. This led me to bring out the cystoscope
that I have described, as it stands for the teaching in the clinic — namely, ex-
amine the bladder with the indirect telescope ; withdraw it, introduce the direct-
catheterizing apparatus and catheterize the ureters.
(2) Which is the better instrument, the air or the water cystoscope? The
*w^ater cystoscope is certainly better, as the indirect instrument, which is the
best general cystoscope, can only be used successfully in a water medium.
There is, consequently, remaining for discussion, only that part of the ques-
tion as to the relative merits of direct-air and water cystoscopes, and here again I
believe that, in the great majority of cases, the direct-water cystoscope is prefer-
able. A bladder dilated with water is more tolerant than when dilated with
air, and it is less liable to traumatism, as the maneuvers are made in a field
full of an antiseptic solution.
Formerly the air cystoscope could not be used, as the cystoscopic lamps
were too hot and would burn the bladder, and cystoscopy had to be performed
in a water medium. The advent of the Mignon cold lamp, brought out by Pres-
ton of the Electro-Surgical Company of Rochester, and introduced into the
instruments devised by Dr. Koch and Dr. Lewis, made air cystoscopy practical,
on account of the bladder being able to tolerate the cold lamp.
There are advantages that an air cystoscope has in certain cases, as, for in-
stance, when a large amount of pus is coming dowoi the ureter from a kidney
and clouding the fluid in the bladder or when blood coming from the kidney
renders the fluid medium diflicult to see through, in either of which cases the
diseased kidney would be determined and the ureters easily catheterized by the
air instrument. It is also valuable in certain cases of cystitis with bladder sac-
culation. In the treatment of certain conditions, it should be more suitable
than the water instrument, as in curetting or cauterizing ulcers of the bladder.
It is, however, a more difficult instrument to use than the water cystoscope,
as the patient complains of pain, and is kept in position with difficulty ; while
the leaking of air, and the bubbling up of air and urine disturbs the composure
of the examiner. These causes have been sufficient to make the majority of
the practitioners who have purchased the instrument put it away, and its use
is limited to the specialist with an abundance of material. There is, however,
a great field for the air cystoscope if alterations can be made by which the patho-
logical field in the bladder can be kept sufficiently smoothed out by air dilatation
to allow operative work to be done through the instrument. A cystoscopist
238 CYSTOSCOPY
should, therefore, be able to use the direct and indirect water, air and catheter-
izing cystoscope equally well, in order to be proficient in his specialty.
(3) Which are the easier to catheterize, men or women? This may be an-
swered by stating that it is easier to introduce the instrument into the female
bladder than into the male, but once introduced it is more difficult to make the
examination in the female. This is because, in the female bladder, the land-
marks are not so clearly defined, and also because, in women, the pelvic con-
tents are not always normal, especially the internal genitals. Uterine displace-
ments change the shape of the bladder and its relations, as do fibroid tumors,
the adhesions of exudates about the tubes, the presence of ovarian tumors and
the prolapse of the posterior wall in cystocele.
CHAPTER XI
«
SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
I. DISTXJRBAWCES OF MICTURITION
Frequency of Urination
(PollaJciuria)
Frequency of urination is perhaps the most common form of urinary dis-
turbance. The normal frequency of urination varies somewhat in different
individuals and at different times. A healthy person, with a normal urinary
tract not pressed upon or interfered with by anything outside of its walls, passes
urine five times a day without any difficulty or pain, and with a stream of good
size which can be started or stopped at will. At the end of the act, the bladder
is empty and no sense of discomfort will be felt in any part of the tract. Urina-
tion usually takes place on arising ; at the time of the stool ; before the midday
meal; before the evening meal and on retiring.
The temperature plays an important role in the frequency of urination.
During the hot weather when the skin is active, much fluid is taken from the
body in the perspiration and the amount of urine and the frequency tend to
diminish, excepting when the individual is in bathing, when the desire is much
increased. In the autumn, the skin becomes less active, additional work is
thrown upon the kidneys and the frequency is increased. Wetting the feet in
the fall of the year or chilling of the legs increases the amount of fluid voided
by producing a congestion of the internal urogenital tract and, therefore, an
irritability of the urinary organs bringing on the desire. Autumn frequency
is often caused by sitting or standing quietly watching some game or other
object of interest, when the circulation is active and the extremities, on account
of not being well covered, are chilled. This tendency disappears during the
winter when the extremities are better protected by heavier clothing and over-
coats. The frequency, perhaps, returns in the spring from a different cause —
the sudden beginning of active perspiration which takes a certain amount of
fluid from the urine and renders it more concentrated and irritating.
The amount of exercise has the same effect as heat, in that it increases the
activity of the circulation and consequently perspiration, when the quantity of
urine is temporarily diminished.
230
240 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
Mental emotions give rise to many varieties of frequency, which may nhow
themselves in an unexpected desire to urinate, as in the case of sudden fright.
At other times frequency is increased when waiting to take part in some event,
competition or game, in which the participant is especially interested ; in which
case, before beginning, it may be necessary to urinate three times in an hour,
whereas perhaps a few minutes after the affair is over, the desire is gone and
will not occur again for several hours.
Mental association or continuous thought centered upon the urinary organs
may have the same effect, as students working on the subject either in a literary
or clinical way, but especially the former.
Pathological frequency of urination or bladder irritability is a condition
in which the urine is not only voided more frequently than normal, but in which
the desire to urinate is present again soon or immediately after voiding it. The
frequency of micturition observed in disease is variable, ranging from six urina-
tions in the daytime and one at night, to an almost continuous desire, or a mic-
turition every few minutes.
Etiology. — Frequency of urination is due to troubles independent of the
urinary tract; to diseases of the urinary tract; to affections outside of the
urinary tract that interfere with its (the urinary tract's) function.
(1) Diseases Independent of the Urinary Tract. — The diseases inde-
pendent of the urinary tract causing frequency of urination are those of me-
tabolism, as diabetes mellitus and insipidus, giving rise to overproduction of
urine; nervous disorders, as hysteria, neurasthenia and hypochondriasis pro-
ducing an increased amount of urine ; or the character of the urine itself, as a
highly acid urine or one containing an increased amount of uric acid, oxalate
of lime or indican, the results of faulty metabolism through irritation of the
kidney and the consequent polyuria.
Frequency may also follow certain articles of diet, as pepper and other con-
diments; an abundance of spring water; mineral diuretics, alcoholic drinks,
especially gin and beer; certain foods giving rise to intestinal fermentations, as
sweets, fried food, onions, radishes, cabbage, tomatoes; also a diet too rich in
meat which may give rise to intestinal putrefaction. These articles of food,
if not properly digested, give rise to the products of faulty metabolism already
mentioned: indican, uric acid, diabetes, oxaluria, etc.
(2) Diseases of the Urinary Tract Giving Kise to Frequency of
Urination. — The diseases of the urinary tract causing this trouble are situated
above and below the middle zone of the bladder, principally in the latter. Above
this zone, we have the kidney, which causes pollakiuria, owing to a polyuria.
The polyuria is generally due to an interstitial nephritis, to a tubercular nephri-
tis in its early stages and sometimes to the irritation of a renal calculus. An
intermittent pollakiuria is sometimes present in the case of a movable kidney
that has become displaced, where there is an intermittent hydronephrosis, which
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION 241
on its return to position ponrs out a suflScient amount of urine to give rise to
frequency for a brief period.
The bladder is, however, usually responsible for frequency of urination, due
to a congestion or inflammation of its wall as a result of the irritation from a
foreign body, as a calculus in its cavity, from tubercular deposits or ulcers in its
wall, from tumor, or indirectly from the back pressure owing to some obstruc-
tion in the tract below^, as the prostate or the urethra ; or from an extension of
an inflammation from the urethra.
Most of the troubles in the bladder giving rise to frequency, are those situ-
ated in the part below what would correspond to the middle zone of an organ
in health when full of fluid. This would include the base or fundus from the
internal meatus to a line above the interureteral band, thus including the
trigone.
A calculus in this position when the patient is standing, sitting or moving
about, would give rise to irritation and consequent congestion of the bladder
nearest the internal meatus; while at night, when he is sleeping, it would fall
away from the posterior wall of the bladder and the patient would be compara-
tively comfortable. The shape and surface of the calculus influences frequency,
as calculus with a smooth surface that does not come in close contact with the
internal meatus produces a less degree of frequency.
Vesical tuberculosis resembles closely vesical calculus in the day frequency,
excepting that the stream is not interrupted, as it often is when stone is present ;
but at night the frequency continues in about the same degree. The frequency
in this disease is very great when there is an ulcer near the internal meatus and
consequently over the vesical sphincter ; whereas, when ulcers are farther away
from it, the urgency is much less marked. In vesical tuberculosis, before ulcers
have formed, the frequency is not so great.
Vesical tumor does not usually cause such marked frequency as either cal-
culus or tuberculosis, as it is not generally situated near the vesical outlet.
In all three of these conditions, there is congestion, in the first due to the
irritation of the stone, in the second about the tubercular deposits and in the
third in and about the tumor. In all these conditions, the closer the contact
of the pathogenesis with the internal meatus, the more marked the frequency.
The symptoms are also more severe after a cystitis has developed.
Impediments to urination also give rise to frequency in different ways and
in different degrees.
When a bladder has to force urine through a canal in which there is a nar-
rowing in some locality, or w^here its shape has become changed through pres-
sure, an extra strain is brought upon it and consequently an extra amount of
blood is brought to its walls, resulting in congestion. If this impediment is
temporary, the bladder quickly regains its normal condition, after it has sub-
sidedy and the frequency is consequently of short duration and of a varied de-
242 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
*
gree. If the impediment is slight at the start and increases slowly, then the
bladder becomes accustomed to it and slowly hypertrophies; the congestion is
then not marked and the frequency develops slowly and insidiously. If the
impediment interferes with the urination to such a degree, owing to a mechan-
ical obstacle or a weakened state of the bladder wall, that the bladder cannot
completely empty itself and a certain amount of residual urine is always pres-
ent, occupying a part of the bladder space, then the remainder of the space
for the transient urine is consequently lessened and the patient must urinate
more • frequently on account of this diminished space being filled more fre-
quently.
Temporary impediments to urination are due, first, to an acute prostatitis,
principally of the parenchymatous form; next, to that of the follicular type,
or to an abscess resulting from either of these forms, or to a chronic prostatitis.
In an acute parenchymatous prostatitis, when one or both lobes are involved,
the inflamed gland grows up into the prostatic urethra, toward the bladder, the
same as in prostatic hypertrophy. This gives rise to frequency of urination on
account of the inflammation near the bladder neck, and also on account of the
residual urine resulting from the impediment itself and the consequent dimin-
ished transient capacity of the bladder. If the prostatitis is follicular, then
there is simply a bulging into the urethra of a sufficient degree to give fre-
quency, due to an increased strain being brought upon the bladder to pass the
urine through the narrowed canal. In either of these conditions, an abscess
may form, giving rise to an increased eifort of the bladder to force urine by
the imi)ediment, to residual urine or even to complete retention. When the
inflammation subsides or the abscess breaks or is evacuated, the frequency dis-
appears or subsides. If it disappears, the disease is probably cured; but if it
subsides and the urine is not clear or shreds are present or prostatic leakage,
then the disease is not ciired and the slight frequency remaining is the result
of a chronic prostatitis.
In tuberculosis of the prostate, there is frequency in a varied degree due
to the associated prostatitis and urethritis. This is more marked if it extends
to the bladder. When confined to the prostate alone, in time it usually subsides.
In prostatic calculus, the frequency also varies in degree and is often very
marked, due to an associated prostatitis and sometimes to incomplete retention.
This subsides slowly after the stone has been removed.
Exudates about the urethra in any part which may or may not result in a
'periurethral abscess, often give rise to temporary frequency of urination, due
to the narrowing from the outside pressure, which disappears when the abscess
has been incised or broken. If there is great pressure in the urethra in these
cases, there may be complete retention of urine.
Posterior urethritis occurring during an attack of acute urethritis will also
give rise to frequency, often in a very marked degree.
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION 243
It is easy to understand the mechanism of frequency of urination in acute
posterior urethritis. Normally, the pressure of a few drops of urine in the
posterior urethra, as the result of a slight leakage through the sphincter when
the bladder is sufficiently distended, is said to be the real cause of the desire to
urinate. The desire to urinate is a physiological phenomena, initiated by a cen-
tripetal irritation of the posterior urethra and the neck of the bladder, by a
small quantity of urine. When the posterior urethra is inflamed, the irritability
of its mucous membrane is increased to a high potential and thus the patient
is obliged to pass water frequently.
Trequency of urination slowly increasing is caused by a chronic impediment
to urination, as in the case of stricture or prostatic hypertrophy.
A stricture may be congenital, acquired or traumatic, and the nearer to the
bladder it is situated the more marked will be the frequency. Congenital
strictures are usually linear and situated at the meatus or just in front of the
fossa navicularis. The frequency of urination in children is principally due
to this condition and there is generally a history of nocturnal incontinence.
If these patients develop a urethral inflammation, the frequency becomes more
marked.
Acquired strictures, resulting from a urethral infection, are the most fre-
quent. The frequency in these cases until the stage when residual urine begins,
is due to vesical congestion or cystitis, usually the latter. The frequency is more
marked, in proportion, during the day than during the night, and increases
after dissipation or exposure.
Traumatic stricture is due to a fall and the pressure of the urethra between
the triangular ligament of the pubis and the impinging body. This is often
severe, giving rise to retention and later, perhaj)s, to overflow incontinence,
or to extravasation of urine. In cases of moderate degree with no com-
plications, however, a mild but steadily increasing frequency will probably
result
Impediment, with residual urine, causes frequency of urination by the
vesical congestion resulting from the impediment, and also on account of the
lessened bladder space for the transient urine, due to so much of the bladder
cavity being taken up by the residual. The frequency will continue to increase
in proportion to the amount of bladder space that becomes occupied by the
residual urine, and often until complete retention or overflow incontinence
results.
In prostatic hypertrophy, the frequency occurs in the same way as it does
in cases of acquired stricture and is at first due to congestion from the extra
amount of work thrown upon the bladder in its effort to overcome the obstruc-
tion. As the prostate increases in size and the venous return flow from the
bladder is interfered with, a passive congestion takes place. This is more
marked at night ; for then the circulation is less active than during the day when
244 SPECIAL UKINARY SYMPTOMS
the patient is up and about. The more marked frequency at night thus differs
from the frequency of stricture. Later, as the prostate continues to increase in
size and pushes up into the bladder, the residual urine increases, and, as the
bladder is more encroached upon by it, the space for the transient urine, there-
fore, is consequently diminished and frequency increases. This increased fre-
quency increases as in stricture, until complete retention or overflow incon-
tinence takes place.
In prolapse of the uterus, cystocele and vaginal hernia, there is also a pouch
of the posterior wall of the bladder, giving rise to residual urine and conse-
quently less room for the transient urine; the patient, therefore, passes urine
more frequently, just as he would in case of prostatic hypertrophy.
(3) Frequency of Urination Due to Disease Outside of the Urinary
Tract Interfering with its Function. — First among these, are the injuries
and diseases of the spinal cord and brain (usually the latter), as the sclerosis
or tumors press upon them, increasing pressure slowly and causing an inter-
ference with their circulation.
Here the innervation of the bladder is interfered with, there is loss of
power in its wall, the desire is not so imperative, but the patient feels the neces-
sity of passing urine more frequently in order to avoid dribbling of urine. This
increased frequency, the result of mental calculation, increases until there is a
larger amount of residual urine and a consequent overflow retention.
Interference from without, when there is no disturbance of the innervation
of the bladder, is due to the pressure or pulling of some perivesical tissue with
which it is in close relation or to which adhesions have formed.
Seminal vesiculitis causes frequency when the vesicles are enlarged, tense,
acutely inflamed or adherent to the bladder. The seminal vesicles are at times
very large, the size of the finger, which gives rise to a sense of fullness of the
bladder when a small amount of urine has accumulated in it. At other times,
the tense feeling of the seminal vesicles is transmitted to the bladder, which
lies in front and above them. Adhesions to the bladder, if the walls of the
vesicles are thick and inelastic, give rise to a sense of discomfort when the
bladder is stretched a little. In these cases, the feeling of discomfort or fullness
is transmitted to the suprapubic region. The frequency in seminal vesiculitis,
as in stricture and stone, is more marked in the day than in the night.
The uterus, w-hen misplaced, causes frequency of urination. This is espe-
cially annoying w^hen it is displaced forward in such a way as to rest on the
bladder, and by its position causes a feeling of discomfort to such a degree, when
a small amount of urine has accumulated in it, that, in order to be relieved,
the patient must empty the bladder.
Again, when the uterus has fallen back and pulls the bladder with it, there
is a feeling of discomfort from pressure on the pelvic plexus of nerves, from
interference with the function of the bladder, and perhaps from residual
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION 245
urine that accumulates in the back of the bladder, resulting in a desire to
urinate.
An inflammation of the tubes also interferes with the function of the blad-
der, through holding it to one side by adhesions and interfering with its dilata-
tion and contraction, and consequently causing frequency.
An exudate, infiltration or abscess, due to a pus tube or to a torn or septic
uterus, may press upon the bladder from without so as to prevent it from dilat-
ing, except to a limited degree, and thus, by diminishing its capacity, neces-
sitate voiding when but a small quantity is present.
Tumors in the pelvis pressing upon the bladder, on account of their weight,
shape or size thus interfering with its dilatation, may give rise to frequency.
This condition creates a sensation of fullness before the bladder is actually full,
or it may be that pressure only allows the bladder to fill partially. Instances
of this are fibroids of the uterus, hydatid in the recto-vesical space and appen-
diceal abscess in the pelvis.
Cancer of the uterus, involving the bladder wall, may also give rise to fre-
quency of urination, through the congestion it causes ; through interfering with
the vesical contract ibility; through the infiltration of its wall; or through the
irritation of an ulcerating area.
Malignant tumors of the rectum produce much the same result.
A loop of atonic dilated sigmoid, in case of fecal retention or a sigmoiditis,
may press upon the bladder sufficiently to give rise to frequency or even to re-
tention. This is a much more frequent cause than is generally realized. In
women, this loop is often caught down and held by adhesions resulting from
salpingitis.
The omentum, when adherent to the bladder, may pull it in any direction,
thus interfering with its function. This is generally due to pelvic inflammation
starting as a salpingitis. It may also pull other tissues or organs against the
bladder.
TABLE OF FREQUENCY OF URINATION
A. Causes Independent of Diseases of the Urinary Tract
In hot weather, due to prolonged bathing in cold water.
In autumn, due to diminished perspiration and extra work
thrown on the kidneys.
In winter, due to wetting of the feet, chilling of the extremities.
In spring, when the sudden active perspiration begins, it is due
to concentrated urine charged with irritant properties.
Fear, anxiety, excitement, or thoughts regarding urinary
troubles or brought about by clinical or literary work on the
subject.
Temperature
Mental
emotions
246
SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
Diet
^ Condiments, mineral waters, alcoholic drinks.
Certain vegetables giving rise to intestinal fermentation.
Too much meat giving rise to intestinal putrefaction.
The faulty metabolism from this diet giving rise, through in-
dicanuria, uricacidemia, oxaluria and diabetes, to renal irri-
tation.
Diseases of Metabolism : — Diabetes insipidus and mellitus.
Nervous Disorders: — Hysteria, neurasthenia and hypochondriasis.
B.
Polyuria
Vesical
congestion or -*
cystitis
Interference —
temporary
Urethral
Interference-
slowly
increasing
Interference
Avith residual ^
urine
Dependent on Diseases of the Urinary Tract
Interstitial nephritis.
Tubercular nephritis.
Calculous nephritis.
provable kidney (temporary polyuria).
Vesical calculus.
Vesical tuberculosis.
Vesical tumor.
Prostatic impediment.
Urethral impediment.
Parenchymatous prostatitis.
Follicular prostatitis.
Suppurative (abscess) prostatitis.
Chronic prostatitis.
Tubercular prostatitis.
Calculous prostatitis.
Acute posterior urethritis.
Exudates about the urethra.
Urethral calculi.
Periurethral abscess.
Stricture, frequency due to vesical congestion or inflammation
until residual urine begins.
Prostatic hypertrophy, due to vesical congestion or inflamma-
tion until residual urine begins.
Stricture and prostatic hypertrophy, due to lessened bladder
space to hold the transient urine after residual urine has
begun to be present.
Prolapse of uterus, due to lessened bladder space to hold the
transient urine.
Vaginal hernia, due to lessened bladder space to hold the tran-
sient urine.
Cystocele, due to lessened bladder space to hold the transient
urine.
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION
247
C. Dependent on Diseases Outside of the Urinary Tract Interfering with its
Function
Interference —
temporary
Interference —
slowly
increasing
" Seminal vesiculitis.
Salpingitis.
Abscess, exudates, infiltrates.
.Appendiceal abscess.
" Hydatid cyst of pelvis.
Tumor of rectum.
Sigmoiditis or sigmoid retention.
Displaced uterus.
Uterine fibroids.
Sclerosis of the cord
Interference
with residual
urine
Tabes dorsalis.
Lateral sclerosis.
Tabes dorsalis.
Lateral sclerosis.
Injuries and diseases of the brain.
Sclerosis of the cord
Consecutive Cases of Frequency of Urination. — In 240 cases coming
to my clinic during the winter of 1907, frequency was found to be due to a
single cause in 127 cases. Mixed causes, namely, two or more pathological con-
ditions tending by their combined action to cause this, occurred in 113 cases.
List 1
Cases of frequency in which a single condition
ivas found as a cause at the time of the visit.
Urethritis 46
Stricture 25
Prostatitis (including 1 case of tuberculosis) 23
Seminal vesiculitis (including 1 case of tuber-
culosis) 10
Cystitis (including 3 tubercular) 7
Prostatic hypertrophy 5
Movable kidney 2
Tumor of bladder 2
Stone in bladder 2
Contracted bladder (frequency from dimin-
ished capacity) ....'. 1
Dilated bladder (transient capacity or di-
minished space left for urine over the
amount of residuum) 1
List 2
Cases of frequency in which a number of
pathological conditions were found as contributing
causes at the time of the visit.
Urethritis 43
Stricture 38
Prostatitis (including 2 cases of edema and
2 cases of tuberculosis) 80
Vesiculitis (including 2 cases of perivesic-
ulitis) 73
Cystitis 46
Prostatic hypertrophy 6
Prostatic abscess 5
Tiunor of bladder 3
Nephritis 5
Pyelitis 4
Pyelonephritis 3
Renal calculus 3
Ulcer of bladder 1
Sarcoma of prostate 1
Note. — ^In looking at this table, we will see that urethritis was present in 89 cases of frequency,
stricture in 63 cases, cystitis in 53 cases, prostatic hypertrophy in but 11 cases, while prostatitis
was present in 103 cases and vesiculitis in 93 cases. This can be explained by saying that ure-
thritis, stricture, cystitis, and prostatic hypertrophy are the principal active causes of frequency;
whereas, prostatitis and vesiciilitis, excepting in the real acute attacks or in tubercular cases, are
usually contributory causes. This list was compiled by Dr. Nelson of Cincinnati.
248 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
In the list of cases in which we could ascribe the frequency to one cause, the
largest number occurred in the following order: Urethritis, stricture, prostatitis,
seminal vesiculitis, cystitis and prostatic hypertrophy ; whereas, in the remain-
ing cases, there was no marked number under any one disease. Of the com-
bined causes, we will also see that these six conditions were more or less present
in the majority of the cases. This list embraces 240 consecutive cases of fre-
quency coming to the clinic during the winter session.
In my hospital work, tlie causes are different singly and combined ; stricture
is the most common cause, next acute prostatitis, posterior urethritis, vesical
tuberculosis, vesical calculus and prostatic hypertrophy.
Of these, stricture, prostatic hypertrophy, vesical tuberculosis and vesical
calculus are generally accompanied by cystitis, while acute prostatitis and pos-
terior urethritis are usually complications of acute anterior urethritis.
Treatment of Frequency of Urination. — Treatment of frequency of urina-
tion varies largely according to the cause, and is considered in the various chap-
ters dealing with each of the conditions involved. This leaves but few words to
be said regarding the general treatment of functional frequency of micturition.
It is important to keep the feet warm and dry during the fall and winter,
to increase the clothing in accordance with the temperature of the air. All
excitement which would tend to cause local irritation should be avoided. The
diet should be simple mixed animal and vegetable, taking a small amount of a
variety of food rather than a large amount of any one kind. Fried foods and
sweets should be partaken of sparingly. Condiments, salted and pickled food,
should be avoided. Alcoholics should be avoided or restricted. Spirits, ale,
beers and champagne, are the worst drinks, whereas red wines are the least
harmful. About three pints of water should be taken in twenty-four hours.
In the therapeutic line, hot Turkish baths should be taken twice a week, hot
sitz baths before retiring. , If there is any fecal retention or trouble with the pros-
tate gland or seminal vesicles, hot rectal douches are better than hot sitz baths.
Massage of the prostate and vesicles is of value in diseases of these organs,
unless they are tubercular.
If the urine is very acid, alkalines should be given, preferably acetate or
citrate of potash. Of the mineral waters, the most satisfactory in my judg-
ment is Celestine vichy. If much pus is present, urotropin, salol, benzoic acid
and benzoate of soda, are the best urinary antiseptics. If there is acute inflam-
mation, santal oil is the best.
For relieving the frequency, especially if spasm is present, the antispas-
modics, as belladonna and hyoscyamus, codein, morphin and the bromids are
the best.
For bladder irrigation, solutions of boric acid, nitrate of silver or protargol
are the best. For bladder injections, small quantities of argyrol, ten to twenty-
five per cent, gommenol or iodoform emulsion, are the most efficacious.
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION 249
The bowels should be kept open bj caseara sagrada, salines, such as phos-
phate of soda, Apenta or some mild mineral laxative waters, and should be as-
sisted if necessary by glycerin suppositories or rectal enemas.
Moderate exercise should be taken.
Dysuria or Ischuria
Dysuria, or ischuria, is a term which, when correctly used, applies to dif-
ficulty in voiding urine and may be accompanied by pain and a spasmodic condi-
tion of the bladder at its neck, known as tenesmus. Dysuria does not mean
painful micturition, pure and simple. Just as dyspepsia stands for an inabil-
ity to digest food, so dysuria stands for a difficulty to pass the water.
Dysuria may occur suddenly as an unforeseen event; for example, when a
stone becomes jammed in the neck of the bladder or when a papilloma of the
bladder suddenly twists in such a w^ay as to block the orifice. In other condi-
tions, as, for example, in hypertrophied prostate, in tumors of the prostate
and in strictures of the urethra, dysuria often comes on gradually, the difficulty
in passing water becoming more and more pronounced.
In the milder forms of dysuria, the act of urination is merely accompanied
by a slight amount of exertion in which the accessory muscles, the abdominal
and the perineal, are brought into action. In severe forms, the individual may
be unable to pass w^ater, except in certain positions, as squatting or leaning over
and bracing against stationary objects. In these severe cases, the face may be-
come agonized, red with swollen veins ; perspiration appears in beady drops on the
forehead, the breath is held and the lips are compressed in the effort at expulsion,
which is repeated periodically with intervals of rest and is accompanied often
by an involuntary discharge of gas and feces. When the patient is in the squat-
ting position, a prolapse of the rectum of two inches or more may take place.
This is the clinical description of the symptom dysuria as such. Of course,
a number of other disturbances of micturition and of allied clinical signs are
very frequently associated with this particular manifestation.
Among these, frequency of micturition, retention and overflow incontinence,
pain during, before and after the act of urination may be grouped in a syn-
drome, each element of which can be analyzed and set down by itself as having
its own significance.
Dysuria being present, the question arises to what cause it should be at-
tributed ? Our, first thought, of course, will be the presence of some obstruc-
tion which prevents a free and normal outlet of the stream. The chief causes
of such an obstruction have already been mentioned. They are stricture of the
urethra; prostatic hypertrophy; stones in the bladden or the urethra; tumors
of the bladder or the prostate; or acute infiammatory swelling of the mucous
membrane of the neck of the bladder or the prostatic urethra.
A form of ^dysuria depending only upon a spasmodic contraction of the
•• ^ • •• ^ # •«
<<ri
250 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS . . ' sjH J*r^
sphincter may be styled a nervous dysuria. It may be followed later by in-
continence and is characterized by an absence of all local fevidenc^Bs*' of disfiBs^y^ij'Y
of the urinary organs. Whenever such a dysuria is present, a suspicion arises
as to the presence of a spinal disease. f^r'^* •• •-, *'^
Dysuria of inflammatory origin is simple in its mechanism, oependmg upon
the congestion and swelling of the parts, and is usually fairly easy to recognize
by the history and symptoms. In the presence of an acute urethritis, the onset
of dysuria with painful and frequent micturition is the signal of the involve-
ment of the posterior urethra. It occurs in an intense degree, especially if ac-
companied by fever, when an acute involvement of the prostate should be feared,
unless excluded by rectal examination. When dysuria and other disturbances
of micturition occur in tlie course of a chronic urethritis, we are led to suspect
stricture. If the patient is advanced in age, and if the dysuria has been coming
on gradually, increasing apace with frequency of urination, we naturally look
for hypertrophy of the prostate. A characteristic of the dysuria of prostatics is
that the symptom is aggravated at night. Rest in bed, a horizontal position of
the pelvis, a sedentary life and the presence of constipation, are all factors
which increase the dysuria of prostatics.
One of the most interesting forms of dysuria is that due to stone in the
bladder. In this form, patients, instead of being aggravated when lying in bed,
are relieved by the horizontal position, while the upright position and any jars
or jolts, as in walking or running, in which the stone has a chance to become
lodged in the vesical orifice, increases the discomfort.
A temporary dysuria frequently occurs after urethro-vesical instrumenta-
tion— as after the passage of a cystoscope, sounds, or other dilating instruments
— and after irrigations by the Janet method, or deep instillation of strong solu-
tions of silver nitrate. This should be termed a false dysuria, as it is simply
due to irritation and not to a pathological condition, and is usually of very
brief duration.
All varieties of dysuria are frequently accompanied by more or less pain,
or at least by a sensation of pressure and burning which is quite distinct from
that of an exaggerated desire to urinate. The latter is a sensation of pressure
or burning, which cannot exactly be called a pain, in fact, can scarcely be anal-
yzed, yet it forms part and parcel of the mixed sensations experienced by
patients afflicted with dysuria. In certain conditions, the contraction of the
bladder walls in trying to overcome the obstacle, whatever that may be, gives
rise to a colicky pain. This vesical colic may be an accompaniment of dysuria.
It is characterized usually by a gradual onset^ a rapid rise to a climax, followed
by a remission. Usually it is located in the body of the bladder, accompanied
by intense desire to urinate, and may radiate to the perineum, the rectum or
the urethra, or into the hypogastrium, the groin, or even the loin.
Vesical colic is an accompaniment also of retention, especially of the acute
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION
251
form. It is due to troubles accompanied by residual urine, to lesions seated in
the upper zone of the bladder or to that covered by peritoneum ; to deep-seated
lesions and to perivesical troubles.
CONDITIONS GIVING RISE TO DYSURIA
Bladder
Extra-
A'esical
causes
Prostate
rxy
X'^esieal tiunors -.
Inflammation outside
of the bladder
Vesical calculus, especially if it obstructs the neck of the bladder.
^ Papillomas, if they ob^ruct the vesical neck.
Infiltrated or malignant, if they interfere with
dilatation and contraction of the bladder.
Vcute inflammation of the bladder neck, the congestion of the
mucous membrane imparting the sensation that the bladder is
not entirely emptied.
Vesiculitis.
Appendicitis with bladder adhesions.
Salpingitis.
Uterine displacement.
Uterine.
Ovarian.
Rectal.
Hydatids.
Inflammatory exudates.
Pressure of sigmoid.
. , f In Retzius' space.
Abscess J ^ , . ^
Pelvic.
"Adhesions of omentum.
Adhesions of tubes.
Adhesions of large intestines.
Extra vesical
pressure
Pelvic tumors
Extravesical
traction
'Calculus in prostate.
Tumors of prostate.
Acute prostatitis
Parenchymatous.
Follicular.
Abscess.
Urethra
, Hypertrophy.
" Calculus in any part of the urethra, but most marked in the pros-
tatic portion.
Acute posterior urethritis, the sensation of obstruction being due
to intense congestion.
Stricture accompanying chronic urethritis.
" Periurethral exudates.
< Periurethral abscess.
Urinary extravasation.
Nervous diflSculty due to lesions of the spinal cord.
Extra-
urethral
252 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
Painful Micturition
Under this heading, we shall discuss pain which either precedes, accompanies,
or follows the act of micturition. This symptom is of the greatest importance
in urological diagnosis, as it often enables us to localize and to define the char-
acter of urinary diseases.
Micturition is made painful in the presence of congestion, inflammation,
ulceration, new growths, calculi, foreign bodies or traumatism, either in the
bladder, the prostate or the urethra.
There is, however, a group of conditions of the kidneys and the ureter
which indirectly give rise to painful micturition. Of these, perhaps, the most
prominent is due to stone in which small calculi pass down the ureter and stick
just above or at the opening into the bladder, giving rise to a sensation akin to
those in the bladder, the prostate, or the urethra.
Painful micturition is a prominent accompaniment of cystitis. In the
milder degree, especially of the chronic type, it is not very pronounced. In the
acute form, the pain is very distressing and the same may be said of the tuber-
cular form, especially w^hen accompanied by ulceration. In tumors of the
bladder, painful micturition is also one of the important symptoms, becoming
marked when the new growth involves a large portion of the organ and when it
ulcerates.
Stones or foreign bodies in the bladder, especially if they be rough or
pointed, may cause intense pain during the act of micturition.
The rule is, so far as the time of occurrence of the pain is concerned, that,
in bladder conditions, the acme of intensity is reached at the end of the act of
expulsion — that is, when the greatest amount of vesical contraction takes place.
The character and the position of the pain during micturition, when due to
bladder conditions, is not distinctive. It may present itself as a tenesmus or
burning sensation at the neck of the bladder, or it may be located in the hypo-
gastrium, radiating to the end of the penis, the groin or even the loin. The
pain of stone in the bladder is characteristically located at the end of the urethra.
In posterior urethritis and in inflammations of the prostate, painful urina-
tion, accompanied by dysuria, and frequency, constitute a very frequent and
important set of symptoms. Usually the pain is felt at the beginning of urina-
tion, when the posterior urethra is distended by a rush of urine. The contrac-
tion of the posterior urethra at the end of micturition causes an exacerbation
of the pain at that time.
Painful micturition may also be present without any organic affections of
the urinary organs, when the character of the urine is such as to irritate the
lower passages. Among these conditions may be mentioned phosphaturia,
oxaluria, uricacidemia and other conditions in which there is an excess of crys-
talline elements in the urine.
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION
253
(2) Congestion or inflammation
of the bladder (cystitis)
due to
PAINFUL MICTURITION
(1) Ureter: — Calculus near or at the opening into the bladder.
Vesical calculus, especially if rough
or pointed.
Vesical tuberculosis with ulcer near
the urethral opening.
Vesical tumor, especially when ma-
lignant or ulcerating, or if it comes
in contact with the urethral open-
ing.
Vesical ulcer.
Impediment from below, pressure
from without, displacement or an
interference with its functions.
Gonorrhea, giving rise to an acute
prostatitis.
Tuberculosis.
Calculus.
Tumors (especially malignant).
Gonorrhea
(3) Congestion or inflammation
of the prostate (prostati-
tis) due to
(4) Congestion or inflammation
of the urethra (urethritis)
Stone
Crystals
Especially in the
posterior portion.
For treatment, see the treatment of the trouble under the special chapters.
Changes in the Urinary Stream
Changes in the urinary stream include alteration in the shape, caliber, force
and rhythm of the stream.
The form and direction of the stream is altered in epispadias, hypospadias,
fistula, abnormalities of the meatus and other anomalies. There are certain
changes in form that are transient and depend upon the gluing of the meatal
lips by discharge. In such cases, the stream may be twisted, flattened or split
for a few seconds, but when the meatus has been washed by it, the stream again
becomes normal.
Persistent changes in the form of the stream indicate the presence . of
strictures. They may consist of a special twisting, a flattening, or a splitting
of the stream into several smaller jets, depending on the distribution, size, or
amount of thickening forming the stricture. In stricture, these changes may
be accompanied by difficulty in passing water.
The caliber of the stream varies greatly according to the size of the meatus,
254 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
i. e., the nozzle through which the stream must pass. If the meatus is narrow,
the stream is fine, but when the meatus is normal and the stream is very small,
the presumption is that there is a stricture farther back.
The force of the stream depends upon the force of contraction of the de-
trusor muscle of the bladder and the amoimt of the obstruction or interference.
The force normally depends upon a variety of circumstances. If the bladder
muscle is tired by long retention in normal conditions, the stream is weaker.
It is also weaker in old people. Any condition which injures the bladder mus-
cles or interferes with free circulation, wdll cause the force of the stream to be
diminished.
The stream loses its force in a variety of nervous conditions, notably in
scleroses of the cord (tabes and lateral sclerosis), and in other diseases of the
brain and cord in which the action of the detrusor is impaired. In the pres-
ence of any obstruction of the stream, there is usually a period of compensa-
tion at first, during which an increased muscular action overcomes the re-
sistance, and the stream remains normal in force. Later, however, an atonic
condition of the bladder develops and the force of the stream is diminished.
This is especially the case in hypertrophy of the prostate, in stricture of the
urethra, etc.
In prostatic hypertrophy the bladder wall may be strong and the urethra
of large size, as is evidenced after the passage of a large-sized catheter and the
escape of a forceful stream of urine through it, and yet if no catheter is passed,
the prostatic obstruction will be found sufficient to slow and diminish the force
of the stream.
The force of the stream is also lessened when the bladder contractions are
interfered with, where there are adhesions of the omentum, tubes or intestines
to the bladder, displacements of the uterus, pressure of pelvic tumors and inflam-
matory exudates.
The rhythm of the stream means its normal iminterrupted flow, beginning
with a strong, steady stream and gradually diminishing. The last drops are
then expelled by a contraction of the accessory nmscle. In old people, the last
part of the act is considerably less forceful and the same may occur in people
who retain their urine for a long time.
Interruption in the stream of urine, know^n sometimes as urinary hesitancy,
or urinary stammering, occurs in a variety of conditions. These include many
in w^hich there is dysuria, the interruption then being due to a necessary relaxa-
tion of the auxiliary muscles of micturition. Another cause of interruption
of the stream is a spasmodic contraction of the vesical sphincter, such as occurs
in acute inflammations in and about the neck of the bladder, as, for example,
in acute prostatitis. Finally, the stream of urine may be interrupted in cases
in which the bladder itself is free from disease, as in spinal diseases in which
the vesical reflex is increased, causing a contraction of the sphincter during the
DISTUKBANCES OF MICTURITION 265
act, which interrupts the stream. Inflammations of the rectum, acting reflexly
upon the bladder, may also produce the same effect.
When small stones, pediculated growths, or tonguelike projections of pros-
tatic tissue are present, the stream may be interfered with.
Retention of Urine
This term designates an inability on the part of the bladder to empty itself,
because of loss of power or obstruction. It is variously classified as complete
or incomplete, according to the degree of retention ; acute or chronic, depending
upon the duration and severity of the attack; and traumatic, paralytic or ob-
structive, referring to the nature of the cause.*
Complete retention, from whatever cause, is a condition in which the pa-
tient cannot pass any urine from the bladder; it is incomplete when he can
empty it only in part, a certain residuum of an ounce or more, remaining in
the bladder. The urine which passes represents the excess over this residuum,
or the transient urine. Acute retention occurs when the patient suddenly finds
that he cannot pass any urine, though he may never before have had any diffi-
culty. It is chronic when for a long time he has not been able to empty his
bladder; and paralytic when his inability to void urine is due to paralysis of the
bladder wall, owing to disease of either brain or cord.
Retention is obstructive when, owing to some growth or impediment in or
about the neck of the bladder or at some point of the urethra, either no urine
or not all of it can be forced out. It is traumatic when some wound gives rise
to an impediment, either within the urethra itself or on the outside, which
presses upon it.
Occasional acute attacks of retention may be due to operations, alcoholism,
profound temporary stupor, or voluntary refraining from urinating.
The loss of power is variously referred to as paralysis, paresis and atony.
There is really very little difference between certain degrees of these conditions.
Complete paralysis of the bladder is found when, on account of some brain or
cord lesion, it is incapable of expelling any urine; partial paralysis, when the
bladder is not able to empty itself fully. Paresis is another name for partial
paralysis, and atony is a condition where, through lack of power, the bladder
wall cannot force out all the urine. Both in atony and paralysis, the bladder
may be constantly distended by urine to a certain extent, perhaps to its utmost
limit, as a passive sac, and the excess of this residuum may dribble away in-
voluntarily (overflow incontinence) ; or it may be expelled in small quantities
by repeated acts of urination in the ordinary way, accompanied by great strain-
ing and assisted by the voluntary contractions of the muscular wall of the
abdomen.
• Guiteras, "Retention of Urine," N. Y, Medical Journal, May 20-27, 1899.
256 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
The causes of atony are: Overdistention by neglecting to urinate, involun-
tary retention in cases of fever and coma, and urethral obstructive conditions.
The muscular coat of the bladder may be paralyzed from any cause that will
induce loss of muscular power in other parts of the body, and the paralysis may
affect either the detrusor urinje, or the sphincter vesica^, or botli at the same
time. Power may be diminished or wholly lost, and this impairment of func-
tion may be temporary or permanent.
The muscles of the bladder which expel or retain the urine are only partially
under control of the will. Thus the contraction of the detrusor is involun-
tary, being occasioned as a reflex from the stimulus of the urine in the
bladder. When sensibility is diminished and the presence of urine no longer
acts as a stimulus on the detrusor, the result is urinary retention. The com-
pressor urethrie must relax under the influence of the will before the contents
of the bladder can escape.
It is well to remember also that the bladder muscle may be directly paral-
yzed by overdistention, as already stated, or by inflammation extending from
either its mucous or its serous coat.
Causes. — Acute Retention. — Acute or temporary retentions may be due
to operations on or about the external genitals, anus or rectum, or upon parts
of the body quite distant from this locality, bringing about a spasmodic inability
to urinate. It may also be due to acute alcoholism ; to large doses of opium,
belladonna or hyoscyamus, especially when given by rectum; or to profound
temporary stupor, such as occurs in typhoid fever or other adynamic diseases.
Voluntary refraining from urinating until the bladder is so full that its walls
are unable to contract, as when one is in company where no opportimity is af-
forded, is also at times a cause of retention. It may also be found in pregnant
women, due to some displacement of the uterus, which presses upon the bladder.
If it occurs after delivery, it is due to displacement of the bladder or to the
effect of long pressure upon its neck during delivery.
Acute attacks may also occur during chronic obstructive conditions, such
as stricture or enlarged prostate from various causes.
In the majority of cases, retention is due either to organic nervous lesions
or to obstructions involving the urethra or prostate.
C'liRONic Retention (Complete or Incomplete). — Certain organic nervous
diseases cause retention.
In paraplegia, in hemiplegia, in locomotor ataxia and in lateral sclerosis,
we may haA-e complete or partial retention due to motor paralysis.
In Pott's disease, we may have retention with incontinence, due to paralysis
by interference with the vesico-urethral nerve centers.
In injuries of the brain and spinal cord the same applies. These are at-
tended by important changes in the urinary system as well as in the urine.
These changes do not seem to be connected with the particular locality of the
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION 267
injury. They occur almost uniformly, whether the injury affects the lumbar,
the dorsal or the cervical region.
In the various forms of spinal sclerosis, there may be more or less complete
retention, in the earlier stages of a spasmodic nature (during the stage of ex-
citement), and, later, due to paralysis.
The Obstructive Causes. — They are principally situated in the prostate or
the urethra, although vesical calculi may enter the neck of the bladder and
lodge there. Displacement and fracture of the pelvic bones, especially of the
pubes, may also cause obstruction.
Prostatip causes of obstruction are acute prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy,
tumors, cysts, calculi or tuberculosis.
The urethral cause is usually a stricture. The retention may be due to an
acute congestion of the mucous membrane or of the submucous tissue about this
lesion, or it may be a late symptom dependent upon the great obstruction offered
by the stricture itself. In either case, it is apt to be preceded by a his-
tory of fatigue, cold or alcoholic excesses. Spasm of the urethra aids in
closing the canal. Foreign bodies or calculi in the urethra may also cause
retention.
Atresia is another cause. This may give rise to complete retention in the
new born, if the urethra is impervious ; or, if it is slightly pervious, the trouble
will come on gradually. This latter condition is really a congenital stricture.
Wounds of the urethra also give rise to retention, either by causing a con-
gestion or an exudate which narrows its caliber, or by pressing upon its walls
on the outside and thus rendering it impervious.
Extravasation of urine, due to rupture of the urethra from an injury or
wound, or to rupture of a urethral follicle, may allow of sufficient leakage of
urine into the surrounding tissues, either in the pendulous portion of the urethra
or the perineum, to block completely the canal by its pressure.
Abscesses or cellulitis starting in the urethra or surrounding tissue may also
exert enough pressure upon the urethra to shut it off.
Symptoms. — The symptoms of retention vary in a marked degree. In
an acute attack of retention, such as occurs after an operation or during a fever,
the patient complains of pain steadily increasing in the suprapubic region, and
of a sense of fullness and inability to micturate, associated with a constant de-
sire. On palpation over the pubes, there is a feeling of tenderness and disten-
tion, and perhaps a globular tumor can be seen (Fig. 221), extending up toward
tlie thorax. Kectal examination may reveal a tumor filling the pelvis like a
gravid uterus.
Chronic complete retention rarely occurs, as an overflow incontinence usu-
ally renders it incomplete. It may be observed, however, in certain cases of
paralysis or obstruction. In complete retention, such as occurs in some cases
of paralysis, the patient may not have been able to void a drop of urine for
258
SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
months. There is, however, when the bladder is full, a sensation, or, in cases
of paralysis, where sensation is not perfect, a knowledge of how long it takes
the bladder to fill, so that the individual knows when the time has arrived to
have recourse to the catheter.
In chronic incomplete retention, the symptoms are different, as all cases
have residual urine, and the condition often develops so slowly that the pa-
FiG. 221. — The Outline or the Abdomen in a Case or Retention.
tients do not know that they cannot empty their bladders until they have been
so informed by the physician after an examination. A patient with a weak
bladder may carry for many years about a pint or more of clear urine as a
residual deposit, which its weakened walls cannot throw off. An excess of the
fixed residuum produces a desire to urinate, and the patient, mainly by volim-
tary contraction of the abdominal muscles, is able to void this excess.
In chronic incomplete retention, acute attacks of complete retention occur
principally when there is obstruction to the escape of urine in the form of
stricture or enlarged prostate.
A patient with prostatic hypertrophy suffers from chronic incomplete re-
tention, in addition to which his bladder is usually atonic and chronically
inflamed. The usual symptoms are those of congestion, pain, frequency of mic-
turition, in addition to which the urine is thick and foul-smelling if cystitis has
developed. After overeating or drinking, or exposure to wet or cold, these
patients suddenly find that they cannot pass urine. As the bladder dilates, they
have a feeling of pain and a sense of retention, which is usually relieved by
the methods which we shall mention under Treatment.
Cases of acute attacks of retention due to stricture are also common. Here
also there is usually a certain amount of residual urine in the bladder. In bad
cases, the urethra behind the stricture is dilated, at times even as far back as
the neck of the bladder, which itself becomes dilated and no longer acts as a
sphincter, giving rise to an overflow incontinence. In such cases, it is often
difficult to expel any of the remainder of the urine. Great straining and pro-
lapse of the rectum may accompany the efforts.
In chronic incomplete retention, where the bladder cannot empty itself, cys-
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION 259
titis usually develops, after which sufficient bacteria remain in the residuum to
contaminate the fresh urine flowing into it.
Diagnosis. — When one is called to see a case of suspected retention of urine,
it is necessary to ascertain first if it is really retention, and then inquire care-
fully into the history of the case : whether it is complete or incomplete ; and if
complete, whether it is an acute attack or not ; and if an acute attack, whether
the patient has had others of a similar nature. It is then important to know
if there is any other symptom, general or local, which may give us some clew
as to the cause of retention; also to ascertain age and family history.
To be sure of an attack of retention, there are certain other conditions that
must be excluded, as anuria, rupture of the bladder and extravasation of urine.
It is strange how generally anuria and retention are confounded with one
another. Anuria is a condition where either the function of the kidney has
ceased or the urine is prevented from entering the bladder, whereas, in reten-
tion, the bladder contains urine, but cannot empty itself. If no urine can be
passed by the urethra, and it is a question between anuria and retention, a bi-
manual examination per rectum and suprapubically will usually disclose the
presence of a large fluid tumor if it is retention, and a catheter inserted into
the bladder will draw off a quantit^" of urine in vesical retention and none
in the case of anuria.
Rupture of the bladder can be distinguished from retention, as in the former
case there is no well-defined globular tumor present, and a catheter passed by
the urethra will bring away only a slight amount of urine and blood. The
patient will complain of great pain and tenderness in the suprapubic region
and perhaps of strangury. If the rupture extends into the peritoneal cavity,
general abdominal pain, an elevation of temperature, and rapid pulse will soon
follow.
In extravasation of urine, vesical retention may also be present on account
of the pressure of the exuded urine on the urethra and it may be impossible to
pass an instrument into the bladder on this very account. The extravasation
can be seen as a swelling in the perineum, external genitals, or even extending
to the abdominal wall.
The history of a case of retention will reveal a great deal, as will a survey
of the symptoms. For instance, if there is history of an operation on the geni-
tals or about the rectum, an acute attack of retention can be ascribed to that
source. If the patient has had a stroke of apoplexy, a fracture of the skull, or
is suffering from a disease of the cord, or other evidences of paralysis, we can
assume that the retention is due to one of these causes. To show that injury
to the cord is followed by bladder dilatation, I will quote an experiment of
Budge, who found that division of the cord in the lower dorsal region was fol-
lowed by increased reflex action of the sphincter and a greater degree of dis-
tention of the bladder than could be produced after death.
260 SPECIAL UKINARY SYMPTOMS
It is rarely that retention is so complete that not a drop of urine can be
passed, but we do at times observe cases in complete and partial paraplegia
in which not a drop can be voided without the catheter.
Having excluded paralysis as a cause of retention, we should then look for
some local trouble to account for it. If the patient is a man oA'^er fifty-five years of
age, with a history of trouble in urinating, the stream coming tardily, and if he
has suffered from such frequency of urination as to be obliged to get up often
at night, and if, on certain occasions, he was unable to pass his urine except
when aided by a hot bath or by hot local applications, we can assume that he
has some prostatic trouble, and can examine him per rectum and per urethra
to see if obstruction is present there. If an enlargement is found, it is prob-
ably occasioned by senile prostatic hypertrophy. Of course, there are other
prostatic troubles that may give rise to enlargement, as acute prostatitis, malig-
nant tumor, tuberculosis and cystic conditions, but these are rare. If the patient
is a man between twenty-five and fifty years of age, has had several attacks of
urethritis, and has recently urinated with increased frequency and with some
difficulty and pain, his urethra should be explored for stricture, and if one of
small caliber is found, it is probably the cause of his retention.
Treatment. — The treatment in retention of urine varies and depends upon
the cause, form and degree of the trouble, and may be divided into temporary,
palliative and radical methods. It is my intention to consider the different
forms from the standpoint of degree and cause.
Acute Attacks of Complete Retention. — In acute attacks of complete
retention, such as occur after operations in toxic, comatose conditions, or fevers,
the surgeon should insert a soft-rubber catheter into the bladder and draw off
one pint of the urine. If then hot applications are made over the pubes, the
patient will probably be able to pass urine, after an hour, without difficulty. If
not, the catheter should again be introduced at the end of two hours, and again
every three hours, until spontaneous urination has been reestablished, drawing
off each time only a pint of urine. This will usually take place after a few
catheterizations, although sometimes it requires a longer period.
Acute Attacks of Complete Retention Occurring in Cases of
Chronic Incomplete Retention. — Attacks of this nature, occurring in
people who have a certain amount of residual urine habitually, are those most
commonly encountered. They usually occur in men suffering from stricture
or enlarged prostate and are generally caused by exposure to cold or wet, dissi-
pation, or by excesses in eating or drinking. Here the patient suddenly finds
that he cannot urinate, although he has been able to pass a fair amount at fre-
quent intervals, for some time.
This is a critical moment for him, as it is often here that his future woes
begin. A case in this condition should be handled with the greatest care, as
the bladder and, perhaps, the ureters and pelves of the kidneys are more or less
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION
261
distended or congested and in a favorable condition to be infected. The cathe-
terization should, therefore, be made under the strictest asepsis or antisepsis,
and care must be taken to avoid lacerating, wounding or bruising. (See chapter
on Asepsis and Antisepsis.) .
The treatment of these attacks, or exacerbations of chronic ones, is the same
as that of an acute attack independent of a chronic condition; namely, to pass
a catheter and draw off a pint of urine, another pint in two hmirs, and then a
pint CA^ery three hours until the patient can urinate spontaneously, as has just
been mentioned. Frequently, however, a catheter will not enter, in which case
the patient should have a hot sitz bath, which may enable him to pass a small
amount of urine while seated in the water. If, however, he is unable to pass
any urine in this way, he should then have a hypodermic injection of a quarter
of a grain of morphin, hot applications over the pubes and perineum, and should
lie down for about an hour, when another attempt should be made to catheterize
him, at first with a small soft-rubber cathe-
ter, and, if unsuccessful with such an in-
strument, then with a woven one with an
olivary tip. If the patient is an old man,
an elbowed woven catheter should be used.
In case these measures do not meet with
success, he should be given another hot sitz
bath and another attempt at catheterization
should be made.
Fio. 222. — The Blasucci Catheter.
Contains a mandrin with a pliable filiform giiide at its end, seen in the bladder.
SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
Sometimes, when other catheters fail, the Blasucci instrument can be
passed (Figs. 232, 223 and 224). If this attempt fails and he cannot pass
««i^
urine, he should be aspirated suprapnhically and a pint of urine with-
drawn, after which lie should he aspirated every four hours until he is able
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION 263
to urinate spontaneously, or a catheter can be passed. In case such a re-
sult is not obtained, an operation should be performed, preferably a perineal
section. It is very rarely, however, that an immediate operative procedure has
to be resorted to, as these patients are almost always able to pass sufficient urine
to be relieved if a catheter cannot be inserted. In case it is difficult to pass the
catheter at any time, when one finally enters, it is prudent to tie it in for twenty-
four hours and insert a plug, which can be withdrawn every two or three hours,
until the bladder is empty. In twenty years of the most active practice in
bladder surgery, I cannot recall having had to aspirate more than three
patients.
The best lubricant is glycerin ; next to this, Casper's prescription :
^ Hydrarg. oxycyanat gr. iijss ;
Glycerini f 5vss ;
Tragacanth gr. xlvj ;
Aquse dist. sterilizat fSiij.
The mixture is put up in tubes.
In case a catheter does not easily pass with such lubricants, half an ounce
of sterile olive oil, which is more than the anterior urethra will readily hold,
should be injected and held in for several minutes in the hope that some of it
will pass through the stricture and lubricate its walls. Before allowing any
oil to escape from the meatus, while the urethra is still somewhat dilated, an
attempt should be made to pass a catheter or filiforms.
If a catheter can be introduced into the bladder, it may be allowed to re-
main as a retained catheter. It should be plugged, and every two hours, until
the bladder is empty, twelve ounces of urine should be withdrawn.
In case neither a soft-rubber nor woven catheter can be introduced, an en-
deavor should be made to pass a filiform. If successful and some urine escapes
by its side, it may be left in place, in the hope that the urine will drain oflF by
its side; or a metal tunneled catheter may be forced over it into the bladder,
thus allowing as n^uch urine to be drawn off as we desire.
I do not advocate this latter procedure, however, unless it is considered
desirable to operate immediately afterwards.
If a patient cannot pass urine and an instrument cannot be introduced that
will allow the escape of urine, then there are but two things to do. One is to
perform paracentesis (aspiration), and the other a radical operation.
It is probable that by keeping the patient in bed and resorting to the palli-
ative methods already referred to, he will be able to urinate spontaneously in
a few hours, but only in small quantities ; or else the congestion will go down
sufficiently to allow the catheter to be passed. Patients may be aspirated fre-
quently, each time but a pint of urine being withdrawn ; I have known a patient
to be aspirated over one hundred times without any ill effects.
264 SPECIAL URINART SYMPTOMS
Paracentesis should always be performed by the suprapubic route. The
point for the introduction of the instrument should be in the median line, just
above the symphysis. The trocar should be pushed inward and downward for
about two inches, the stilet should then be taken out and a certain amount of
urine withdrawn (Fig. 225). A piece of plaster should be placed over the
puncture and the patient put to bed.
Fio. 226. — Pabacentesis. The grooved cannula or an aspirating needle is thrust through the ab-
dominal and bladder walla, just above the pubes toward the tip of the foreGager, which is in the
rectum just aliove the proetatic base and acts as a guide.
The complete emptying of the bladder at once may produce a distention of
the blood vessels of the urinary tract and a consequent engorgement of its sur-
face. Within a few hours, the urine may contain a little blood (hematuria), in-
dependent of mechanical injury. If the urinary tract was infected before or
during the catheterization, the temperature may rise, the tongue become dry and
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITIOX 265
brown, and the patient may develop a condition known as urinary fever. If the
patient's kidneys are damaged, even if no infection is present, the kidneys may
become congested, resulting in uremia and death. The renal congestion may
even give rise to death in a few hours from suppression.
The conservative method recommended of gradually evacuating the bladder
may be used with advantage in cases of retention. It consists, first, in evacuat-
ing about one pint of urine by catheter, which should be plugged and retained.
At intervals of two hours, until the bladder is empty, the plug should be with-
drawn and twelve ounces of urine allowed to escape.
Chronic Complete Retention Due to Paralysis. — In chronic complete
retention due to paralysis, such as occurs in cases of transverse myelitis, the
patient should be catheterized every six hours.
Chronic Complete Retention Due to Obstruction. — In chronic com-
plete retention due to obstruction, the treatment should be the same as in chronic
cases due to paralysis, if this is possible. These cases are, however, almost al-
ways due to hypertrophy of the prostate or to stricture, so that, in the former
condition, we should be obliged to use an elbowed soft-rubber or woven catheter.
In such cases, pain, irritation and tenesmus are often so great that the catheter
may have to be passed more frequently in order to give the patient relief. In-
ternal urinary antiseptics, bladder irrigations of antiseptic solutions by means
of the catheter, and antispasmodics by the mouth or rectum, should be given.
Chronic Incomplete Retention Due to Paralysis. — In chronic incom-
plete retention due to paralysis, the bladder w^all is partially paralyzed, residual
urine is present, and cystitis is apt to occur. Here the frequency of catheteriza-
tion should depend on the amount of residual urine present; if four ounces,
once a day; four to eight oimces, twice a day; eight to twelve ounces, three
times a day ; over twelve ounces, four times a day.
If, in addition to this, cystitis is present, we should wash out the bladder
every day or two through the catheter with some antiseptic solution, as one of
boric acid or silver nitrate, and give internally a urinary antiseptic.
In all cases of chronic incomplete retention, the treatment of the inflamed
and atonic wall of the bladder is to be considered. A patient may live for years
with a chronic cystitis, if his bladder is treated properly. This trouble is gen-
erally not curable, but few inflammatory conditions yield to treatment with
more gratifying results to both the physician and the patient.
The methods of toning up an atonic bladder are: By using remedies which
will excite contraction of the bladder wall, such as strychnin, cold sponging,
or douching over the pubes, and counterirritation to the spine.
Civiale recommended cold-water injection into the bladder, beginning with
tepid water and gradually decreasing the temperature to 60° F. This should
be done after emptying the bladder. Two or three of these injections may be
given one after another. These generally excite contractions, which, once hav-
266
SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
ing begun, will bring about favorable results. The daily injections for a fort-
night will usually cause marked improvement.
The faradic current given by placing one pole over the lumbar or hypogas-
tric region, and introducing the other into the bladder in the form of a hard-
rubber sound, with a metallic tip, is often of great service. This, should be
moved around until it comes in contact with the different parts of the bladder
wall for five minutes at a sitting. Various preparations, such as those of iron,
strychnin and other tonics, are recommended.
Chrpnic Incomplete Retention Due to Obstruction. — In chronic in-
complete retention due to obstruction, we have a very common condition, such
as is usually seen in cases of enlarged prostate or tight stricture. The treat-
ment of the bladder in these cases should depend very much on the amount of
residual urine. The bladder should be catheterized as often as indicated and
irrigated with an antiseptic solution. A urethral stricture, if present, should be
dilated.
Radical Treatment. — The causes of complete or incomplete retention,
when obstruction is due to mechanical interference, should be treated by opera-
tion, as recommended in the respective chapters on these subjects : urethrotomy
for urethral stricture and prostatectomy for prostatic hypertrophy.
The classification of retention of urine is as follows :
(1) According to the degree of
retention
(2) Degree of intensity and dura-
. tion
(3) Cause
" Complete — ^when no urine can be passed.
Incomplete — when not all the urine can be
passed.
" When the patient suddenly
finds it impossible to urinate.
An acute attack taking place
during chronic incomplete
retention, is really an acute
exacerbation.
""When the patient habitually,
for a considerable time, has
not been able to empty his
bladder.
Acut(
Chronic
Obstructive.
Traumatic.
Paralytic.
In the following table I classify them according to acute and chronic, speak-
ing first of the purely acute; then those purely chronic, which will be divided
into complete and incomplete.
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION
267
Acute attacks of complete reten-
tion may be due to
Chronic retention (complete or
incomplete)
Acute parenchymatous prostatitis.
Follicular prostatitis.
Stricture or prostatic hypertrophy.
Alcoholism.
Temporary stupor.
Voluntary refraining from urinating.
Fever, as typhoid.
Pregnancy.
Urethral calculus.
Extravasation of urine.
Periurethral abscess or cellulitis.
Fracture of the pelvis.
Paraplegia "1 _ ..
TT • 1 • >-trom disease or miury.
Hemiplegia J '* *^
Tabes and lateral sclerosis.
Pott's disease.
Prostatic hypertrophy.
Prostatic tumors or cysts. .
Urethral stricture.
Atresia in the newborn.
In chronic cases of partial retention (that is, when there is residual urine
present), the patient may suddenly find that he cannot urinate, thus making an
acute attack of retention. In paralytic and chronic obstructive cases, there may
be an overflow retention or incontinence.
Incontinence of Urine
Definition. — True incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine through
the urethra. False incontinence is a condition in which an irresistible desire
to urinate occurs, causing the patient to void every few minutes, or giving rise
to precipitate urination.
Varieties and Causes. — The following table shows the varieties of true in-
continence and their causes:
I. Retention with Incontinence oe Overflow Incontinence.
(1) Due to an obstruction in the
vesico-urethral path
(a) Strictures of the urethra, trau-
matic or acquired.
{h) Chronic enlarged prostate.
(c) Foreign bodies, stones, tumors
blocking the path; outside
pressure ; or cystocele.
268
SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
(2) Due to a change in the nerv-
ous mechanism of the blad- ^
der
(a) Locomotor ataxia ; myelitis ; pa-
ralysis. ( Bladder paralyzed. )
(6) Comatose conditions; apoplexy;
cerebral concussion; narcotic
poisoning. (Consciousness of
desire abolished.)
Senile atrophy of the bladder.
(3) Due to a loss of muscular J
tone of the bladder \
11. Without Retention. — Due to insufficiency of, or interference with,
the sphincter mechanism from the following causes :
(a) Enuresis noctuma in children.
(1) Idiopathic or functional
(2) Mechanical
(6) Nervous and physical incon-
tinence in adults; hysteria;
neurasthenia.
Stone or foreign body or tumor in
the neck of the bladder, partly
holding the sphincter open.
(3) Tuberculosis of the neck of the bladder, giving rise to loss of tissue
from ulcerations that prevent its uniform closing.^
For prostatic
abscess.
For stricture.
For perineal
p r o s t a -
tectomy.
(4) Traumatic,^ after
(a) Perineal section
(5) Atonic, affecting the sphinc-
ter only
(b) Bottini operation.
(c) Forcible dilatation of sphincter.
(d) Fracture of the pelvis affecting
sphincter.
(a) After childbed, witli subinvolu-
tion of the uterus.
(h) In old women, with atrophy of
the geni to-urinary organs.
^ This condition described by many authorities is probably rare, as the author has never
seen a case of true incontinence in vesical tuberculosis that he could prove to be such either by
clinical methods or post-mortem findings. Many cases of false incontinence in vesical tuber-
culosis resemble true incontinence so closely as to be mistaken for it.
* Childbirth, with tearing of the vesical sphincter usually given as a cause of incontinence,
has been omitted from this table, as in fifty-five thousand (55,000) cases in one of the largest ly-
ing-in hospitals in the world, no such case has been recorded. Its presence on the list together
with the usual causes might mislead the practitioner for whose use this table has been prepared.
DISTURBANCES OF MICTURITION 269
Clinical Features. — The clinical types which can be distinguished are as
follows :
(1) Dribbling.
(2) Sndden discharge of entire contents of the bladder at intervals, giving
bladder time to fill np.
(3) Discharge of the contents of bladder by steady pressure over it.
(1) Dribbling. — This is characteristic of overflow retention in true in-
continence. In most cases the accumulation of urine gradually overcomes the
resistance of the sphincter and the urine begins to dribble out.
As the bladder keeps filling up, there being usually polyuria in these cases,
the dribbling continues, with interruptions. Usually the overflow dribbling of
retention appears at night, but later continues through the twenty-four hours.
Dribbling may occur without retention in those cases of incontinence in which
the sphincter is interfered with. (See Table II, 2, 4.) Sometimes in these
cases the discharge of small amounts of urine may be brought about by sudden
jars, such as occur in coughing, sneezing, etc., while the bladder may retain
its contents during sleep. Slight dribbling is also due to a few drops of urine
collecting in dilations behind strictures, in cases in which the bladder sphinc-
ter holds.
(2) Sudden Discharge of the Entire Contents of the Bladder at
Intervals, Giving the Bladder Time to Fill up Again. — The involuntary
discharge of large amounts of urine in a steady stream, from time to time, while
the fluid is retained in the intervals, is characteristic of enuresis noctuma in
children; of cerebral conditions accompanied by coma; of narcotic poisoning,
concussion, epilepsy, etc., in which cases the patient does not feel any desire
to urinate, though the bladder be full.
(3) Discharge of Urine by Steady Pressure on the Bladder. — This
is a symptom indicating the reverse of the above, namely, a lowered reflex sus-
ceptibility of the organ, and occurs when the reflexes are generally lowered in
locomotor ataxia, myelitis, etc. This form of incontinence is characterized by
the fact that the contents of the bladder can be readily expressed when pressure
is made upon the suprapubic region. The pressure oli the bladder, however,
that usually causes such incontinence, is a fibroid or subinvoluted uterus, an
abdominal or pelvic tumor, or, in some cases, the weight of the intestines in
ptosis, or of the omentum when standing.
Diagnosis. — True incontinence is distinguished from false by the subjective
presence in the latter of the desire to urinate. We must be sure, of course, to
exclude cases of willful discharge of urine in bed, etc., for the purpose of malin-
gering.
If an examination, general and local, fails to reveal the causes of true incon-
tinence, we can assume that the case is one of false incontinence.
Among the causes of false incontinence are the following : Acute inflamma-
270
SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
tion of the posterior urethra in very nervous individuals ; any of the causes of
true incontinence which have not reached the point where they are beyond the
control of the will; acute prostatic troubles; and tuberculosis of the bladder.
The last-mentioned is the most common and typical of all causes and should
always be suspected.
Treatment of Incontinence. — Strictures, where there is but slight dribbling
after urinating, due to dilatations behind them, are usually situated anteriorly,
and dilatation or internal urethrotomy should be
resorted to. In cases in which there is overflow
incontinence, the stricture is usually deep-seated
and of long standing, and would require an exter-
nal urethrotomy. When due to enlarged prostate,
the gland should be enucleated, or a Bottini opera-
tion performed, or catheter life resorted to. For-
eign bodies and stones holding the sphincter open
and occluding to a sufficient degree, to cause re-
tention, should be removed. Tumors should also
be removed if the growth has not involved too
much tissue.
In locomotor ataxia, myelitis and paralysis,
the bladder should be emptied four times in twen-
ty-four hours, and should be washed with silver
solution and a urinal be worn (Fig. 226). Some-
times in cerebral lesions, the condition improves
somewhat, but in diseases of the spinal cord there
is rarely any improvement. Cases in which the
bladder is atonic should be treated by nitrate-of-
silver irrigations, by electricity to the inside of
the bladder, injections of cold water and internally
by iron and strychnin.
In enuresis nocturna in children, the child, if
a male, should be circumcised. He should be ex-
amined for a congenital urethral stricture, which
should be cut if present. lie should sleep with a
knotted towel about him and with the knots behind his back. lie should be
awakened at a certain time to empty his bladder. Internally, he should have
hyoscyamus and bromid before retiring. If five years of age hyoscyamin, gr.
•^; bromid, grs. v.
In cases of hysteria and neurasthenia, bromid, belladonna and hyoscyamus
should also be given.
Fibroid tumors pressing on the bladder should be removed. A uterus press-
ing upon it should be fixed in place by shortening the ligaments or by anchoring
Fio. 226. — The Method op Wear-
ing A Urinal. The rubber
urinal is strapped about the
hips. The external genitals fit
in the pouch below the pubes,
from which a tube runs down
to a reservoir on the inner side
of the leg.
CHANGES IN THE AMOUNT OF URINE 271
it to the abdominal wall, well up. Bad tears of the bladder sphincter during
childbirth should be immediately repaired. Extensive cuts through the sphinc-
ter at the time of operations for stricture or prostatic abscesses, in the Bottini
prostatotomy, or in perineal prostatectomy, may give rise to an incontinence,
for the treatment of which no satisfactory remedy has yet been devised. Time,
electricity, prostatic and vesical douches, and tonic remedies may benefit them ;
but many of the bad cases are never cured.
Subinvolution of the uterus after childbirth should be treated by curettage
and ventral suspension.
In many cases of incontinence, the cause of which cannot be discovered by
the history, examination, or urinary analysis, the patients are relieved by symp-
tomatic treatment.
In women cystocele is a frequent cause, in which case they are readily cured
by an anterior colporrhaphy and repairing the perineum.
A prolapsed uterus should be suspended, and an anterior colporrhaphy or
perineorrhaphy performed, if indicated.
There is no other condition in urinary diseases so trying to the patient as
urinary incontinence; therefore, every means should be taken to discover and
remove the cause. Cystoscopy should give us a clear idea of the condition of
the bladder. If no cause is seen and if no disease of the nervous system is
discovered, an exploratory laparotomy should be performed with the object of
seeing if there is any interference with the bladder function from the outside.
A large gynecological service leads me to believe that, in women, such inter-
ference is due to adhesions of the bladder to the neighboring structures, and that
the consequent displacement and interfered function of the bladder is more com-
mon than was formerly supposed.
n. CHANGES IN THE AMOUNT OF URINE
POLYUEIA
The term polyuria indicates an increased secretion of urine and is a symp-
tom, not a disease. There is, however, a form of polyuria which seems to exist
independently of any other condition and is known as ** essential polyuria " or
poly uric diabetes.
The term polyuria is usually applied to cases in which the amount of urine
exceeds two liters in twenty-four hours. It must be carefully distinguished
from frequency of urination, because, as we have seen, the latter may exist
with a normal amount of urine. The amount of urine for twenty-four hours
should be accurately measured before making a diagnosis of polyuria. Malin-
gering by the patient who may add water to his urine should be excluded.
Etiology. — Transient polyuria may exist from extraneous causes in health,
and can usually be made out without difficulty, as in people who drink large
272 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
amounts of cold water and consequently have a polyuria of remarkable degree
within a few hours. Warm enemas, and warm fluids drunk give rise to a poly-
uria. The same is true of a cold bath, while a hot bath diminishes the amount
of urine secreted. The ingestion of diuretics and other therapeutic measures
also transiently increases the urinary secretion. Other important causes of
polyuria are sudden emotions, epileptic seizures, nervous strain, mental appli-
cation occurring especially in those not accustomed to it, causing a polyuria
which disappears as soon as the mental work is discontinued. This may be
termed " nervous polyuria."
The polyuria of convalescence is another type of the transient fonn. This
includes the increase in the amount of urine noted at the end of many diseases.
The object of this is to rid the system of certain products which are excreted
in large amount, as, for example, the clilorids in pneumonia.
A convenient division of the polyurias occurring from organic diseases is
into the moderate polyuria, reaching up to four liters, and the marked polyurias,
reaching as high as ten liters and over. The moderate type, according to Merek-
len, indicates disease of the urinary organs, while the marked polyurias are
seen in diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus.
The causes of polyuria may be thus tabulated, after Castaigne's description :
A. MODEKATE POLYURIAS
I. Due to Renal Disease.
(a) Chronic interstitial nephritis.
(6) Amyloid kidney.
(c) Reflex congestion of the kidney.
(d) Pyelonephritis.
(e) Tuberculous kidney.
II. Due to Heart Disease,
Permanent in persons with cardiosclerosis.
III. Due to Liver Disease,
Cirrhosis (sometimes).
IV. Due to Nervous Causes,
Hysteria.
Epilepsy.
Exophthalmic goiter.
^ Cerebral hemorrhage.
Meningitis.
_. _ - Sclerosis of the cord.
Keflex from ^ ^ ,
Ueneral paresis.
Sciatica.
Mental strain.
CHANGES IN THE AMOUNT OF URINE 273
B. MARKED POLYURIAS
I. Glycosuria — diabetes mellitus.
II. Uricacidemia — nitrogenous diabetes.
III. Phosphaturia — phosphatic diabetes.
IV. Diabetes insipidus — hydruria.
The urologist is especially interested in the first group of polyurias, due to
renal disease. Even if interstitial nephritis and amyloid kidney have been
excluded, there may be a polyuria due to trouble further down in the urinary
tract The urethra, bladder, prostate and ureter should be examined to make
sure of their integrity. Frequently strictures, chronic cystitis and hypertro-
phied prostate are reflex causes of a polyuria, or else the ascending infection to
which they give rise produces a pyelonephritis and so gives rise to a polyuria.
(See Table A, I, a, b, c and d.) With the latter there will be purulent urine
from the pelvis of the kidney on ureteral catheterization, while with the reflex
form of polyuria in these conditions the urine will be clear.
Anuria
Definition. — The word anuria is derived from an, without, and ouron, urine.
It means, therefore, literally a total absence of urinary secretion, although, clin-
ically, we understand by anuria the absence of urine from the bladder, which
is ascertained by the introduction of a catheter into this organ after the patient
has failed to urinate for some time.
Etiology. — Anuria may be due either to an arrest of secretion of urine
(nonobstructive anuria) or to an obstruction in the ureters (obstructive
anuria).
A. Nonobstructive Anuria — A Suppression of Urine. — A cessation of
the secretion of urine may be induced (1) by disease of the secretory apparatus
of the kidney, (2) by circulatory disturbances affecting the renal circulation,
(3) by certain nen^ous affections, or (4) by toxic agents.
(1) Anuria due to lesions of the kidney may occur in either acute or chronic
nephritis. In acute nephritis due to scarlet fever or other causes, there may
be suppression of urine due to a degeneration of the epithelium of the tubules,
with or without involvement of the glomeruli. In chronic nephritis the kidney
may become so atrophied and sclerosed that it no longer contains sufficient secre-
tory elements to maintain the process of excretion. The anuria of chronic
nephritis, however, is more frequently the result of a complicating passive con-
gestion, or an edema of the interstitial tissue which so compresses the urinary
tubules that secretion is arrested.
(2) Anuria due to circulatory disturbances is produced by a venous stasis
in diseases of the heart, or else by large double infarcts of the kidney. In the
274 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
former type, the chief factor is the dilatation of the right ventricle, which pro-
duces venous stasis of the kidney. There is always a disease in the kidney in
such cases, and the venous stasis suffices to produce edema of the interstitial
tissue and thus to choke the tubules. Cases of double plugging of the ureters
by desquamation, as in scarlet fever, or by suppuration products, in cases like
nephritis, or of othe^ origin are reported. Such cases must, however, be very
rare, the lesion existing by far more commonly as unilateral.
(3) Anuria due to nervous causes may depend on a variety of conditions.
Complete suppression of urine has been noted in some cases of hemiplegia from
fracture of the skull. More frequently, however, anurias are due to reflex in-
hibition of secretion. It appears that an irritation in one kidney c^n so affect
the other organ reflexly, that anuria may follow. Thus may be explained the
anuria of renal colic, following operation upon the kidney or injury of that
organ. Extensive bums may also produce reflex anuria, although the absorp-
tion of toxins may have something to do with these cases (Castaigne).
In hysteria, the anuria is probably also reflex, although the exciting cause
is not always apparent.
(4) Toxic anurias may occur in the course of infectious diseases such as
cholera, scarlet fever and in acute peritonitis and affections of the colon and
small intestines. The toxins probably act by affecting the renal tissue, as well
as by disturbing the circulation.
B. Obstructive Anurias. — The second group, the obstructive anurias, are
of great interest to the modern surgeon, particularly because they can be reme-
died by timely intervention.
They result either from the blocking of the lumen of the ureter or from
its compression or kinking. Among the obstructive causes we have, foremost,
renal calculi. The mechanism and pathology of this form of anuria has been
described in the chapters on calculus of the kidney and of the ureters, respec-
tively. It has been said that it is not necessary to have a stone in both ureters,
but that the presence of stone on one side often acts reflexly by inhibiting the
secretion of the opposite kidney. This is a course of events which Guyon has
described, but it is probably of rare occurrence. In most instances, the anuria
due to stone on one side arises because the opposite kidney had not been
working for some time, and when the calculous kidney, which alone was
capable of excreting urine, was blocked, a total suppression of urine resulted.
Albarran has gone so far as to say that calculous anurias may exist without
the actual presence of a calculus in the ureter at the time when the symptoms
occur.
Compression of the ureter may produce anuria in such conditions as cancer
of the bladder, the prostate, the uterus or the kidney. Kinking of the ureter
in floating kidney may be accompanied by obstructive retention on one side and
arrest of secretion on the other.
CHANGES IN THE AMOUNT OF URINE 275
Symptoms. — Anuria can exist for a long time without giving rise to any
symptoms. It also occurs at times with astonishingly few symptoms. The
phenomena of renal insufficiency and of uremic poisoning, which are described
elsewhere under the heading of Uremia, come either slowly or suddenly, ac-
cording to the type of uremia, acute or chronic, which develops as the result of
the suppression of urine. Usually the first symptoms are gastro-intestinal in
character, including nausea, anorexia, vomiting, eructations and either consti-
pation or diarrhea. Headaches, restlessness and other nervous phenomena of
uremia are also among the early symptoms. Patients with anuria may die
within a few hours, showing the acute form of uremia in its most pronounced
type. They may also live for days and even weeks without showing any acute
symptoms and linger on toward a slow death with the manifestations of chronic
uremic poisoning.
The occurrence of a nonfunctionating kidney on one side is more common
than it is generally thought to be. I have occasionally seen such an organ, both
larger and smaller than normal, due to some suppurative process, calculus, tu-
berculosis or some other cause, where the parenchyma had been destroyed and
nothing but a sclerosed mass or shell remained. I have cut into such kidneys
at operation and had little or no bleeding. In a case where such a kidney is
present, if the remaining organ is suddenly incapacitated, an attack of anuria
would occur.
Diagnosis. — It is comparatively easy to recognize the existence of anuria
by passing a urethral catheter, which at once differentiates this condition from
retention. The important point, however, is to determine the cause. The
first thing to do, if possible, is to determine the presence and seat of the ob-
struction. This may be done by palpation and by ureteral catheterization.
The presence of obstruction will at once suggest the treatment of the con-
dition.
If the anuria be transient it may be preceded by or accompanied with a
clinical picture of renal colic ; or there may be a history of traumatism, or of an
operation either on the abdominal organs or upon the kidney.
If the anuria is more or less permanent, we should first exclude the pres-
ence of chronic diseases, such as affections of the kidney or of the heart or
of acute infectious or toxic conditions. If the anuria comes on suddenly,
it is usually due to calculi, though hysterical anuria should not be lost
sight of.
A word should be said of the hysterical type of anuria. Usually the pa-
tient presents some of the peculiarities or stigmata of hysteria. Charcot noted
also a certain compensation between the anuria and the vomiting which seemed
to alternate; thus, when the patient, who was a woman, urinated 3 grams of
urine, she had 1 liter of vomitus. When the urine increased to 206 grams, she
vomited only 362 grams. Hysterical anuria is a tissue anuria and not glandu-
276 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
lar. In other words, there is a more or less complete suspension of the proteid
katabolic function of the digestive epithelium of the organism. A very inter-
esting and rather puzzling feature of these cases is that hysterical subjects may
have anuria for a number of days or even for several weeks without showing
any uremic symptoms whatever.
Treatment. — The medical treatment of anuria is the same as that described
elsewhere under the heading of Uremia.
Treatment of Obstructive Anurias. — In case the history of anuria
points to a surgical cause — such as an attack of renal colic on the one side, the
passing of calculi, pain in the loin on one side for a considerable time, a puru-
lent urine without symptoms of frequency, or a hematuria following exertion —
the case should be immediately examined, not only by palpation, but also by
cystoscopy and catheterization of the ureters. If one ureter is found obstructed,
even though the other catheter enters the kidney, an incision should be made
in the loin of the obstructed side, a nephrotomy performed, the pelvis examined
and a catheter passed down the ureter to the seat of obstruction. The kidney
should then be drained and the treatment of the ureteral obstruction postponed
until the patient has recovered from the attack of anuria, in case this tem-
porary operation is successful.
The result of the hemorrhage accompanying the operation will benefit the
patient the same as bleeding in uremia, and saline solutions can be given by the
rectum, or into the tissues or a vein, as indicated.
Oliguria
Oliguria, or diminution in quantity of urine, is noted in a variety of patho-
logical conditions, affecting either the urinary tract or the general system.
Temporary diminution is noted in health, and should be carefully distinguished
from true oliguria. This term should not be employed unless the change in
the amount of urine is well marked and continues for several days, and unless
all extraneous causes can be excluded.
The conditions under which the urine is diminished in quantity in health
have already been considered under the heading of Urine Analysis. They are
briefly: Exercise, free perspiration and not drinking sufficient water. In dis-
ease the urine is diminished in acute nephritis, especially after scarlet fever,
in acute congestion of the kidney, in the acute stages of chronic nephritis and
often in the last stages of chronic nephritis, accompanied by uremia. The urine
is also diminished in conditions of stasis of the kidney due to heart disease.
Among the general conditions which produce oliguria and which are important
to the urologist, are shock after anesthesia or after operations on the genito-
urinary organs. Oliguria is also noted in fevers, where it is accompanied by a
concentration of the urine. Other causes of oliguria are prolonged diarrhea
CHANGES IN THE CHAKACTER OF THE URINE 277
and vomiting, such as occurs in some diseases as cholera or yellow fever. The
urine is markedly diminished in quantity in all diseases in the last stages be-
fore death.
m. CHANGES IN THE CHARACTER OF THE URINE
Hematuria
Definition. — Hematuria means the admixture of blood in the voided urine,
no matter from what source the blood is derived. Clinically, the term is ap-
plied only to cases in which the amount of blood is such as to be perceptible to
the naked eye on inspection. The presence of a microscopic amount of blood
is not clinically styled hematuria.
Hematuria must be carefully distinguished from hemoglobinuria. The lat-
ter means the direct passage of the blood-coloring matter into the urine without
any red blood corpuscles, the urine being acid and of lower specific gravity than
in hematuria.
Etiology. — The causes of hematuria are many, the determination of which
is one of the most important procedures in the clinical study of urinary diseases.
The etiologic factors may thus be briefly summarized :
ETIOLOGY OF HEMATURIA
(Tabulated after Castaigne with Modification)
I. Traumatic Hematuria,
(a) Wounds and Injuries of Any Part of the Tract,
Rupture.
(1) Urethra \ Urethrotomy.
Fracture of pubis.
Wounds.
Injuries to pelvis.
Wounds.
Injuries to loin.
(fe) Stone in Any Part of the Tract: Foreign Bodies,
Pelvis of kidney ; ureter.
Bladder.
Posterior urethra,
(c) Sudden Change of Pressure in Bladder,
(2) Bladder |
(3) Kidney i
When a bladder is emptied too suddenly or too completely, in a case of re-
tention, we may have bleeding from the bladder or even from the kidneys, due to
congestion.
278 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
II. Inflammatory Hematuria.
Anterior urethritis.
Posterior urethritis.
Cystitis.
Pyelitis, acute.
Acute nephritis.
Hemorrhagic nephritis.
Chronic nephritis. Some types in which vessels are changed.
III. Due to Tumors,
(1) Prostate.
(2) Bladder.
(3) Kidney.
IV. Due to Tuberculosis.
(1) Prostate.
(2) Bladder.
(3) Kidney.
V. Due to Parasites.
Renal parasites ; Bilharzia ; Filaria, etc.
VI. Due to General Changes in the Blood.
Smallpox Y'ellow fever Hemophilia
Typhoid Plague Leukemia
Purpura fPhosphorus Mt^laria
Ipoisoning
Detection of Hematuria. — This has been considered in the chapter on
The Urine, so far as chemical and microscopic tests are concerned, but there are
certain gross characteristics to hematuria which aid in its detection and lo-
calization.
If bloody urine is allowed to stand for a little while, it deposits a more or
less abundant sediment. Over this there remains a clearer, but still cloudy,
fluid. This may be bright red in color, showing that the blood has been freshly
shed and that it probably comes from the lower part of the tract — from the
bladder usually. The amount of blood will determine in such cases the exact
tinge. The more dilute the bleeding, the paler the tint, but fresh blood is al-
ways red.
Renal hematuria is characterized by a pale, reddish-brown, cloudy urine,
the sediment containing no clots, imless they are wormlike casts of the ureters.
If retained for a long time in the pelvis or in the bladder, in hematurias asso-
ciated with obstruction, there may be a dark-brown or even black color to
the fluid.
. The sediment of bloody urine varies in amount, color and consistency. The
CHANGES IN THE CHARACTER OF THE URINE 279
first thing that strikes one is the presence or absence of clots. When the bleed-
ing is from the kidney or ureters, the clots sometimes assume the appearance
of dark-red wormlike masses.
Next to clots, the uriiie may sometimes contain a bloody sediment mixed
with fragments or masses of tumors. These may be fibrinous or shaggy, or
they may appear more regular, villous. The deposit may, of course, be also
mixed with fragments of crystalline substance, particles of calculi, etc.
When, as very often happens, the blood is mixed with pus, the deposit as-
sumes peculiar stratifications. In some cases, the deposit of yellowish-gray pus
is arranged in strata separated by bright-red streaks. This means that a layer
of pus alternates with a layer of blood cells. In other cases, the purulent (usu-
ally muco-purulent) sediment is thick, glairy and tenacious, and is tinged a
distinct red color. These are cases of alkaline urines, in which pus has under-
gone the glairy change into a viscid mass, as the result of the action of the
alkali. In these cases, the urine itself is but feebly tinged. There is finally
another class of cases in which the urine is bright red and the sediment is gray-
ish or gelatinous. These are usually cases of cystitis, prostatic abscess, or other
purulent infection of the tract, in which a fresh hemorrhage has taken place as
the result of some existing cause.
Diagnosis of the Cause. — The diagnosis of the cause of a hematuria is
very important and often a puzzling problem. The question is easily solved
when there is a blood disease manifesting itself in other hemorrhages, as in
purpura ; when the urine shows signs of acute nephritis, oliguria, high specific
gravity, albumin, casts, etc.
Hematurias due to stone are often characterized by an intermittence or a
remittence; they may be accompanied by pain, and are worse after any form
of exertion or jarring motion, while hematurias due to tumor and to tuberculosis
usually occur independent of either pain, exertion or jarring.
To sum up: — The cause of hematuria must be determined after a careful
study of the history of the case, a thorough examination of the patient and a
complete analysis of the urine. If these precautions are taken, one will seldom
err in determining the pathological process which gives rise to the bleeding.
Localization of the Bleeding. — Bleeding from the Urethra. — When
there is bleeding from the anterior urethra the blood oozes or drips from the
meatus independently of micturition. But when the blood is beyond the cut-off
muscles, the blood does not ooze from the meatus, but is voided with the urine.
The two-glass test shows blood in both glasses, the second more than the first,
because the muscular effort of expulsion brings out any residue of blood that
may be present in the posterior urethra.
Bleeding from the Prostate. — Bleeding from the prostate is also char-
acterized by the same features. In bleeding, either from the prostate or the
prostatic urethra, the bladder urine may also be bloody, owing to the regurgi-
280 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
•
tation of the blood into the bladder. The differential diagnosis will depend on
age, history, clinical and urinary examination. By washing the bladder through
a soft-rubber catheter until it is clean and then filling it with water, if the fluid
escaping through the instrument is free from blood while the remainder voided
is mixed with blood, the source of the hemorrhage is below the vesical sphincter.
Hemorrhage from the Bladder. — Hemorrhage from the bladder, if pro-
fuse, gives a red color to the urine, although, if collected in three glasses, the
last glass will contain the most blood. If the bladder is washed clean by cathe-
ter and the instrument is allowed to remain in place for a short time, the blad-
der contents will again become bloody. At times, the last drops alone contain
fresh blood. Cystoscopy will usually show us the source of the bleeding if
there is a bleeding point in the bladder or if it comes from one or both ureters.
Bleeding from the Ureter. — Bleeding from the ureter is characterised
by the elongated clots already described, unless it comes from the vesical end
close to the bladder.
Bleeding from the Kidney. — Bleeding from the kidney is diagnosed by
excluding all other sources. The blood is thoroughly mixed with the urine in
these cases and there is no separate quantity of fresh blood, as in the hemor-
rhage farther down. In the three-glass test, the patient voids a uniformly
tinged urine in all three cases. Microscopically, in renal hematuria, we have
blood casts and renal epithelia, besides the fact that the red blood cells " are
washed " out and appear as swollen shadow disks scarcely perceptible.
Having located the bleeding in the kidney, we must next try to find out the
cause of the symptom. In stone, we have the history of colic, the aggravation
of the bleeding after exertion or jarring, and the subsidence of it after days of
perfect rest, while fragments of crystalline masses in the urine will often clinch
the diagnosis.
In tumor of the kidney, we have bleeding which appears and disappears
without apparent cause; emaciation; a tumor in the loin; increasing pain; a
feeling of weight ; and symptoms of pressure and a varicocele when on the left
side. Cancer cells and tumor fragments in the urine would complete the
diagnosis.
In tuberculous kidney^ a polyuria is very suggestive. When it is accom-
panied by renal hematuria, the bleeding recurs without apparent cause. Tu-
bercle bacilli may sometimes be found in the sediment. It is diflScult, however,
to assign a definite cause for the early hematurias which come in renal tubercu-
losis before any marked changes have occurred in the kidneys.
In nephritis, large numbers of red blood cells always indicate the acuteness
of the condition. In some cases, renal bleeding occurs without previous signs
of acute or chronic nephritis. (Perhaps the terra " essential hematurias " is
justified, but in all probability there is some basis for the occurrence of the
bleeding.) Thus a number of cases have been found, after nephrectomy, to be
CHANGES IN THE CHARACTER OF THE URINE 281
early stages of renal tuberculosis, and in certain cases there were found the signs
of a chronic interstitial nephritis with arterial changes. Castaigne emphasizes
the value of studying the arterial tension in such cases. If the tension is high,
we may suspect the presence of interstitial changes in the kidney in cases of
otherwise unexplainable bleeding. The presence of even slight uremic symptoms
point to interstitial nephritis rather than to other causes of renal bleeding.
Which of the two kidneys is bleeding is usually determined nowadays by
cystoscopy and watching the urine coming from the ureters, and also by ureteral
catheterization.
ORDER OF FREQUENCY OF CAUSES OF HEMATURIA
In the Clinic, In the Hospital,
Stricture. Stone in bladder.
Prostatitis. Stone in kidney.
Eenal calculus. Tuberculous bladder.
Tuberculous cystitis. Tuberculous kidney.
Tumor of bladder. Tumor of bladder.
Prostatic hypertrophy. Stricture.
Nephritis. Prostatic hypertrophy.
Ulcer of bladder. Rupture of kidney.
Carcinoma of prostate. Retention of urine.
Seminal vesiculitis. Nephritis.
These two lists simply show the order of frequency in my clinic and hos-
pital. The causes Avould have been very diflFerent if taken from other hospitals
with which I am connected.
Pyuria
Pyuria means pus in the urine from whatever source. Pyuria may be due
to any suppurative inflammation in the urinary tract, or to a suppuration in
some communicating or adjoining organ. It is one of the most frequent symp-
toms encountered in urological practice.
We must always satisfy ourselves that pus is actually present and that
we are not mistaking anything else for it, for urine passed as a cloudy fluid
may be free from pus, the cloudiness being due to either mucus, bacteria, phos-
phates or urates.
Differential Diagnosis. — Every practitioner, therefore, should be familiar
with the rough clinical tests which are necessary to determine the presence of
pus immediately after the urine has been passed.
Mucus. — Normally a faint mucous cloud, which very slowly settles, is pres-
ent in the urine. It consists of mucus mixed with a few epithelial cells from
the bladder. It is much more pronounced in women, on account of the admix-
282 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
ture of vaginal mucus. It is markedly increased in catarrhal conditions of the
urinary tract, especially in cystitis, prostatitis and urethritis.
A rough test for mucin, which is the proteid substance contained in the
mucous cloud, consists in diluting the urine with equal parts of water and add-
ing acetic acid, until a precipitate of mucin is formed which is soluble in an
excess of acetic acid. As a general rule mucus may be distinguished from pus
in the urine by the fact that it floats longer, is less dense and more evanescent
than pus.
Phosphates. — Phosphates, when present in excess, or when the urine is
slightly alkaline, create a diffuse turbidity, which gradually settles on standing.
A few drops of acetic acid added to such a urine will almost immediately clear
it up, while, if the turbidity be due to the presence of pus or mucus, it would be
increased bv the addition of the acid.
Bacteria. — Bacteria, when growing in large numbers in the urine (see
Bacteriuria), give rise to a faint cloud which has a tendency to float in the mid-
dle part of the vessel. This cloud remains practically imchanged by the addi-
tion of acetic acid.
Urates. — Urates, w^hen present in excess, form a turbidity which rather
rapidly deposits as a sediment. The lower the temperature of the urine and
the greater the acidity (within certain limits), the more apt are urates to pre-
cipitate. Simply heating a test-tube containing such a urine gently over the
flame will dissolve the turbidity and clear the urine. If pus were present heat
would increase the turbidity instead of decreasing it.
Chyluria. — Chyluria may be mistaken for pyuria. In this condition the
urine is milky, yellowish-white and shows a film of fat on standing. On
shaking with ether, the fat is dissolved and the urine becomes normal in ap-
pearance.
Pus. — Pus in the urine is characterized usually by a cloudy appearance
immediately after passing. The cloudiness is usually in proportion to the amount
of pus. Small amounts of pus may be present in the form of clumps or shreds,
the urine reaiaining comparatively clear at the time of passing.
There is not unich difference in the appearance of purulent urines accord-
ing to the locality of the affection. Urine, clear or slightly turbid, with thick
threads, points to the urethra; urine which is thick and turbid and tends to
become gelatinous on standing, points to the bladder; urine which is opaque
and not thick, but with pus held in suspension, points to the kidney. If it is
of a light color, a lemonade or even whiter, it is probably from a tubercular
organ, while if it is darkly colored, it points more to a calculous kidney. The
light-colored pyuric urine usually occurs when there is considerable polyuria
with pus and points to a pus kidney, the darker when the urine is more con-
centrated or bloodv.
The color of the urine is not much affected by the presence of pus, unless
CHANGES IN THE CHAKACTER OF THE URINE 283
there is a large amount, in which case it appears whitish-yellow in color and,
in decomposing, urine wall assume a dirty gray tint.
The odor of purulent urine may be either normal, when the urine has re-
tained its normal acidity, or it may be extremely offensive, putrescent or ammo-
niacal, or, in still other cases, slightly resemble that of hydrogen sulphid.
Putrid urine occurs principally when there is decomposing residual urine in
the bladder or kidney.
The reaction of purulent urine varies greatly, according to the amount of
decomposition which the urea undergoes in each particular case. There is no
sj)ecilic connection between the reaction and the localization of the trouble.
Formerly it was believed that when the purulent urine was alkaline or ammo-
niacal, w^e had to deal with a cystitis, while if it were acid, a pyelitis or pyelo-
nephritis was present. Further advances in urology, however, have shown that
anunoniacal urine may be obtained with the ureteral catheter from the pelvis
of the kidney.
When purulent urine undergoes alkaline fermentation, the pus coagulates
into gelatinous masses which adhere to the bottom of the vessel.
Donne's Test for Pus. — This is a rough clinical test which is of great aid
to the practitioner in distinguishing pus from mucus and other sources of cloudi-
ness. It consists in allowing the sediment to gravitate to the bottom of a conical
glass, pouring off the urine which floats over the sediment, and adding the ordi-
nary solution of caustic potash (potassium hydrate), drop by drop, until the
gelatinous tenacious mass mentioned above is formed, adhering to the bottom
of the vessel and slipping out of it en masse.
Localization. — Having satisfied ourselves that pyuria is present, the next
step is to determine its source. This we do in several ways. First, we apply
all the special methods of clinical examination w^hich may have a bearing upon
the localization of the trouble. The history of the case and the general physical
examination, including rectal palpation, examination of the urethra, of the
bladder and of the ureters through the catheterizing cystoscope, are all methods
which have been described elsewhere and which must be called into play at times
in determining the source.
Before w^e proceed to the special methods, however, a few simple clinical
tests should be applied which will often give us a fair idea of the location of
the pus :
Thus, if we can express it from the meatus, the pus is evidently urethral
and, in man, probably comes from the anterior urethra. Next, if we apply the
two-glass test and the first urine contains pus and shreds, and the second
portion, passed immediately afterwards, is clear, it is evident that the dis-
charge is of urethral origin. If the first and second urines are both cloudy,
it shows either that the posterior urethra, in the male, is so acutely in-
volved that some of the pus overflows into the bladder, or, what is more prob-
284 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
able, that there is an involvement of the urinary tract above the vesical
sphincter.
When the whole amount of urine passed is found to contain pus, there is no
doubt that some affection exists, at least as high up as the bladder, if not higher.
When this is found to be the case, the special methods, such as cystoscopy,
catheterization of the ureters, etc., may be applied, in order to localize the
trouble.
Considerable information, however, may be gained regarding the case and
a probable diagnosis may be made, from a detailed urinary examination in cases
of pyuria, provided this examination is made by an expert in this line of work.
I want to emphasize strongly the need, particularly in these cases, of confining
urinary examinations to none but competent men, of whom there are compara-
tively few, even in our larger cities.
Attempts have been made to determine the amount of pus in the urinary
sediment by counting the number of pus cells (Goldberg, Posner). This method
is faulty, because the pus is generally very unevenly distributed in the urines
and often occurs in clumps or masses. It is determined with sufficient accuracy
by centrifugation of the acidified urine, still w^arm (after heating it to assure
the solution of other sediment), in a tube graduated in cubic centimeters. When
the urine contains much pus, the sample must be correspondingly diluted, be-
fore centrifugation, with much saline solution.
There is no way of telling, from a study of the pus cells found in the urine,
the locality from which they come. The clew to the localization of the suppu-
rative processes occurring in the genito-urinary tract, is chiefly the study of the
epithelial cells that accompany them, and, secondarily, the study of casts and
blood corpuscles. Although it is true that there are always some cells in a
urinary sediment whose exact origin is somewhat doubtful, the majority of
epithelia can be located with fair accuracy and a trained observer can differen-
tiate the epithelial cells of the kidney from those of the pelvis, the ureter, the
bladder, the prostate and the urethra.
When the bladder alone is involved, we find epithelial cells from the vari-
ous layers of the mucosa of that organ according to the depth of the lesions.
In ordinary cystitis, the cells from the superficial and middle layers only are
present. When there is ulceration, the deeper layers add their quota of cells.
When pyelitis is present, whether due to infection, stone, tuberculosis or
tumor, a considerable number of pelvic epithelia will accompany the pus.
If there is also a large number of cells from the bladder, a coincident cys-
titis exists, which may have been the primary affection.
When the kidney is involved in the suppurative process, there are in the
purulent sediment mfiny epithelial cells from the renal convoluted tubules or
from the straight collecting tubules. If there are at the same time granular,
epithelial, pus or blood casts, we are dealing with a suppurative nephritis. If,
CHANGES IN THE CHARACTER OF THE URINE 285
in addition to all these, there are many cells from the renal pelvis, we have to
deal with a pyelo-nephritis.
If the pyuria is intermittent or remittent, we must think of the presence of
pyonephrosis with intermittent obstruction of the ureter, as stones, or a pyo-
nephrosis in movable kidney.
It must be understood that these diagnoses are based on the recognition of
a considerable number of pus cells and a large number of epithelia from some
region of the urinary tract. When only a few pus cells and a few epithelia are
present, we are probably dealing with a nonsuppurative condition or merely
with a congestion or irritation along the tract.
Next to the presence of epithelia, the occurrence of casts is important in the
urinary analysis, as it speaks for the involvement of the kidney. The kidneys
may participate in the suppurative process or they may be the seat of a secondary
nephritis of the nonsuppurative type, or both ; in either case, casts may be pres-
ent. Whenever there are pus casts, that is, casts of any type which are studded
with pus cells, renal suppuration may be diagnosticated with a reasonable de-
gree of certainty. It must be remembered, however, that casts are not always
foimd in suppurative nephritis, any more than they are in the nonsuppurative
types of nephritis. Their absence, therefore, does not necessarily exclude the
presence of suppurative nephritis, provided that pus and renal epithelia are
present in sufficient quantities.
The size of the casts varies according to the region of the kidney involved
and something may be known of the extent of the process from this feature.
W^hen pus casts of large diameters are found, we know that the nephritis has in-
volved the medullary portion. Casts from the narrow part of the tubules are
smaller in diameter, next come the casts derived from the convoluted tubules,
and finally the casts from the straight collecting tubules. When the smaller
casts from the convoluted tubules have pus cells imbedded in them, we know
that the cortex has been reached by the affection. Larger-sized plugs of pus
from the calices are found sometimes in pyelitis.
Connective-tissue shreds when present in the urine, accompanied by epi-
thelia and pus, show that there is some destructive process in the urinary tract.
When the epithelia are renal and the sediment also contains pus casts, the
presence of connective-tissue shreds is indicative of destructive processes in the
kidney.
Having thus localized the pyuria, some further points in the urinary exam-
ination may often give us a clew as to the cause of the suppuration. Thus, if
stone be the cause, the unusual abundance of some form of crystals or the occur-
rence of crystals in solid masses may suggest the presence of a calculus.
If tubercle bacilli, gonococci or other microorganisms are found in the sedi-
ment, we have the bacteriological clew to the pyuria. If portions of tumors,
such as papillomas or malignant growths, are found, a correct diagnosis may
286 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
sometimes be made from the urine. Unfortimately, these tumor fragments are
not frequently encountered.
Having considered the urinary report in detail and compared it with the
history of the case and the findings of the physical examination, we can deter-
mine that a suppurative condition exists somewhere in the urinary tract, that
it is probably due to either obstruction, stone, tumor, or tuberculosis, with in-
fection. If the urethra is involved, it may be detected by instruments ; if the
prostate, it may be felt ; if the bladder, it may be seen by the cystoscope ; if the
ureter, it can be felt by the catheter ; if the kidney or pelvis, the ureteral cathe-
ters will reveal the condition and the side involved, by the character of urine
draining from the ureter.
Pneumaturia
The term pneumaturia is applied to the evacuation of free gases in the
urine. The gases are formed in the bladder, or they may enter the organ
through recto-vesical and vesico-sigmoidal fistulas.
According to Guiard, the production of COg in the bladder as a result
of alcoholic fermentation in glycosuric urine is one source of pneumaturia.
Miller and Senator analyzed the escaping gas in such a case and found it
to consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxid. The production of this fermenta-
tion in the bladders of diabetics may be due to a cystitis produced by Bacillus
coli infection (Schnitzler).
When a cystitis is due to the growth of gas-forming bacteria, such as the
Proteus vulgaris and allied forms, there may be a pneumaturia, although the
urine is free from sugar. Heyse and Favre each found the Bacillus lactis
aerogenes in a case of pneumaturic cystitis without glycosuria.
The gas bubbles are usually expelled with the last portions of urine. If
there is retention, the gases may accumulate and give rise to a false sense of
vesical emptiness owing to a tympanitic resonance over the bladder. In diabetic
urine, the reaction, even after this fermentation, is acid ; in other urines, pneu-
maturic fermentation is accompanied by alkalinity. The external features of
the urine are the same as in cystitis, or in bacteriuria, as the case may be.
Gas bubbles have been found at autopsy in the renal pelvis, and the walls
of the bladder have been found the seat of emphysema in several instances.
Bacteriuria
Bacteriuria is a condition in which there is an abundant growth of pathogenic
germs in the urine, but in which there is very little evidence of an inflammatory
condition of the urinary tract. Bacteriuria is generally thought to be asso-
ciated with some lesion along the urinary tract.
Robert, in 1881 {Brit. Med. Jour., 1881, 11, p. 623), was the first J:.o
CHANGES IN THE CHARACTER OF THE URINE 287
describe it. Since then a number of investigators, notably Krogius, Rovsing,
Jeanbrau, Keyes and others have studied this condition.
Pathology. — The freshly voided urine in bacteriuria contains large masses
of bacteria. The urine is cloudy, sometimes opalescent, and the cloud does not
settle, but on shaking assumes wavy motions (Zuckerkandl). If there is a
complicating urethritis or prostatitis, the first or second glass may also contain
pus or shreds, but often the glasses contain nothing but the cloud described.
No albumin is necessarily present, but the reaction for mucin with acetic acid
is obtainable. The urine is acid in reaction and has a foul, fecal, rather than
an ammoniacal odor. The microscope reveals large masses of bacteria, a few
epithelia and still fewer pus cells or leucocytes.
The most common germ found in bacteriuria is the colon bacillus (in 83.5
of 67 cases reported by Jeanbrau), with or without some associated staphylo-
cocci (Barlow). Less frequently are found the streptococci, the proteus of
Mauser, the Bacillus lactis aerogenes and the hydrogen-sulphid-forming bacteria
(Rosenheim and Guzman; Karplus, quoted by Zuckerkandl). The typhoid
bacillus which, according to Richardson and Gwyn, produces bacteriuria in
twenty to thirty per cent of typhoid-fever patients, must also be included in
this group.
In most cases, the infection is hematogenous or at least descending, from
the kidney and the pelvis.
The line of distinction between a bacteriuria with a few pus cells and many
bacteria and a mild inflammation of some part of the urinary tract with a few
more pus cells and less bacteria is often perplexing to the practitioner. The
question as to whether parietal lesions in the urinary tract are needed for the
development of bacteriuria is still disputed. Most authorities say that such
lesions always exist and that the mere presence of bacteria in the urinary tract
does not cause bacteriuria, as has been shown experimentally by the injection
of bacteria into the tract. They claim that besides these injections a parietal
lesion must be made before a bacteriuria develops.
The parietal lesion in bacteriuria is not in the bladder. It is some-
times in the prostate. Krogius, Ilogge, Goldenberg, Gassman, Keyes and
the author have observed such cases. It is usually situated in the ureter, the
kidney and its pelvis, although the lesion may be unrecognizable clinically.
It may be due to typhoid infection, to the puerperal state, or to prostatic
hypertrophy. Exceptionally bacteriuria is said to be due to prostatitis and
vesiculitis.
Symptoms. — Certain local and general symptoms have been ascribed to bac-
teriuria. The general symptoms may be due to the colon infection, which is so
often present in these cases. They are lassitude, headaches, anorexia, intestinal
disturbances and at times a febrile movement. Locally, there may be the
syijaptoms of a chronic urethritis, pyelitis, prostatitis, vesiculitis, etc.
288 SPECIAL URINARY SYMPTOMS
Treatment. — The treatment consists in the removal of the cause and the ad-
ministration of hexamethylenamin (urotropin) in doses of seven and a half to
ten grains three times daily. Local treatment by lavage of the ureters and
pelvis, by washing the bladder and posterior urethra and by massaging the
prostate and vesicles, is also indicated according to the source of the trouble.
CHAPTER XII
URINARY FEVER (CATHETER FEVER), URINARY INFECTION
The older authors, among them Velpeau, Civiale and Thompson, spoke of
urinary fever or catheter fever as a form of natural reaction of the body to the
shock or irritation induced by the introduction of instruments into the urinary
tract. It was thought by some that the phenomena of urinary fever which were
chiefly characterized by a chill, fever and sweating were of nervous origin.
This was the theory of Von Dittel, who regarded the febrile paroxysm as a
reflex process induced by the irritation of the nerves of the urethra. Velpeau
regarded catheter fever as a form of systemic poisoning, in virtue of the en-
trance of urine into the system through some minute injury resulting from the
instrumental interference. Thompson distinguished catheter fever, which he
divided into acute and chronic, from urinary infection proper, which he styled
pyemic or septicemic fever. The idea that the fever following urethral in-
strumentation w^as of nervous origin, held sway until light began to dawn under
the influence of the work of Oliver Wendell Holmes and Semmelweiss on puer-
peral fever and of the discoveries of Pasteur, Lister and Koch.
The modern definition of urinary fever, or catheter fever, makes it synony-
mous with urinary infection, and regards it as always due to the entrance of
germs or their toxins into the blood. The normal urine in a healthy bladder is
aseptic and, in the absence of a urinary or general infection, the urine with-
drawn after death has been repeatedly shown to be sterile. Bacteria become
lodged with difficulty in the normal bladder imder healthy conditions. When
there are certain predisposing causes, however, such as congestion, injury to the
wall, or retention of urine, bacteria may multiply very rapidly.
The routes which infection may take from the urinary tract into the cir-
culation are numerous, as have been shown by experiments on animals and by
a study of numerous autopsies. Thus, it has been shown that, under favorable
conditions, germs injected into the bladder can pass through the mucous mem-
brane into the blood and kill the animals through a general infection without
necessarily ascending to the kidney. In some instances, the infection in the
blood penetrated into the kidneys and septic foci were found in the latter organs,
although the ureters and pelves of the kidneys remained free.
The urethra may also be a portal of entrance for a general infection, espe-
280
290 URINARY FEVER AND URINARY INFECTION
cially after instrumental interference. It has been shown experimentally that
bacteria could be found in the blood five hours after the introduction of an in-
strument through a stricture. Bartelsmann and Man (Munchener medizinische
Wochenschrifi, 1902, p. 21, quoted by Zuckerkandl, loc. cit.) showed that in a
case in which a stricture was sounded and the instrumentation was followed
by chills, staphylococci were present in the blood during the chill and the same
variety of bacteria were found in the urine.
A point to be remembered in connection with urinary infection is, that even
when instruments are sterile there may be vesical infection through carrying
bacteria, which are always abundant in the urethra, into the bladder (Mel-
chior). In women in whom the urethra is wide and short, there may even be
spontaneous infection of the bladder from the healthy urethra, the germs pre-
sumably coming from the vulva.
In addition to this, we must remember that there are two other ways in
which germs can enter into the urinary tract. One is through the kidneys from
the blood, and the other through the intestinal tract. It has been quite thor-
oughly established by experiments (Biedl and Kraus, quoted by the latter in
Frisch and Zuckerkandl's *^ Handbuch der Urologie," vol. 1, p. 444), that it
is not necessary to have a lesion in the kidney in order to have bacteria pass
through this organ from the blood into the urine. Biedl and Kraus injected
bacteria into the blood (Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterium coli, anthrax) and
recovered them within an hour from the urine, although the latter contained
no blood nor albumin and the kidney was perfectly healthy. Wyssokowitsch
and others deny the possibility of bacteria passing through the healthy kidney,
but it is probable that the investigations of Biedl and Kraus, which have been
confirmed by several other observers, represent the actual conditions. A lesion
may make it more easy for bacteria to enter the urine, but its presence does not
seem to be absolutely necessary.
Bacteria can pass through an injured intestine into adjacent portions of the
urinary tract, and recent investigations have shown that very slight lesions
are sufficient to allow the Bacterium coli to pass through the intestinal wall
and enter the urinary tract. Some authors have even gone so far as to say
that this transference can go on with a normal intestine, while others, as Kraus,
say it is probable that no bacteria can pass through the normal intestine, and
Markus and Faltin (quoted by Kraus) found that constipation, produced arti-
ficially by closing the anus, was not sufficient to give rise to a passage of bacteria
from the intestine into the blood. It is quite generally believed, however, that
the bacteria from the intestine may in constipation either pass into the blood
and thence into the kidneys and the bladder, or, if the constipation is very
chronic and especially if lesions exist in the intestine, they pass directly into
the bladder from the gut.
Having thus briefly discussed the modes in which infection penetrates into
CLINICAL TYPES OF URINARY FEVER 291
the urinary tract, we now turn to the exciters of infection which need only
be mentioned briefly here, as they have been considered in detail in the chapter
on The Bacteriology of the Urine. The germs which are concerned in urinary
infection are the same as those found more or less frequently in pathological
urine. They are the Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus, albus and citreus; the
Streptococcus pyogenes ; the Urobacillus liquef aciens septicus ; the Bacillus pyo-
cyaneus and the Bacterium coli commune. The last-named is the most fre-
quently responsible for urinary infection, while the staphylococcus and strepto-
coccus come next in frequency. As regards the gonococcus, this germ itself is
really not considered responsible for urinary infection as such and, in complicated
cases of urethritis, in which urinary infection occurs, the latter is usually due
to the associated secondary germs, although some instances of general infection
with the gonococcus have been reported in which the patients died of peritonitis,
septic endocarditis, etc., due to gonococcus infection ( JuUien, " La Blennor-
rhagie," Paris, 1906).
Clinical Types of Urinary Fever. — The clinical forms of urinary fever may
be considered under two general headings, the acute and the chronic types.
The acute form, however, may be clinically subdivided into the single acute
paroxysm and the acute prolonged or intermittent form.
Acute Type of Ueinary Fever. — The acute paroxysm of urinary infec-
tion is the clinical type which the older authors knew as catheter fever. It is a
type which is most distinctly referable to a true blood infection, as it is here
that microorganisms have been most often found in the circulation both in the
fulminating, rapidly fatal cases, and in the acute cases followed by recovery.
The acute paroxysm occurs either without warning or after the introduc-
tion of an instrument. The time which elapses between the instrumentation
*
and the appearance of the first symptom varies between several hours and sev-
eral days, but is usually a few hours. The first symptom is a severe chill, the
patient having cold extremities, and a pale and cyanotic look. The chill varies
in duration and severity, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours and may
cause the patient's teeth to chatter, although usually it is not so severe and
there is simply a chilly sensation. The respiration may be irregular, but as the
chill wanes the breathing once more becomes regular.
The next symptom is the fever, which rises rapidly with frequent and tense
pulse, rapid respiration and flushing of the skin, the latter being hot and dry.
The rise of temperature reaches often to 105° F. or more and drops quite rap-
idly. The fever in a typical case is followed by sweating, beginning with a
slight moisture and passing into a profuse perspiration. After the sweating,
the patient complains of fatigue, headache and slight stiffness of the limbs.
In some cases, there are also during the attack delirium, diarrhea, vomiting
and dyspnea. The delirium may accompany the chill and need not be regarded
as important at this stage. The mouth and tongue are dry, especially when the
tmiNARY FEVER AND URINARY INFECTION
attack is a repetition of a precetHng odc. There may be bilious vomiting
and later copious fetid stools.
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Fia. 227. — AccTB Urinary Peveh avtbr
AN Inteiinal Urethrotout. (Aftpr
Guyon.) Tbese recur occasioiially
after pnaaing souiidB.
tion and the number of attacks a]
first acute attack, in whicli
the stages of chill, fever and
sweating do not succeed each
other regularly, predicts an
intermittent form with re-
peated attacks ; but this rule
is not to be relied upon, as
frequently the acute attacks
described above do not run
their set course.
In the intervals, the
patients may suffer from
weakness, irregular pulse,
loss of appetite and sleep,
or they may feel perfectly
welL
During the attack, the frequency of respira-
tion may be accompanied by a sense of op-
pression constituting dyspnea. The pulse
is usually irregular, if the infection is
severe.
The single acute attack just described
frequently passes away in a few hours, but
it may last two or three days. Usually the
shorter the attack the more severe.it is, but
these single attacks are rarely fatal. Deaths
have, however, been reported following a
chill which resulted from such a slight pro-
cedure as catheterization of a atrictured
urethra. In these fatal cases, the chill is
jirolonged and is followed by collapse, invol-
imtary defecation, hiccough and gradual loss
of consciousness.
It is scarcely necessary to refer to the
great similarity between these single acute
attacks and acute malarial paroxysms. The
rcseuiblance is made still more marked by
the fact that the acute attack may be re-
peated after an intermission. The interval
which is free from fever is variable in dura-
30 varies. Some authors claim that an atypical
CLINICAL TYPES OF URINAEY FEVER 293
The acute attacks may also assume the remittent form in which the fever is
more or less continuous with acute exacerbationa accompanied by chills. These
are severe cases, aa a rule, with some of the following symptoms: The tempera-
ture high, with delirium, prostration and loss of conaciousneas, with a dry
tongue, a rapid and frequent pulse, vomiting, hiccough and symptoms of bron-
cho-pneumonia. Pustular eruptions, purpuric patches and rashes resembling
erythema nodosuui sometimes occur. In some instancea, the affection asaumes
a pyemic form with suppurations in the muscles, joints, cellular tissue, etc. The
parotid sometimes becomes inflamed, showing tliat the urinary infection has
involved the general system. All these local suppurations are extreme, and per-
sonally I have never seen an involvement of the parotid.
The prognosis In the prolonged, acute ty)ie, including both intermittent and
remittent varietiea, should be more guarded than in the primary acute form.
Usually, recovery sets in from one to three weeks after tlie first paroxysm, with
a gradual defervescence. It must he understood, that the more continuous the
fever the worse the prognosis and tluit prolonged fever is of graver import than
a temporary rise. Recovery has taken place, however, even in eases with dis-
seminated abscesses.
OnROKic Type of Uhinaky Fkvek. — The clironic tyjie of urinary fever is
a frequent form, and is of great clinical importance. It may develop primarily
as such or follow the acute
form. The temperature is
limited in range and inter-
mittent in type, the eleva-
tions being moderate, in
contrast to the sharp rises
in the acute cases. I'ever
is not always present and in
doubtful cases the tempera-
ture should be taken at fre-
quent inter\-al3.
One of tlie constant and
clinically important symp-
toms of this form are di- _ „„ ^ „ „ _ „
iio. 229. — Cbhonic Urinabt Fevbs, OccDfuUNo IN A Case or
gcfllive disturbanci'S with Incouplete Retbntion from Pbobtatic UTPEsntOPBT.
loss of appetite. The pa- (Aft« Gi.yo«.) TheB« attacks u^olly foUow oatheUm>.
'^' _ ' Won, but may occur lodepcndent of It.
ticnts lose weight ami be-
come cachectic, even though there is no fever. "When an acute attack of fever
occurs, as it docs sometiuics in these eases, the patient becomes prostrated and
keeps his bed for a day or two.
The urinary cachexia ])crsists for some time and oven after it is conquered
the patients remain dyspeptic with sallow complexions for a while. If the
294 URINARY FEVER AND URINARY INFECTION
cachexia continues, the patients die of exhaustion, usually with uremic symp-
toms or with some complication or intercurrent disease. The chronic form of
urinary infection is especially frequent in prostatics, who are, however, much
improved by regular catheterization.
The prognosis of these very chronic types is very poor and especially when
the cases are connected with chronic suppurative conditions of some part of the
tract involving gradually the kidneys.
In general, the prognosis may be said to vary, no matter what the type may
be, according to the virulence of the germs, the duration of the infection and the
nature of the urinary lesions present. If the obstruction to the urinary flow
can be removed surgically and the patient's urinary tract can be made to drain
well, the prognosis becomes brighter. In the chronic forms, the infection has
usually become so generalized and has affected the system so deeply that the
prognosis is naturally least favorable.
Treatment of Urinaiy Fever. — The first consideration is prevention. This
consists in so handling our cases during examination and treatment, that no
infection can occur. For the most trivial surgical procedure, the strictest asep-
sis must be maintained, according to the principles laid down in the appropri-
ate chapter. Certain preventive measures may be adopted also before, during
and after surgical maneuvers on the urinary tract. In preparing for such pro-
cedures, one of the essentials is rest. Patients who arrive in an exhausted con-
dition from travel, overwork or loss of sleep, should have one or more good
night's rest, under the influence of a mild hypnotic if necessary. The bowels
should be thoroughly moved and a large amount of water should be drunk in
connection with a urinary antiseptic, as urotropin.
Just before the examination, especially if the patient has pus in the urine,
a suppository containing morphin (gr. ^) and quinin (gr. 10) should be
given, together with an additional dose of urotropin (gr. 15). The examina-
tion itself should be carried on under the local influence of a weak solution of
cocain and should the patient begin to tremble, perspire, clutch the table, con-
tract the limbs, show a spasmodic contraction of the sphincter muscles, complain
of pain or start to bleed, it is well to postpone the remainder of the examination
until another time. A small catheter should then be inserted and the bladder
filled with 1 : 3,000 silver solution, which the patient should be allowed to pass
out afterwards. It is advisable not to resort to cystoscopy until the patient
can well tolerate an ordinary instrumental examination. If tolerance is not
established with the aid of cocain, general anesthesia may be needed for an ex-
amination of the urethra and bladder.
I have found that most of the cases of urethral fever that have followed
examinations in the office, the clinic or the hospital, occurred in patients who
have had too much instrumentation at the first visit, in other words, where too
much haste has been used in examining. In the oflSce, it has usually been in the
TREATMENT OF URINARY FEVER 295
cases that have come from out of town, accompanied by their physician, when
both wanted to return on the same day. In the clinic, it was usually in the in-
teresting cases in which it was necessary to complete the examination in one
visit, as otherwise the patient might not return.
Haste in examination is a very bad practice. Business men should be dis-
couraged from having their cases rushed through as quickly as possible to save
time. The only cases in which haste is needed are those of retention of urine
and uremia. In retention, the preliminary treatment should be at once applied,
including urotropin, a suppository of morphin and quinin and a hot sitz bath.
The treatment for retention of urine, which has been outlined elsewhere, is then
to be systematically followed until relief is effected. As soon as thorough
drainage is established, the symptoms of urinary infection will usually begin to
improve, and the patient has a good chance of recovery if the urinary flow is
maintained together with the other necessary therapeutic measures.
In operating on the urinary tract, certain precautions should be taken to
prevent urinary infection. Free drainage should always be established. In
external urethrotomy operations, the parts should be frequently flushed with
boric-acid solution and afterwards hydrogen peroxid should be injected through
the urethra and allowed to escape through the perineal opening. The bladder
may also be washed out with a 1 : 10,000 solution of bichlorid. Wherever pos-
sible, drainage tubes or catheters should be employed in such a manner as to
protect cut surfaces from contact with urine. In the after treatment of opera-
tions, the urethra and bladder should be washed at least twice daily and the
attendants should see that the drainage tubes act properly and constantly.
Special precautions should always be taken against infection in passing in-
struments through strictures, and, after the instrument has been introduced,
the bladder should be filled with silver solution or some other antiseptic
fluid, which the patient should be instructed to pass out, thus washing the
urethra.
Treatment of the Attack. — During the acute attack, the patient is
wrapped in blankets when the chill comes on and given hot and alcoholic drinks
to provoke perspiration. A small dose of quinin should be at once given and
repeated as indicated. The bowels should be moved and the urinary condition
should be carefully looked after. Retention of urine, urethritis, cystitis, pye-
litis and nephritis, should be treated according to the rules laid down in the
appropriate chapters.
In the chronic cases, the treatment should be chiefly directed toward the
gastro-intestinal tract. The patient should be partly on a milk diet and should
receive frequent doses of laxatives. The digestive function should be stimulated
by small doses of whisky and bitter tonics. Bathing, followed by frictions to
stimulate the secretory functions of the skin, are also useful in some cases.
Three grains of quinin three times a day usually benefit the patient consider-
296 URINARY FEVER AND URINARY INFECTION
ably. Whisky is in my hands another valuable remedy and the patients are
given from two to six ounces a day, depending on the seat of the infection.
When the lesion is below the kidney, the doses are larger. Citrate of caffein, in
doses of from one to three grains three times a day, is also very beneficial when
the patient is in a weak septic condition.
CHAPTER XIII
THE HISTORY OF THE CASE
A THOROUGH consideration of the history of a urinary case is essential in
making an accurate diagnosis. It is well, as a rule, to allow the patient to tell
his or her story first, interrupting only to bring out more clearly points of in-
terest that might have an important bearing upon the condition. It is advisable
then to take the history in a systematic way, both in order to make it easier
of interpretation and to have the records that will be of value for future study.
I will, therefore, present herewith a copy of the cards (Figs. 230 and 231) that
I am in the habit of using for men and women respectively, showing the meth-
ods that I have employed for a number of years in a large hospital clinic and
in my private practice.
It is my intention to present, first, a brief consideration of each of the head-
ings in my history chart and the important points they bring to the surgeon for
consideration, and to outline the steps of the routine examination of a case in
the office. In other chapters I discuss more in detail individual symptoms and
groups of symptoms observed in urology.
Age. — The age of the patient is very important as pointing to the various
diseases that may occur at certain periods of life. In children, ^^e have but few
urinary troubles. If there are any, they are due to congenital stricture, espe-
cially near the meatus, to the irritation of a tight prepuce, to some nervous
affection or to vesical stone ; all of which give rise to frequency of urination and
the last named to some pain and tenesmus.
As the individual grows older, the diseases of youth are to be considered,
principally due to gonococcus infection and tuberculosis of the urinary tract.
The varieties of the complications of these two infections are numerous, involv-
ing the urethra^ bladder, ureter and kidney, as well as the genitals in both sexes.
In early manhood and womanhood tuberculosis is still common ; calculus is
more common than in the earlier periods ; the gonococcus infections are slightly
less common, while their results — stricture, cystitis and diseases of the internal
genitals (the prostate and vesicles in men and the uterus and tubes in women) —
are more often brought to our attention. Uterine and renal displacements are
more common in w^omen, as well as urinary troubles dependent on childbirth.
297
298
THE HISTORY OF THE CASE
In middle life, tuberculosis is less frequently met with, as are also the acute
gonococcus infections. Stricture of the urethra is more common, while kidney and
bladder troubles occur with about the same frequency as in early manhood, as
N«m«
iiasnotit
Address
kg.
W«ffr»d b|
Oat*
Occupstion
Fsmity History
Nstitity
■■• 3w *» •
Psst History
Pftttfft nitt9nr
. Principal Symptoms
Pain
Oischargo
Characff of Urination
Charactor of Urina, (pus, blood)
EXAMINATIOH
Qonitals
[Discharga (smear)
Stand-
Urino 1st
2d
i Prostata
Vosidas
lUrina 3d
Urathra
Lying-
/Bladdar
jUrina <th, (ratidual)
^Kidnaya
UBORATORY REPORT ON URINE ANO DISCHARGES
Ckaf Of Cloudy. Color
Odor
Raaction
Sp. Gr.
Albumin
Sugar
Urta
Indican
Total Solids
Crystals
Mucua
Connective tissue
Rad Blood
White
Microorganisms
Epithelia
Casts
Other features
Oiseharga (smear)
RamarVa on
Urina
and Oischvgas
•
Fig. 230. — Male History Card.
do also the bladder affections depending on diseases of the spinal cord and
brain.
In old age, prostatic changes occur, associated with vesical and renal symp-
toms of a surgical nature. Malignant tumors and calculi are more frequently
found. Changes in the kidney, due to circulatory disturbance, take place with
increased frequency; while tuberculosis and the diseases dependent on gono-
coccus infection are not so common as in earlier life.
Occupation. — To know the patient's occupation is useful in determining the
possible effects of traumatism or of continuous muscular effort, the frequency
of exposure to cold, wet and other influences of the weather, and the general
mode of life, sedentary or otherwise.
RACE
299
Civil State. — In men, the civil state, whether single or married or widower,
has a certain bearing upon some urinary diseases, especially those connected
with sexual disturbances. Thus gonococcus infections are more common in
Hw
Diagnosis
AddrsM
*«•
Referred by
Dat*
Occupation
Nativity
M. S. W.
K MwriMi wh«n7
No.
of Children •
Abortions
Family Histofy
Pa»t History
Presant History
Principal Symptoms
Pain
'Dischar^
"Charactar of Urination
Character of Urino, (pus, blood)
Menstruation (charactf r of)
EXAMINATION
( Kidneys
F-««.i)G«n!t«'«
) Discharge
( Urine 1st
2
d
/uterus
iTubea
i«..m.i / Ovaries
j Urethra
/ Bladder
V Urine (residual)
UBORATORY
REPORT ON
URINE AND DISCHARGES
Oear or Cloudy, Color
Odor
Reaction
Sp. Gr.
Albumin Sugar
Urea
Indican
Total Solids
Crystals
Mucus
Connective tissue
Red Blood
White
Microorganisms
Cpithelia
Casts
Other features
Discharge (smear)
Remarks on Urine and Discharges
FiQ. 231. — ^Female Histobt Card.
single people; congestion of the prostate, prostatitis and vesiculitis, from an
irregular sexual life, are more common in widowers, men in the army and navy,
travelers for business houses or men in other callings where for various reasons
the sexual life is not well regulated.
In women, the question of marriage, childbirtli and abortion has an obvious
bearing upon the diseases of the genital, and, indirectly, of the urinary tract,
as causing displacements and the prolapse of the bladder (cystocele), as well
as disturbed bladder functions due to diseased adnexa.
Race. — The patient's nativity or race has much to do with the prevalence of
certain urinary diseases. Thus, in Spanish- Americans, stricture, prostatitis, stone
and nephritis are most common ; impotence in men and nephroptosis in women.
300 THE HISTORY OF THE CASE
In the Italians, we find a prevalence of stone and tuberculous lesions. In
the Jewish race, diabetes and bladder, prostatic and seminal vesicle disturbances
are to be looked for.
Family History. — The family history of the patient is the next heading to
be filled out on our card. Certain urinary diseases seem to be influenced by
heredity. The uric-acid diathesis, with its tendency to deposit crystalline masses
and to form stones, is unquestionably found very frequently in successive gen-
erations. Bright's disease, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, diseases of the spinal cord
and brain, hysteria and neurasthenia with their special disturbances in the uri-
nary function, are all unquestionably influenced by heredity. The existence of
tuberculosis in the family will always lead to a suspicion of tuberculous urinary
lesions if the symptoms of a chronic process in the urinary tract are present,
even though the lungs of the patient show no trace of tuberculous lesions.
It is said that there is no hereditary predisposition to prostatic hypertrophy ;
but I have noticed the occurrence of the disease in members of the same family
and prostatics have occasionally told me that their fathers had had the same
trouble. The same is said to be true of strictures, to which, according to Thomp-
son, there seems to be a family predisposition.
Cancer of the kidney, the prostate and bladder is another disease in w^hich
the heredity is to be carefully investigated. The predisposition to malignant
tumors, when present, goes far toward making us watchful for the presence of
such growths in the urinary tract.
Past History. — When inquiring for data to be written under this heading,
we begin at childhood, asking as to the occurrence of infectious diseases. The
occurrence of scarlatina, diphtheria, etc., will make us think of possible nephri-
tis. The various diseases gone through at an early age to the present day should
be noted. Rheumatic attacks are associated with the uric-acid diathesis or
stone ; protracted coughs point to tuberculosis ; attacks of renal colic indicate a
stone. These are among the phenomena to be considered in the past history.
The occurrence and number of attacks of urethritis make us look for stricture,
prostatitis, cystitis and renal affection ; while syphilis points to bladder affections
through atony of its walls due to a spinal sclerosis. Traumatism and urological
or other operations are also to be noted, if they have occurred, as they have im-
portant bearings on the etiology of the present affection.
Present History. — Having thus elicited by a few leading questions the
heredity and past history of our patient, we come to the consideration of the
present illness, i. e., of the complaint for which the patient needs our assistance.
Here it is usually best, in order to obtain a consecutive story, to ask when the
patient last felt perfectly well. Beginning with this data, with a little urging,
the leading events of the illness will be related to us, which we write down in
a condensed form on the lines following the heading " present history."
The patients, in relating their present history, will usually speak of pain,
PRINCIPAL SYMPTOMS 301
disturbed micturition, a discharge, the presence of blood in the urine, or the
passage of urine which they describe as " not being clean." They may also
complain of inability to attend to their work, not only on account of urinary
disturbances, but also on account of a feeling of weakness or sickness. Patients
who complain of weakness and sickness, which may be constant or intermittent,
may be suffering from some constitutional trouble, as a nephritis, a carcinoma
or tuberculosis. When such a condition occurs in the form of attacks, it may
be due to a congestion in some part of the urinary tract, to febrile attacks due
to impediment to the escape of pus, and to other causes which they cannot
account for. Loss of weight is generally due to the condition or diseases just
mentioned. As the leading symptoms, however, are those which I at first out-
lined, I will take them up more in detail ; and these are so important that I
have placed them on the card (see Figs. 230 and 231), in order that I may not
omit any of them in taking the history of the case.
Principal Symptoms. — The first thing to be asked after the patients have
given us their version of the present illness is. What is the principal symptom —
i. e., the one complaint that has led to the visit ? The answer to this question
will often tell us what the disease is; as, for instance, discharge will lead us
to believe that the patient, if a man, has a urethritis, especially if it is associated
with a burning on urination, alone or associated with frequency ; or, if a woman,
that it comes from her urethra or vagina. A hemorrhage from the urinary
tract will lead us to think of tumor. The passage of dirty urine will lead us to
think of pyuria. A sudden, sharp pain darting down the ureter will indicate
renal calculi passing down the tract, etc.
Pain. — In the great majority of cases, pain is one of the symptoms, if not
the leading symptom, complained of. The subject of pain in urinary diseases
is discussed more at length under the heading of Symptomatology. In taking
the history, the duration, character, intensity, localization, chief seat and direc-
tions of pain should be noted. The relation of pain to rest and motion, exercise
or jarring, micturition, defecation and to the sexual organism, are also points of
interest.
The character of pain complained of by patients with urinary diseases, varies
considerably from the acute, colicky, sudden, sharp pain of stone traveling
down the ureter, to the feelings of discomfort, dullness, heaviness, or of an in-
describable irritation of an indefinite kind in some locality.
Pain in the loin may mean involvement of the kidney and may be either
surgical or medical. The diseases one must look for when pain in the loin is
present are renal stone, tuberculosis, tumors, movable kidney, nephralgia, peri-
nephritic abscess, pyelitis and pyelo-nephritis. The pain in the loin is usually
in the back, on one side, beneath the free border of the ribs, although it may also
be found in the corresponding situation in front, or beneath the angle of the
ribs, in the ileo-costal space.
302 THE HISTORY OF THE CASE
The character of the pain may be sharp, as in the passage of calculi, or of tu-
bercular accumulations, in movable kidney, or in nephralgia from nephritis.
In these same conditions, a dull pain may be present, or a heaviness, as in tumor
of the kidney. These pains may radiate down the ureter in the direction of the
groin or bladder, especially in cases of stone.
Pain in the ureter is reflected up toward the kidney, or downward toward
the bladder or testes. It may also have a point of maximum severity, as in a
displaced kidney, the pedicle of which has become twisted at a certain point
(DietFs crisis), or in the presence of calculus; the larger, rougher and more
jagged the stone, the more acute is the pain.
Suprapubic pain is usually dull and accompanied by a sense of pressure
and fullness. It is most marked in cases of sudden retention of urine, when
there is, in addition, a cramplike feeling. It may also be present in inflamma-
tion ef the bladder from any cause, as from extensions from the urethra, stone,
tuberculosis or tumor of the bladder, being more marked and more acute in
cystitis due to stone and tuberculosis. A sense of discomfort or fullness in
the suprapubic region is frequently due to an involvement of the seminal
vesicles.
Pain in the groin, in the male, points to trouble with the testes, the cord
or with the seminal vesicles. In women, it means involvement of the ad-
nexa. If the pain is of a dull character, it is due to inflammation of the sem-
inal vesicles. When there is pressure on the ejaculatory duct on one or
both sides, from prostatic inflammations, pain in the groin may also be pres-
ent. Pain in the groin is elicited when the vas deferens is inflamed, or the
ampulla alone is involved. In epididymitis, due to the extension from the
urethra along the vas deferens, pain in the groin precedes the pain in the
epididymis.
Pain in the perineum in the male is usually due to stricture, deep-seated
urethritis, posterior urethritis, acute or chronic prostatitis, or prostatic hyper-
trophy or Cowperitis. In women it usually points to laceration of the perineum
or hemorrhoids.
Discharge. — This symptom will be studied more in detail in the chapter
on the subject. In taking the " present history," however, one of the symptoms
complained of is often a discharge. In men, we inquire as to the amount, the
character and time of occurrence of the discharge. If profuse and purulent,
it points to an acute urethritis ; if very scanty and mucoid, it indicates a chronic
process. When the discharge is associated with defecation and is glairy or
glycerinlike, it is due to prostatorrhea or spermatorrhea. In women, a thick
discharge coming from the vagina, called by some vaginitis, is generally asso-
ciated with leucorrhea and endometritis, and when accompanied by burning on
urination, points to a urethritis. In both cases, if acute, the gonococcus should
be looked for.
PRINCIPAL SYMPTOMS 303
Character of Urination. — ^Under this heading, the two chief points to
be considered are the frequency of voiding urine and any difficulty or irregu-
larity in voiding it
Frequency of urination is one of the most important symptoms to be con-
sidered in urinary surgery, and, next to pain and discharge, is the one princi-
pally complained of. Frequency, more marked during the day, in men, points
to stricture, posterior urethritis, prostatitis, vesiculitis, cystitis and vesical cal-
culus; in women, it indicates cystitis, vesical calculus, urethral stricture,
urethral caruncle, uterine displacement and growths, and adhesions due to dis-
eases of the adnexa. Frequency, occurring principally at night, indicates pros-
tatic hypertrophy and prostatitis, in men; in women, pressure on the bladder
in certain cases of uterine disease, as fibroma or carcinoma. Tuberculosis of
the bladder causes frequency of urination both day and night in both sexes.
Tenesmus at the time of urination, points, in men, to an acute inflammation of
the posterior urethra, of the vesical neck ; to an acute prostatitis ; to a prostatic
hypertrophy with congestion or cystitis; to a stricture; to vesical calculus; or
tuberculosis. In women, it points to cystitis, calculus and tuberculosis of the
bladder, or urethral caruncle.
Difficulty in passing urine, in men, points to obstruction as prostatic hyper-
trophy or stricture ; to vesical calculus, or to atony of the bladder from sclerosis
of the cord or lesions giving rise to paralysis. In women, the same causes
may give rise to difficulty, except prostatic hypertrophy, and with the addition
of cystocele, uterine displacements and prolapse and adhesions to the bladder,
holding it out of its normal position. Ketention and incontinence of urine will
be discussed in detail in the chapter on these subjects.
Character of the Urine. — The patient's impression as to the character
of the urine is set down under this heading. It enables us to elicit the probable
presence of blood (hematuria), of pus (pyuria), of a milky substance (chy-
luria), of a brick-red sediment (uraturia), of ammoniacal fermentation (cys-
titis), or of sulphurous odor (cystinuria, pyelo-nephritis). Furthermore, a
general idea of the quantity voided (oliguria, anuria, polyuria), may also be
obtained from the patient's statement.
Character of the Menstruation. — On the female card will be seen the
question, " Character of Menstruation ? " This is not of such great importance,
but is of some significance, for, although the genital tract in the female is not
in such close contact with the urinary as in the male, nevertheless they are suf-
ficiently associated for us to consider the function of the main genital organ.
An increased flow, or frequency of flow, from the uterus might mean a fibroid
tumor, an endometritis, or a malignant growth. A cessation of flow might in-
dicate pregnancy, tuberculosis or change of life. Uterine pain would indicate
endometritis and displacement, all of which might have an important bearing
on the bladder of the female.,
CHAPTER XIV
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
Before proceeding to the urological examination, which is outlined on the
chart (Figs. 230 and 231), the general symptoms should be considered and a
general examination made, more or less minute according to the nature of the
case. A surgeon, even if he devotes himself largely or exclusively to urological
conditions, should not neglect to study his patient's general condition in every
case, and thus avoid that evil of specialization, the overlooking of important gen-
eral features, in the concentration of his thoughts upon the local condition. The
patient's appearance, nutrition, gait or posture, the condition of the tongue,
the character of the pulse, the rate of respiration, the size of the pupils, are
all signs which offer important diagnostic data and which should never be
neglected.
(1) Nutrition. — The size and weight of the individual is important from
several view points. For instance, tall, spare persons, especially women, are
more liable to* have movable kidneys, whereas, this affection is usually absent in
shorter and heavier persons. The reasons for this are fully discussed in Chapter
XXII. Progressively decreasing weight, in other words, emaciation, may point
to diabetes ; or when accompanied by local urinary disturbances, to chronic sup-
purative or tuberculous diseases in that part of the genito-urinary tract. A loss
of weight is also incident to certain types of chronic nephritis, whereas, an
extreme form of cachexia would make us suspect malignant disease.
Obesity sometimes accompanies the earlier stages of diabetes. Increase of
weight with edettia would at once naturally call attention to renal diseases. It
may be noted that increase of weight and good muscular development is not in-
compatible with the presence of nephritis, even in an advanced degree ; and that
tuberculosis of the kidney in its initial stages, and also when the kidney is half
destroyed, is seen at times in individuals in apparently perfect health.
(2) The Skin. — So far as the color of the skin is concerned, a waxy pallor
is quite characteristic of amyloid kidney, while lesser degrees of pallor occur in
chronic nephritis. Pallor with a hectic flush, points to tuberculosis, while with
. pufllness of the eyelids, it points to renal diseases. The pallor of the face of gin
drinkers, so frequently seen in England, is typical of the nephritis occurring in
these types of alcoholics. Hepatic disorders, especially those common to indi-
304
ODOR 305
viduals coming from the tropics, are characterized by a yellowish, sallow hue.
In some diabetic patients the skin is also yellow and peculiarly dry. A sallow,
yellowish tint is also seen in chronic malaria, while a bronzed hue is character-
istic of diseases of the suprarenal capsule.
Along with the color of the skin, we note the condition of the mucous mem-
brane. The latter is pale in anemic conditions, while the presence of cyanosis,
represented by blue lips and livid finger nails, would point to badly compensated
heart disease so frequently associated with renal affections.
There are a few eruptions of the skin which can be connected with urinary
disease. In diabetes, we frequently find furuncles and carbuncles, while in the
advanced stages gangrene may occur. Pruritus occurs in nephritis and diabetes.
Ecthymatous eruptions, which are sometimes seen on the legs or on other parts
of the body, occur in patients with constitutional disease which lowers the vital-
ity of the skin, such as nephritis, syphilis, tuberculosis, alcoholism, etc.
(3) Posture. — The posture and the gait of the patient may sometimes be of
value in diagnosis. In ascites, or abdominal tumors, we have a peculiar gait,
with the body bent backward and the feet spreading widely to aid in the support
of the added weight. In locomotor ataxia, the well-known, peculiar gait and
the inability to balance oneself with the eyes closed, is of interest in connection
with cases of retention of urine and difficult micturition, accompanying lesions
of the cord. Patients with partial hemiplegia walk with a dragging of one ex-
tremity and their urinary symptoms are at once referred to the central nervous
system. Patients walking with a stooping posture, or limping so as to favor
one side, may be suffering from renal colic, from perinephritic abscess, from
inguinal adenitis or from epididymitis.
The position of the patient in bed in renal colic and in perinephritic abscess,
is such as to avoid the contact of anything with the painful parts. Usually
the body is bent laterally toward the diseased side. In active renal colic, the
thighs are flexed and even the upper part of the trunk is bent toward the source
of the pain. In acute prostatitis and in abscesses about the rectum, the thighs
are drawn up and the patient sits on one buttock, although he prefers usually
a reclining position. In vesical pain and difficulty in passing water, the patient
may squat while in the act of micturition, or stand clutching for some support
and straining to pass water. These are but a few examples of the various pos-
tures assumed characteristically by patients with urinary disease.
(4) Odor. — An abnormal odor discernible on approaching the patient some-
times gives us a clew regarding the trouble. Thus an ammoniacal odor points
to incontinence of urine, usually from some obstruction, such as stricture or
prostatic enlargement or from atony of the bladder due to diseases of the spinal
cord. A necrotic odor points to the presence of sloughing or gangrenous condi-
tions affecting the lower part of the tract, or to sloughing venereal ulcers or
warts.
306 GENERAL SYMPTOMS
(5) General Behavior. — The general behavior of the patient is often of
value in leading us into the right channel for diagnosis. Neurasthenic patients
exhibit a peculiar uneasiness, with purposeless movements, such as shifting the
legs, etc. ; they easily flush and pale under questioning, their speech is at times
thick and hesitant. In hysteria, a vague absent-minded expression of the face,
a lack of consecutive expression of thought, a rambling speech, often very volu-
ble, and either extreme anxiety or an unaccountable levity are noted by the
physician. In sexual neurasthenia, there is usually a touch of melancholia and
a hypochondriacal tendency to exaggerate all symptoms and to draw a very
dark picture of the complaint. Thus, from the very appearance of the patient,
we are often led to think of the possibility of disturbances in the genital organs
connected with urinary disease.
In bed-ridden patients, the condition of the mind in such states as uremia,
urinary fever and sepsis needs attention. The details will be found in the
appropriate chapters. Here we may mention merely the confusion of ideas,
the drowsy apathy and the gradual clouding of sensation in uremia.
(6) The Tongue. — The patient's tongue has a bearing upon the general con-
dition, though it may not necessarily show anything connected with his urinary
organs. We may mention, however, the dry, coated tongue of the typhoid state
accompanying septic conditions (urinary fever, septicemia, pyemia), and that
a dry tongue should always indicate a serious condition in urinary diseases,
before as well as after operations on the urinary organs.
(7) Pulse and Temperature. — The pulse and temperature are to be taken
in every case in which constitutional trouble is suspected. A rapid pulse with
high tension would lead us to think of renal trouble, although a patient may have
normal blood pressure when uremic; a pulse increased in rapidity but not in
tension, is found in urinary fever or sepsis. A feeble pulse, a dicrotic and easily
compressible pulse, or, on the other hand, a bounding pulse, may be seen in
valvular affections of the heart complicating nephritis.
Whenever fever is found to be present, we should first of all seek the source
of the rise of temperature by making a careful routine examination of the
urinary tract The blood should be examined for malaria and typhoid fever
when fever occurs for any length of time. Many patients are treated for malaria
for a long time when in reality they are suffering from suppurative renal dis-
eases or from complicated renal calculus. Fever occurring in a patient leading
a catheter life or after other instrumentation, would at once arouse the sus-
picion of urinary fever or sepsis ; the same may be said of fever occurring after
an operation on the urinary tract. Acute febrile attacks in patients with urinary
disease, who have previously been in apparently good health, usually point to
the prostate gland, some complication of the urethra or the kidney. In the
ordinary form of nephritis, there is no elevation of temperature; but there is
a distinct febrile movement in the suppurative nephrites, including pyelo-
RESPIRATION 307
nephritis, pyonephrosis, abscess of the kidney and stone or tuberculosis in the
kidney complicated by secondary infection, etc. In abscess of the kidney, the
temperature may range from 99° to 105° F., falling abruptly when the abscess
ruptures. In pyelo-nephritis, the range is lower and the type more chronic.
In pyonephrosis, the type is often of a remittent typhoid character or so
markedly intermittent as to simulate malaria. When the pus is discharged from
the kidney after having been retained for a time, there is a remittance or an
intermittence of fever. In suppurative conditions of the kidney in which there
is a sudden obstruction to the outflow of pus, as in stone, the fever may set in
sharply with a chill, followed later by sweating.
In perinephritic abscess, the patient runs a septic temperature with all its
characteristics, including great emaciation. Movable kidney may also be ac-
companied by chills and fever, occurring from time to time if pyelitis is present
In acute nephritis, there may be an onset of chills and fever and a rise of tem-
perature throughout the disease.
There is no characteristic temperature in uremia. When this condition is
associated wuth acute or chronic inflammatory or suppurative states in the kid-
ney, the fever of the nephritis dominates the scene. A subnormal temperature
may be observed during the uremic attack itself.
In prostatic inflammations, a rise of temperature may be noted, especially
in the acute form of prostatitis, which is usually ushered in by a chill. During
the abscess formation, profuse sweating may take place, especially at night.
Cases of chronic abscess of the prostate may be unaccompanied by fever, or
only give rise to a very slight febrile movement. In periurethral inflammations,
sepsis of a varying degree, with or without chills, shows itself, depending on
the extent and character of the inflammation. Sweating generally accompanies
these cases. The presence of both pus and urine in the cellular tissue, as in cases
of urinary extravasation, gives rise to the most severe and fatal sepsis.
(8) Respiration. — The rapidity and character of the respiration may be al-
tered in the course of certain urinary diseases. Marked dyspnea may accom-
pany chronic interstitial nephritis, especially in uremic patients. Rapid and
shallow respiration may be noted in perinephritic abscess, after injuries of the
kidney (rupture of the organ), or as a result of the pressure of a large kidney
upon the diaphragm. The Cheyne-Stokes breathing, noted in interstitial nephri-
tis with heart disease and in advanced cases of uremia, must also be mentioned.
Complicating pleurisies or broncho-pneumonias, such as occur in septic patients,
will, of course, increase the rapidity and alter the character of the breathing.
CHAPTER XV
EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS
It 18 my desire in this chapter to outline the steps in the examination of
male and female patients in as imiform a manner as possible. The result of my
study of the different methods of examination, in hospital, clinic and private
practice, has led me to outline the following system as being at present the most
convenient for the imiform urological examination of male and female patients.
Doubtless in the near future, as this specialty develops, better methods will be
established.
UROLOOICAT. EXAMINATION OF TATIKNTS
Position of Patients during Examination
(1) Patient at
full length •«
on table
Male
Abdomen.
Kidneys. .
Bladder.
External genitals.
Discharge (smear).
^ 1st urine.
/^v -n. . 2d urine.
(2) Pataent p^^^^^^^
standmsr ^ . ,
^ Vesicles.
^ 3d urine.
(3) Patient at
full length
on table
Urethra.
Bladder,
4th urine (residual),
Female
(1) Patient at
full length
on table
In gynecolog-
ical position
(2) Patient
on commode
(3) Patient in
gynecologic-
al position
on table
i
' Abdomen,
Kidneys.
L Bladder.
External genitals.
Discharge (smear).
1st urine.
2d urine.
/■ T-r,
Uterus.
Tubes.
Ovaries.
Urethra.
Bladder.
^ 3d urine (residual).
Examination of the Abdomen. — When the abdomen is examined, the pa-
tient should lie on the table full length, with the legs extended (Fig. 232). The
examination of the abdomen is practically the same in both sexes. The upper
zone, including the liver, stomach, spleen and kidneys, is first palpated, and
308
EXAMINATION OF THE ABDOMEN
LA BORA TO KY
REPORT Oy
URIKE AND DISCHARGES
Clear or cloudy.
Color.
Odor.
Reaction.
Specific gravity.
Albmiiin.
Sugar.
Urea.
lutliean.
Total solids.
Crystals.
Mucus.
Connective tissues.
Red blooil.
White.
ilicroorganisnis.
Epithelia.
Casta.
OtliLT fciitiirea.
Discliarge (sincar)
Remarks on uriue i
md <lisc-li
argcM
,: —
Treat.
then the lower zone, incliidiiig the siiprapnbii- anil inguinal regions. An en-
larged liver with a toiigiic-sliH|)ed right lobe, is very fretjiieiitly mistaken for a
Fia. 232. — Patient Ltino at Fcll LE^
Firat step in thp
of the malA.
kidney, as is an abscess or a hydatid cyst of that organ, as well as enlarged gall-
bladder. There is also a variety of enlarged aplecn, with a well-rounded lower
border, that we should guard against, as it resembles clearly a kidney, as
do also abdominal granuloma, enlarged postperitoneal glands and tumors formed
in tubercular peritonitia.
In urologj', however, the palpation of the kidneys is the most important. If
they are normal, they cannot be felt and the examination is not accompanied
by any pain or tenderness. If some surgical trouble is present, they can gener-
ally be outlined and may be tender on pressure. Tenderness is often not present
even in kidneys that arc badly diseased.
A counterbalance table, which is used for all our examinations, gives the
patient every position, from a lying to a sitting posture. It is well to examine
the kidneys first while the patient is lying flat, with the logs extended (Fig. 2-331,
and then with the knees flexed; after this, the back of the table is gradually
raised until the patient is in a sitting posture (Fig. 234). During these move-
310
EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS
Fig. 233. — Examination op the Kidneys, the Patient Lying Flat.
Fig. 234. — Examination of the Kidneys, the Patient in the Sitting Posture.
EXAMINATION OF THE ABDOMEN 311
RietitB, the examiner should stand on the side of the patient adjacent to the kid-
ney he is examining. If on the right side, he should have his right hand in
front on the outer side of the rectus muscle and the left hand on the hack below
the twelfth rib. The position of the examiner and his hands should be exactly
reversed in examining the other side. If the examination in the dorsal position
is not satisfactory, the patient is placed on the healthy side with the knees
slightly flexed, thus allowing the organs to fall toward the healthy side {Tig.
235). The object of bimanual palpation is to feel the kidneys between the
FlQ. 235. — EXAUINIKO IHB KlDNET, WITH TBE PaTI«KT LTIMO ON TH« HbaLTBT SxDB.
fingers of the two bands. Therefore, the patiput should be instructed to breathe
deeply, thus increasing the extent of the renal excursion. With every expira-
tion, the fingers are pressed more deeply in until the kidney region is reached.
The examiner must not press hard when examining for a movable kidney, as
it will slip away without his being able to detect it. If the kidney is enlarged, it
should be ballotted between the bands, as in this way its size, shape and con-
sistence can be better determined. Sometimes it is advisable to have the patient
stand during examination.
In my experience, the variety of kidneys that we are more often called on
to treat are the movable, the tuberculous, the calculous and the so-called surgical,
pyelo-nephritis following cystitis. In these cases, the organ is often tender
and increased in siza In marked cases of hydronephrosis, pyonephrosis and cys-
tic kidney, the mapping out of the organ is even easier.
In the lower zone of the abdomen, we may encounter tumors, appendicular
or intestinal fecal accumulations, an enlarged bladder, with residual urine, and,
in women, a gravid uterus, tumors of the uterus and adnexa, exudations and
abscesses due to diseases of the tubes, periurethral and extraperitoneal suppu-
ration.
312 EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS
Examination of the External Genitals. — Male Genitals. — I notice first
the size and shape of the organs, whether they are well formed or misshapen
(epispadias, hypospadias, etc.). The condition of the prepuce, the presence or
absence of such lesions as nodules or ulcerations, verrucae, abscesses, lymphan-
gitis are noted.
The meatus is next inspected, it being noted whether it is large or small,
normal or distorted. An induration at the meatus, with the lips pressed together,
may indicate the presence of an initial lesion of syphilis, or if ulceration is pres-
ent, a chancroid infection may be suspected. The presence of urethral discharge
is also noted at this inspection and a smear should be taken for microscopic
examination. This is done by sterilizing a platinum wire loop by heating it red
hot over an alcohol lamp, cooling the loop and taking a drop of the discharge
from the meatus upon the loop. The discharge is quickly smeared very thin
upon a clean glass slide, bearing a label with the patient's name or number.
In each of the examining rooms, a compact equipment is provided for taking
smears, etc. Slides are kept in a wide-mouthed bottle. A glass rod with a
platinum loop and an alcohol lamp are also on hand on each table. The loops
are used for obtaining urethral, cervical, vaginal or other discharges which are
smeared on the slides in a thin layer. The platinum loop is heated to a red glow
before and after taking each smear.
If the discharge is very scanty, it is sometimes possible to obtain a sufficient
amount by milking the urethra from behind forward and expressing its contents
into the fossa navicularis, where it can be taken up with a loop.
Caution must be observed in drawing hasty conclusions as to urethral inflam-
mations in the presence of a discharge, as many cases of persistent urethral dis-
charge are due to the presence of an initial lesion or other infection which we do
not yet understand.
The urethra is further examined by external palpation along its entire length,
the presence of nodules, indurations, swellings, abscess formations or fistulj©
being noted. The testes are next palpated, tenderness, enlargements, nodules,
etc., of testes, epididymis or cord being noted, indicating the existence of inflam-
mation, tuberculosis or syphilitic processes, the beginning of malignant tumors,
etc., as well as the presence of hydrocele, varicocele or hernia.
Female Genitals. — In order to examine the external female genitals, the
patient must be brought down to the edge of the table in the gynecological posi-
tion (Fig. 236) and the same conditions must be looked for as in the male,
viz. : deformities, swellings, nodules, ulcerations, verrucae, abscesses and lym-
phangitis. The glands of Bartholini are pressed upon to see if there is a
purulent discharge from the ducts. The presence of vaginal discharge is noted
and a smear taken if it is .present. The labia are then separated and the vesti-
bule sponged with a bichlorid solution, 1 : 5,000. The forefinger of the left hand
is then inserted into the vagina against the urethra at the point where it leaves
EXAMINATION OF THE ^AT-E PATIENT STANDING
313
the bladder and is then drawn down toward the meatus, making pressure all
along the canal. In case discharge is seen, it is taken on a slide if there is
sufficient quantity, otherwise a
platinum loop is inserted into
the meatus and an effort made
to secure a specimen (see
chapter on Discharges).
Note. — So far tlio exam-
inations have been on the
table in both sexes; but they
must now be considered sepa-
rately on account of the dif-
ference in the anatomy of the
sexes, I will, therefore, first
give the procedure in the case
of the male and then take up
that of the female.
Examination of the Male Patient Standing. — The Fibst Ubine. — The
patient is next directed to stand up and is handed a glass cylinder hy the exam-
iner. Into this he is instructed to pass a portion of his urine (Fig. 237). Fre-
quently in the embarrass-
ment caused by the exam-
ination, or for some other
psychical reason, the patient
is unable to urinate prompt-
ly at this moment In order
to aid him as much as pos-
sible, two measures may be
adopted. The first is to leave
him to himself, the second ia
to allow a thin stream of
water to trickle from a fau-
cet in the room in which he is
being examinee^. This acts
on the motor centers of the
bladder through the mental
impression which su^ests
F,o.337.-Male Patient Uhin^tino IN *Gi.a«,Ctlindbb. "^nation through the very
soimd of the stream of water.
The size, shape and force of the stream is noted, if possible, when the patient
passes water. A healthy man with a normal urethra and bladder passes a fairly
large stream^ projecting from his body at a distance of from three to five feet
314
EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS
when standing up. A man with a small meatus has a smaller, but usually a
forcible stream. A sudden interruption of the stream which begins normally,
often points to the presence of stone in the bladder. On the other hand, a stream
which slowly becomes smaller and less forcible points to either some obstruction,
such as stricture, prostatic enlargement, acute congestion of the prostate, acute
or chronic prostatitis, or to a lack of tone of the bladder. Further details as to
the character of the stream will be found in the chapter discussing the subject of
urination.
After the first urine is passed, it is held up to the light to see if it is light
or dark, clear or turbid, and examined for pus, shreds and mucus. The signifi-
cance of these various elements is considered more in detail under the subjects
of urine and discharges.
Second Urine. — The patient is then handed a second glass cylinder, of the
same size and shape as the first, and is asked to void a second portion of his urine,
but is warned not to pass the entire contents of his bladder. The second urine
is inspected in the same way as the first, any cloudiness, shreds or a deposit of
pus, etc., being noted.
Prostate and Vesicles. — The patient is then told to bend forward. He
leans over, resting on his hands placed on a table. The body is at an. angle of
C
Fio. 238.-
A, finger cot unrolled.
B, finger cot rolled up.
-The Finger Cot.
C, piece of gauze to wind about the finger.
Z>, the hand with the finger cot on the forefinger
and the piece of gauze wound about it.
135 degrees to the perpendicular. The examiner places a finger cot on his fin-
ger (see Fig. 238) and winds a piece of gauze about the base of it to keep
his finger clean. He then sits behind him and inserts the forefinger of the right
EXAMINATION OF THE MALE PATIENT STANDING
316
hand into the rectum and examines the prostate. He then presses the fore and
middle finger of the left hand into the groin of the patient, thns pushing the
vesicle down against the examining finger (Fig. 239). It is strange that much
experience ia necessary to examine well the internal genitals, hut such is the
case. The examiner notes the outline of these organs, the presence of nodules,
Fra. 239. — Examination bt Rectum. The patient louis over the table and the e:
right foreGiiEer into the rectum, presses the finiters of the left hantl into the stoin, and palpates
the vesicles bimauually.
depressions, as well as the general consistence and tenderness of the parts. A
hard prostate, either normal or small in size, may give rise to frequency of uri-
nation from a cause which cannot as yet be determined, though probably owing
to pressure exerted by a very tense external capsule, A prostate which is soft
and bc^gy indicates a chronic prostatitis, in which case the gland has become
atonic. Nodules in the prostate show local areas of follicular inflammation or
simple chronic or tuberculous prostatitis. An intensely tender, hot, swollen, en-
larged turgid gland, with one or both lobes involved, is characteristic of acute
prostatitis. An enlargement of the gland in young men without the acute signs
just mentioned, but usually with nodular swellings, points to a tuberculous proc-
ess. In elderly men, an enlargement usually indicates prostatic hypertrophy, or
316
EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS
else malignant growth. A shrunken prostate, with an irregular outline and with
depressions or softened areas, shows the seat of former abscesses which have
destroyed a part of the prostatic tissue.
Engorged, thick, tender vesicles point to an acute vesiculitis. Moderately
distended vesicles with the walls not so thick, although tender, point to a sub-
acute process, or to congestion, with some retention of vesicular secretion. When
the vesicles are tender and cannot be outlined, they are probably simply con-
gested.
In the chronic condition, vesicles have thickened, atonic walls perhaps full
of vesicular secretion and inflammatory products, due to a subacute inflamma-
tion probably associated with a thickening of the neck of the vesicle or pressure
on the ejaculatory duct by the prostate. The vesicles often have a pasty feeling
and dent in when pressed with the finger as if full of cheesy matter. Nodular,
irregular vesicles are the result of chronic inflammation, in consequence of which
there has been a retention of vesicular secretion. Localized thickenings in cer-
tain parts of the vesicles are due to stricture or scar tissue ; they may also be
due to tuberculosis. Small vesicles, hard and irregular, are the result of chronic
inflammation and partial destruction. If this
destructive process goes on still further, they
will probably atrophy until they cannot be felt.
Third Urine. — During the examination of
the prostate and vesicles, the organs are gently
massaged with the finger (Fig. 240). When
the finger is withdrawn, the patient is instructed
to void the remainder of his urine in a third
cylinder. This third urine represents the con-
tents of the bladder plus the material massaged
from the prostate and the vesicles into the pos-
terior urethra. We are now ready, with the
three cylinders of urine before us, to compare
them and to draw such conclusions as may be
warranted from their appearance.
The first urine contains the washings of the
urethra plus any elements from the kidney, ure-
ter and bladder that may be present. The sec-
ond urine represents that from the bladder,
ureter and the kidney alone, as all the products of
inflammation that were present in the urethra
were washed out by the first urine. The third
urine, as we have seen, contains, in addition to the second urine, the elements
massaged from the prostate and vesicles.
The urines are then sent to the laboratory for examination.
Fio. 240. — Massage of the Pros-
tate. The arrow shows the di-
rection in which the tip of the
forefinger, moves in this maneu-
ver.
•8= S
at i
111 I
.9 S 5 I ■*
I t I S f
s I a -a J
0Jl
.a S J
■BasS-s i£a
i- : 1 1
S'^^ al &s S ^S
II "I'll
EXAMINATION OF THE UKINES
317
Examination of the Urines. — The following table represents the chief pos-
sibilities encountered in examining the three urines at the time the patient passes
them and indicates in each case the significance of the findings.
First Urine.
(1) Clear.
(2) aear.
Second Urine.
I Tv.:-j T'*;n^ Summaiy.
Third tnne. A (What they »how: parts in-
{ After massage of the prostate.) ^ volted )
Clear.
Clear.
Clear.
Normal urine.
(3) Qear (small float-
ing mass, clear) :
(4) Clear, with heavy Clear.
shreds.
(5) Turbid, heavy, Clear.
shreds.
(6) Clear, heavy Clear.
shreds.
(7) Turbid, heavy Clear.
shreds.
(8) Turbid, no shreds. Turbid.
Clear.
Slightly opaque, with Prostate.
dibris.
Slightly opaque, with
d^bns.
Clear.
(9) Turbid, with
shreds.
(10) Turbid, shreds.
Turbid, shreds and
flocculi.
(11) Turbid, shreds. | Turbid, shreds.
No shreds or flocculi,
turbid.
Clear.
Cloudy, with debris
Opaque, debris.
Turbid, no debris.
No debris, turbid.
No debris, turbid.
Turbid, with debris.
Prostate and vesicles.
Chronic urethritis.
Chronic urethritis.
Urethra, prostate and
vesicles.
Chronic urethritis, pros-
tatitis, vesiculitis.
Pyuria, bladder kidney
or both.
Urethra, bladder, kid-
• ney or both or phos-
phaturia.
Urethra, bladder or kid-
ney.
Urethra, bladder pos-
sible, kidney possible,
prostate or vesicles,
phosphaturia.
This table is quite difiicult to understand. We should first eliminate phos-
phaturia. If the urine is turbid, therefore, a small amount is poured into a
test-tube and a little acetic acid is added. If the turbidity is due to phosphates,
it will at once disappear. This test should be performed whenever both the first
and second urines are opaque.
If the urine does not become clear with the acid, another portion of it is
poured into a test-tube and is shaken with some liquor potassa?. If the turbidity
is due to pus, a thick coagulum will form and sink to the bottom, leaving a
clearer upper portion.
In order to differentiate between inflammatory products massaged from
the vesicles and those obtained in the third urine? from the prostate, we should
note the following points: —
Urethra :
Urethral shreds.
Prostate :
(1) Plugs or comma-shaped bodies are from the mouths of the ducts.
(2) White thick masses in turbid urine, coming from the dilated and chron-
ically inflamed ducts.
Vesicles :
(1) Sago bodies consist of the coagulated secretion of the vesicles that have
become molded in the convolutions of the vesicles.
318 EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS
(2) Sugar granules, amber colored (or colorless) bodies resembling sugar
granules. Of the same material as the sago bodies but firmer in consistence,
not so abundant and smaller.
(3) Spermatozoa, alive or dead, whole or in broken pieces.
(4) Plugs of pus coagula mixed with epithelia from the vesicles.
(5) Membranous flakes that resemble small pieces of skin or membrane
looking like egg membrane, white in color, consisting of a deposit on the walls
of the vesicles, of sufficient thickness to come away in pieces.
(6) Snowflahes, light particles resembling snowflakes, not as heavy as the
larger flakes. These are recent deposits which have not become formed as a
membrane.
The different formations from the vesicles are probably composed of the
same material, principally globulin, and differ mainly in the length of time
that they have been secreted and deposited on the mucous membrane of their
walls ; in the quantity in which they have been secreted ; whether suddenly in
large amount, or slowly in small quantity ; and whether the secretion is pure
or mixed with large amoimts of epithelia, spermatozoa, pus and other products
of inflammatory exudate. After massage and after being allowed to settle in
a glass alone or mixed with prostatic fluid, or urine, they lose the characteristic
shapes that they have on escaping and become a blended gelatinous deposit. At
times, casts of the vesicles are passed after massage, an inch or more in length,
from one or both vesicles. The casts may be of sufficient size to block the
urinary stream. It is hard to understand how masses of this size can es-
cape from the ejaculatory ducts, for I have seen them of the size of a leech,
so that for a moment the patient's urine would stop and the mass would
suddenly be expelled with force, followed at once by the remainder of the
urine.
Urethral Examination {the Patient on the Table at Full Length), — In ex-
amining the urethra, I stand on the patient's right. The urethra is first palpated
by holding the penis in one hand and palpating the outside of the canal with
the thumb and forefinger of the other. In this way, a follicular induration or
inflammation, associated with a urethral follicle, a periurethral abscess, scar
tissue, a foreign body or stone in the canal, may be detected.
The canal, unless it is acutely inflamed, is then examined with instruments :
bougies a boule, sounds, catheter or filiform. I first sponge the meatus with
a cotton ball soaked in bichlorid 1 : 1,000, then take in my right hand a bougie
a boule (Fig. 241) about the size that I think will just enter the meatus. I dip
its end into a bottle of glycerin and steady the organ with the fingers of the left
hand placed on either side of the corona. I then insert the instrument through
the meatus. In case it will not enter, I take up smaller ones until I find one that
will pass in easily. If the first instrument passes easily, I go up the scale until
I find the largest that will go to the bulb. I register the number of the instru-
I :i
1 It
2 si
1 oS
1 lis.
^ -^ f
I "-•is ^
I "^ -i 1 1
filial
£5 ° I S'i
If IliJ I-
o I S'i 1 1
S^ i si a
i .= 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1
; i i 1 1
URETHRAL EXAMINATION
319
ment that passes the narrowest point or points of the canal and the distance of
these narrowings from the meatus,
I then take a sound corresponding in size to the bougie a boule, with a short
beak, and pass it into the urethra following the upper wall. If this glides
easily into the bladder, I register " Ure-
thra No. — at meatus " or whatever dis-
tance from it the narrowing may be and add
" Sound No. — passes easily into bladder."
In case the smallest bougie a boule (No.
6 French) does not pass to the bulb or that
a sound of that size does not pass through
the remainder of the urethra, the locality of
the impediment must he registered. It will
then be necessary to pass a smaller instru-
ment— a filiform bougie No. 1 or No. 2
(Fig. 242).
If the filiform passes the point of nar-
rowing at which the larger instrument
failed to pass, it will be spoken of as a fili-
form stricture. In case the filiform fails to
pass, the impediment will be spoken of as
an impassable stricture.
When the patient passes a fairly good
stream and yet a filiform cannot be passed,
the location of the impediment must be con-
sidered. If it is in the <ieep or bulbous
portion of the urethra, the instrument may
have entered a pocket, in which ease, by in-
serting a filiform with a spiral end like a
Xo. 2 and rotating it slowly during its in-
troduction, the end may pass along the ure-
thra by the pocket without sliding into it. In
case the impediment is in the posterior ure-
thra and the remainder of the canal is larger, it is probably not a stricture, but
an enlarged or deformed prostate. If the patient is an old man, the condition is
la, 341— Thb Bouoib \ E
in(i dowk the t^rethoa
Strictubbd Abba.
FiQ. 242. — FiL[FoHM Bora:Ka.
. 2, with a apira] end. No. 3, with a bend near the ei
320
EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS
probably hypertrophy and a small coude catheter would pass over the impedi-
ment and into the bladder : while if the patient is a young man who has had a bad
attack of prostatitis, the impediment would probably be the result of a prostatic
abscess, a cavity or an irregularity which prevents the entrance of the instru-
ment. As these conditions are usually in the floor of the urethra, a coude cathe-
ter which tends to hug the roof of the canal may pass through into the bladder.
At times the anterior urethra is of large size with smooth walls and the sound
goes up against an impediment at the bulb or at the neck of the bladder. In
such a case, we must think of a spasmodic stricture of the cut-off muscle, de-
pendent on an inflamed condition of the prostate or prostatic urethra in the first
instance, whereas, in the second instance, of spasm of the vesical sphincter due
to an inflammation of the bladder neck. In such cases, an instillation of cocain
solution, or nitrous-oxid anesthesia, may be used in the examination. If noth-
ing can be passed through a urethra under anesthesia and the patient is able to
pass some urine although he has symptoms of urinary obstruction, no further ex-
amination can be made in his case excepting of his urine, and he should be sent
to the hospital or home for further observation. A few days' rest in bed under a
treatment of hot sitz baths, diluents, a liquid diet and a large amount of water,
will probably so change the character of the impediment as to allow some instru-
ment to pass. Such cases represent, however, a minority of those which come to
our office. The majority of the cases have urethras of a fair size, that is, over
15 French.
Fio. 243. — The Examiner Looking through the Urethroscope at the Urethral Bulb.
If the patient has but a slight chronic urethral discharge and the canal is
over 20 French in size, the urethroscope is frequently used at the first visit,
especially with patients from out of town or those who are accompanied by their
physicians.
COMPLETION OF THE EXAMINATION IN WOMEN
321
In this case, the urethroscope (Fig. 243) is dipped into glycerin and intror
duced in the same way as a bougie a boule. The mandrin is then withdrawn
and a cotton swab is inserted to drv the interior of the tube and the urethra.
A light carrier is then introduced and connected with the rheostat on the wall at
the side of the table. By this means, polypi, ulcers, erosions and granular
patches can be seen and noted on the history card. This particular instrument is,
I believe, better than any of the other straight tubes for examining the poste-
rior urethra, on accoimt of the curve near its end, and it is tilted down and
pushed gently in, hugging the upper wall of the urethra. If it is pushed in too
far, it will enter the bladder and a gush of urine will follow, in which case, it
should be pulled dowTi below
the sphincter, when the flow
will stop and the posterior
urethra can be examined.
Completion of the Ex-
amination in Women. —
The first part of the exami-
nation in women, including
the abdomen and external
genitals, was concluded in
the early part of this chap-
ter. It now remains to
obtain specimens of the
urine and to examine the
internal genitals. The pa-
tient is asked to step be-
hind a screen and to seat
herself on a commode
and void urine (Fig. 244).
The bucket of this com-
mode has been removed
and a large funnel put in
its place, below which a
glass is placed, in such a
position that, when the pa-
tient voids the first urine, it enters the funnel and runs through it into the cylin-
der below. The nurse then removes it through a door in the side of the commode,
places a second glass under the funnel and then asks the patient to pass the re-
mainder of her urine. The nurse then carries the specimens to the examiner,
who inspects the two specimens before sending them to the laboratory. If the
first specimen is clear and there are no shreds, it will show that the urethra,
bladder and kidneys are free from any marked suppuration. If the first is clear
Fio. 244. — Female Patient Sitting on a Commode. A glass
funnel is beneath the seat. Bdow the funnel is the glass
cylinder.
322 EXAMINATION OF PATIENTS
with shreds and the second is clear without shreds, it will show a mild urethritis.
If the first is turbid with shreds and the second is clear, it will show a more
acute type of urethritis with no other involvement. If the first and second urine
are both turbid, it will show pyuria or phosphaturia which can be determined by
the rapid clinical tests of the examining room. If it is pyuria, the source of
the pus will be determined by the laboratory examination.
The female patient is then returned to the table, where the examination of
her internal genitals is continued. (See Fig. 236.) Her perineum is examined
for lacerations and any cystocele or rectocele noted. The uterus is palpated to
discover any laceration of the cervix, tenderness, induration, enlargement or dis-
placement of the organ, free mobility or fixation or the presence of a tumor. The
ovaries and tubes are then examined for tenderness, enlargement or displacement.
Exudates of a varying degree, depending upon metritis or salpingitis, are of the
greatest importance. The speculum is then introduced and the cervix inspected
for lacerations, ulcerations, or the presence of discharge or hemorrhage. Uterine
displacements or prolapse, fibroma or carcinoma, or adhesions due to inflamma-
tion of the adnexa, are all important on account of interfering with the functions
of the bladder as well as predisposing to cystitis.
The routine examination of the urethra and bladder is the same in women
as in men, although, in the former, the passing of instruments is much easier
owing to the absence of the prostate gland. Urethral lesions are not so com-
mon in women as in men, but, although strictures are not usually looked for,
they are more frequently present than is generally supposed.
Diseases of the bladder are not so common in women, the most frequent being
tuberculosis. Female bladders, however, are much affected by the condition of
the surrounding organs and often to a sufficient degree to give rise to the great-
est suffering and inconvenience.
Records. — With each history chart, is filed the diagram of the urinary tract
represented in Figs. 1 and 2 in the chapter on Anatomy, on which any lesions
found are marked so as to be visible at a mere glance. These diagrams were
made from a dissection, made at the New York Post-Graduate School (Guiteras,
Philadelphia Medical Journal, June 2, 1900).
The examination having been completed and a tentative diagnosis made,
the line of treatment indicated is recorded on the back of the card and changes
made on subsequent visits are appended. If an operation is performed, it is
described and a pathological report of anything removed is added.
The report of the urinary analysis made from a twenty-four hours' specimen
is also attached to the history card represented in the chapter on The Urine.
The entire documentary record of the case, including copies of the corre-
spondence with the patient or with the family or physician, is filed in an envel-
ope in a vertical filing case, in alphabetical order. In this way anything per-
taining to each case is instantly available for investigation.
CHAPTER XVI
UROLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
In the treatment of patients, the first thing that is expected of a physician is
a prescription for medicine ; in fact, it seems to be the general idea that every
symptom indicates a disease that should call for a specific drug. It is true that
there are certain drugs that are specific ; but in urology proper, no drug has yet
been found that can be considered as such. It seems, in this branch more than
any other, that it is important to keep the patient in the best physical condition
by regulating the diet, digestion, bowels and the amount and variety of exercise
in those who are up and about ; to protect the surface of the body by suitable
clothing; and to keep the function of the skin as perfect as possible. Drugs
should be prescribed to assist nature when functions of certain parts are at
fault; to reduce congestion and inflammation when necessary; to stimulate
when the tissues are weak ; and to counteract and destroy infections.
DIET
Diet is one of the most important factors in treatment. Many people suffer
through errors of diet. A visit to health resorts, where people are cured simply
by leading a regular life, resting or exercising, according to the case, following
a simple diet and drinking a certain water, or bathing — without taking a drug
— is a strong argument in favor of the fact that drugs are not always necessary.
Simple Diet. — Simple food that is easily digested and assimilated, and does
not give rise to irritating by-products, is then a most important remedy in the
treatment of disease and especially in urology. A milk diet alone, or combined
with some mild alkaline water, is the simplest of all diets. Such a one should be
prescribed in acute nephritis, the severest of all diseases pf the urinary tract.
It should also be ordered in chronic nephritis, when uremia is threatened or
present. It can be prescribed to patients suffering from acute parenchymatous
prostatitis and in prostatic hypertrophy, or in stricture cases, when retention is
present, due to congestion. It is also recommended in all complications due to
infections of the urinary tract.
Simple diet for the patients who are up and about their regular pursuits of
life, is quite liberal. In this case, fruit, cereals, bread, eggs, milk, fish and shell-
fish, meat, green vegetables, salad and cheese are regarded as simple diet. It
323
324 UROLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
is only necessary to eat in moderation food simply prepared ; to take a variety
rather than too much of any one kind ; to see that the food is prepared in a
simple and digestible manner ; to avoid stimulants, condiments and rich dishes.
I think that most of us would be in better condition if we ate nothing fried,
nothing sweet, no condiments and did not use alcoholics, tea, coffee, or tobacco,
but such would hardly be practicable in our present manner of living.
Fruits. — Fruits should be eaten at the morning and midday meals, rather
than at the evening repast. For breakfast, orange, cantaloupe, peaches, baked
apple and grape fruit are preferable ; whereas, for the midday meal, any of the
same varieties can be used, as well as apples, pears or plums. Xo sugar should
be eaten on the fruit.
I do not consider berries healthful, as they frequently irritate the intes-
tines, especially strawberries, although some consider this mechanical irritation
good in case of constipation.
Stewed fruit is considered healthier than raw, but is usually too much
sweetened.
Cereals. — Cereals are usually taken at the morning meal and eaten gen-
erally with cream and sugar. They are often rich in starch and oils, and are
made richer by the addition of sugar and cream. Personally, I think it is a
mistake to put cream and sugar on cereals, and that it is better to use salt
and milk. I do not look upon cereals as a necessary breakfast food, but if they
are to be partaken of, I advocate those made from corn, barley, or oats, rather
than the wheat products.
Eggs are the most nourisliing and most easily digested of the nitrogenous
foods that can be taken, and should be eaten eitlier soft boiled, poached or
shirred, for breakfast or lunch.
Bread. — Bread from the ordinary loaf is not advised, unless it is toasted a
day or so after baking, when it is quite easily digestible. Thin French bread
and rolls, with a large amount of crust and a small amount of crumb, are more
easily digested. These can be heated in the oven for a few moments. Hot bread,
that is, the bread freshly baked, which is composed mostly of the crumb, is most
indigestible. Corn bread cannot be recommended, as it usually contains too
much sweetening, for neither much shortening nor sweetening is well tolerated.
Coffee and Tea. — Coffee and tea are stimulating in the morning and have
a good effect upon the heart and circulation. Their active principle — caffein —
is a powerful stimulant and diuretic; but it is a question whether it is not
injurious to stimulate the heart and blood vessels three times a day, as persons
so frequently do.
I do not reconmiend the use of tea and coffee. If taken for breakfast, mild
cafe au lait, made by adding one tablespoon of freshly ground coffee to half a
pint of hot milk at the point of boiling, made in a Frencli drip coffee pot, is
sufficient. The hot milk is usually poured through twice; no water need be
DIET 325
used in its preparation. Such a preparation is much more nourishing than a
cupful of coffee with a small amount of cream. If taken after dinner, a small
cup of black coffee is sufficient.
Fishy Meat a^d Vegetables. — Fish, meat, vegetables and greens should be
taken at the midday and evening meals. For health and good digestion, I
think that it is better to take a heavier meal in the middle of the day, as the
lighter meal in the evening would be more easily digested and, consequently,
would not interfere so much with sleep. In city life, however, especially in
those who do active brain work, the midday meal should be lighter. I believe
that two meals a day are better tolerated than three, when taken one at 10 or 11
A.M., and the other at 5 or 6 p.m.
Shellfish, as oysters and clams, are good for lunch and dinner. They are
more easily digested raw, except the so-called soft clams, which are better
steamed, stewed or baked.
Soups. — Consomme is good in a light diet and at the beginning of a lunch
or dinner. Heavier soups may be eaten at dinner, but bisque and creams are
not recommended.
Fish. — Fish should be eaten broiled, boiled or baked. The broiled fish is
the most palatable, but boiled fish is very delicate if properly cooked. Fish is
more easily digested than meat, especially fish of the smaller varieties — that is,
weighing less than four poinids. It is a good luncheon food, if the midday
meal is lunch, or equally good at dinner. It should not be taken with white or
any rich sauces. A small amoimt of butter sauce is the simplest and best. The
fish most recommended are sea bass, weak fish, blue fish, black bass, trout, Span-
ish mackerel, sea trout, white fish, flounder, sheepshead and pan fish.
Meat. — i[eat should be taken in a moderate quantity. I do not believe in
eating meat for breakfast, but think it better for the midday or evening meal.
It is a question how often meat should be eaten. Personally, I think that
once a day is sufficient, but if partaken of moderately, twice a day is not too
often.
In eating meat, it is well to take a variety rather than to confine oneself to
any particular kind for everyday consumption. It is perhaps difficult to define
the meaning of meat, but the flesh (that is, the muscle) of animals and birds, is
generally considered as such, whereas, the internal organs are not, strictly
speaking, meat. If, then, we accept the classification of meat in its widest
scope, we have in beef, steaks of different cuts, also broiled, roast, stewed, braised
and boiled beef. In mutton, veal, pork and animal game, we have certain large
cuts to roast and boil, whereas the cuts representing steaks, are called chops
or cutlets.
The crisp, rich fats that are on the outside of roasted and broiled meats, al-
though agreeable to the palate, are not tolerated by the stomach and should
not be indulged in freely.
326 UROLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
In the bird family, we have turkey, goose, duck (domestic and wild), fowl,
chicken and squabs ; also game birds, as quail, partridge, grouse, woodcock and
plover. All of the poultry and game birds are usually roasted, but some of
the poultry is at times boiled, while the smaller game birds are split and
broiled.
The internal organs of animals and birds are also edible, as the liver and
heart, the kidney, the pancreas and the thymus (sweetbreads), and stomach
(tripe), as well as the brains in animals and the gizzard in birds. These can
be cooked in various ways, but are not healthy with rich sauces. They are gen-
erally not as difficult to digest as the muscle flesh is. The preparation of meat
food in this class should be in the most easily digestible way and they should
never be fried.
Vegetables. — The vegetables recommended in the simple diet are, in the
first class: string beans, green peas, rice; in the second class: spinach, cauli-
flower, Brussels sprouts and potatoes; in the third class: green corn, shelled
beans, onions, beets, cabbage and tomatoes.
Potatoes are a staple article of food, but rich in starch. They should be
eaten only once a day, baked or mashed. Good rice is one of the most whole-
some and easily digested articles of food and should be boiled in such a way that
the grains are separated and it is dry and not soggy.
Salads. — Salads made of greens are recommended. They should be eaten
at the principal meal of the day. The varieties to be preferred are lettuce,
chickory and romaine, served with a French dressing containing but little vine-
gar and pepper: one part vinegar to four parts of oil, salt and a very little
freshly ground white pepper.
CSheese. — Cheese should be eaten sparingly. The Stilton, Edam, Swiss,
Port Salut, Brie and cream cheeses are recommended.
Sweets and Desserts. — Sweets are unnecessary and not recommended. The
least harmful are the sago, rice, tapioca and farina puddings, with very little
sweetening.
Alcoholic Beverages. — Alcoholic drinks are contraindicated in all cases of
urinary diseases and yet, if a patient is below par or septic, they are often given.
Beers and ales should be omitted in all cases, but light wines and spirits can
be given in moderation. From one to two ounces or more of whisky a day can
be allowed in certain cases of chronic nephritis and tuberculosis, while in septic
cases, more can be given. A light Bordeaux wine (claret alone or mixed with
water) can be allowed in almost any case excepting in acute nephritis or acute
urethritis, and is frequently recommended in cases of chronic cystitis. It should
be limited to eight ounces a day. A light Moselle or Rhine wine is also used
in some chronic cases. This list is considered very moderate and much larger
quantities are frequently taken habitually or on special occasions.
DIET 327
Diet at Various Meals
Breakfast. — I do not think that fish, meat or vegetables should be taken for
breakfast, as more effort is required to digest them. Cereals are too heavy for
many people, and fruit too full of acids and sugar. I believe that cafe au lait
with rolls or toast is sufficient for the morning meal. If, however, this is not
found to be so, two eggs and fruit can be taken. When the period between the
morning and midday meal is a long one, cereal may be added.
Midday Meal. — The amount to be taken at the midday meal depends very
much on what has been eaten at breakfast. If that has consisted of simply
a cup of coffee, milk and rolls, then fruit and eggs can be added to this second
meal, although fruit may always form part of the lunch.
In addition, lunch, as I have said before, can consist of oysters, or clams,
consomme, fish, meat or internal organs, vegetables and cheese.
Dinner. — The bill of fare for dinner may contain the same dishes as the
lunch with, perhaps, a heavier soup, a roast, instead of broiled meat, and a
salad. Eggs are not considered a dinner food and fruit is not desirable.
Entrees are frequently not understood by people in this country who live
away from the centers influenced by French cooking. The preparations known
as entrees are stews of beef, mutton or veal; meat, poultry and game cooked
in the casserole ; tenderloin of beef roasted or cut into small steaks and broiled ;
saddle of mutton, rib or loin chops; sweetbreads, kidneys, brains and tripe.
They are usually cooked with or served with some vegetable. I simply mention
a few of the most common on account of lack of space.
The different varieties of animal and vegetable food already mentioned, can
be selected from. It is well to eat sparingly and not to think that all of these
articles should form part of each meal.
It must be remembered that these are guides to simple food for people
who have slight trouble with the genito-urinary tract, but are attending to their
regular work. They can be modified accordingly.
At one of the hospitals at which I am attending, the diet list shows what is
given to patients. All the special diseases have carefully selected diets that will
be foimd under that particular division.
Hospital Diet
Fluid Diet: — Milk, broths, bouillon, milk pimch, eggnog, egg lemonade,
egg albumen, beef juice, strained gruels, cocoa, cocoa shake, koumiss, matzoon,
liquid peptonoids, lemon and wine jellies.
Soft Diet: — Soups (without vegetables), oysters, all cereals, milk toast,
eggs (soft boiled or poached), milk puddings, ice cream, scraped beef, toast,
junket, tea, coffee, cocoa, milk.
328 UKOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
Light Diet: — In addition to the above: Chicken, chops, baked potatoes,
baked apples and fresh fruits.
For Ward Patients
Breakfast : — Tea or coffee, milk and sugar, cereal, one half pint of milk,
bread and butter, meat or eggs.
Dinner: — Soup, meat, potatoes, one vegetable, bread and butter, one half
pint of milk, dessert. (Special diet, chicken, chops, broth, etc., from diet
kitchen. )
Supper: — Tea, milk, sugar, bread, toast and butter, stewed or fresh fruit.
(An extra, meat, eggs, broth, rice, etc.)
For Private Patients
Breakfast : — Tea and coffee, cereal, rolls, bread and butter, potatoes, meat,
fruit
Luncheon: — Tea and coffee, bread and butter, meat and entree, (Re-
mainder as ordered. Specially prepared delicacies from the diet kitchen as
broth, birds, jellies, oysters, etc.)
Supper : — Tea and coffee, bread and butter, soup, meat, oysters, vegetables,
dessert.
Wards (Complete)
FOR patients in PUBLIC WARDS
Regular Diet
Breakfast Dinner Supper
Tea, coffee, milk and Soup, potatoes, bread Tea, milk and sugar,
sugar, cereal, one half and butter, one half bread, toast and but-
pint milk, bread and pint milk. ter, stewed or fresh
butter. fruit.
In addition
Sunday
Oatmeal, eggs. Roast beef, extra vege- Oyster or clam stew,
table, baked custard. cake.
Monday
Hominy, steak. Beef stew, extra vege- Cold meat, scrambled
table, bread pudding. ^ggs.
DIET
329
Breakfast
Oatmeal, liver and bacon.
Oatmeal, steak.
Hominy, eggs.
Oatmeal, fish.
Oatmeal, minced meat.
Tuesday
Dinner
Roast beef, extra vege-
table, sago pudding.
Wednesday
Roast lamb, extra vege-
table, rice pudding.
Thursday
Roast beef, extra vege-
table, cornstarch pud-
ding.
Friday
Fish or roast lamb, vege-
table, bread pudding.
Saturday
Mutton or beef stew,
vegetable, cottage
pudding.
Supper
Boiled Indian meal.
Gingerbread.
Boiled rice and milk.
Milk toast, canned fruit.
Corn bread.
Special Orders from Diet Kitchen: — Chops, chicken broth, oysters, birds,
etc., jellies and custards.
Peptonized Milk (Cold Process). — Into a clean quart bottle, put pancreatin,
gr. V, and sodium bicarbonate, gr. xv and one teacup of cold water. Shake and
add a pint of fresh cold milk. Shake mixture again and immediately place on
ice. When needed, shake the bottle, pour out required portion and replace
on ice.
If the warm process is ordered, prepare as above, but set bottle in water just
so hot that the whole hand can be held in it without discomfort, about 115*^ F. ;
keep the bottle there ten minutes. Then put on ice at once to check further
digestion and keep milk from spoiling.
Nutritive enema :
Peptonized milk 5vj ;
Egg (beaten) No. 1.
Salt, pinch.
330
UKOLOOICAL THERAPEUTICS
v»^ .^
Fio. 245. — Abdominal Exercisb.
Fig. 246. — Abdominal £xEBCia£«
S
u
EXERCISE
One of the moat difficult problems that we have to contend with is how to
keep our walking patients healthy by means of proper exercise. In the mad
rnsh of daily work in our large cities, but few patients will take the time during
the day to go through the prescribed exercises, especially those in the open air,
which are exceptionally beneficial. Very few people exercising at home care
to go through many movements and therefore as short a list as possible should
be prescribed for tliem. We must, therefore, endeavor to have them take some
exercise before beginning the day's work. The most convenient time for this
seems to be in the morning on arising, preceding the morning bath.
The exercises prescribed by me are those which bring into play and
strengtlien the muscles of the abdomen, back, loins and thorax. For home exer-
cise I believe the pulley weights are the best for this purpose, beginning at first
with the lighter weights and gradually
increasing them in proportion to the
increasing strength of the individual.
The abdominal exeroisea are taken
as follows: Lie flat on your back in tlic
bed before arising, throw the bed-
clothes over the foot of the bed
and the pillows over your feet.
Then clasp your hands behind /
your head and come to a sitting po-s- ^i
turc fifty times or more with the legs j |
stiff. Then kick aside the pillows and Y i
bring up the lower extremities, held •
stiff, until they are at right angles with \
the body, for the same number of tiriics. '^ /'
Usually the patient is only able to make '^ \
these movements a few times at first, \
but the number is easily increased as ^
the abdominal muscles strengthen. '
Tig. ^4.") shows cxeifiw! in 1h.hI, the palient ly-
ing flat with the hands In-hind the head and tlie
legs stiff, bringing the biHly to a silting posture.
Fig. 2M'i shows tile same iMJsitiim witii the
body and legs stiff, bringing up the legs and feet
to right angles.
Pulley-weight Exercises. — The pulley-weight exercises recommended are :
First. — Stand erect, facing the pulley weights, with the arms extended
toward them (Fig. 247). liring the aruis, extended and stiff, down so that the
Flu. 247,— Back Exbbcibm.
332
UROLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
hands will reach the feet as nearly as possible without bending the knees. Then
swing the arms, still stiff, over the head as far as possible until the back is bent.
This swing from the lowest position to which one can reach to the highest is
good for the muscles on the front of the chest and abdomen and those of the
neck and shoulders.
Second, — Stand erect, with the back to the pulley weight, with the arms
extended away from the weights, then allow the arms to drop to the sides until
^%
I
— '''ZP- '
- ^f^h
?
I
-^
Fig. 248. — Front Exercises.
the hands are as near the pulleys as possible. Sweep the arms forward to a
right angle with the body and upward and backward as far as you can (Fig.
248). From this point of extension, bring them down again to the position
already referred to. This swing is beneficial to the muscles of the front of the
chest and arms, tlie back, the shoulders and the back of the arms.
Third, — Stand with one side toward the pulley weights. Grasp the handles
with either hand, both arms extended toward the pulley weights, one from in
front and the other from behind the body (Figs. 249 and 250). Both arms
are then extended as far away from the pulley weights as possible, on the other
side of the body, imtil at right angles to the side of the body. The arms and
EXERCISE
333
hands then go back to the original position and the movement is repeated. After
making the desired number of movements, the other side of the body is turned
FiQ. 249. — Chest and Arm Exercises.
—-- — -..^--- •--.«»•*
*•''"•••.
•1*^'
,----.1-'
I
t
I
■:^
FiQ. 250. — Chest and Arm Exercises.
334
ITROLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
toward the pulley weights and the same movements are made, thus giving the
same exercise to both sides.
,-■■■'.••
Fia. 251. — Chest and Arm Exercibes.
Fig. 252. — Chest and Arm Exercises.
EXERCISE
335
The muscles brought into action are those of the front of the chest and
anns, the back and the muscles around and between the shoulders.
Fourth. — Stand with one side toward the pulley weights, as before. Ex-
tend both arms toward the pulley weights (Figs. 251 and 252). The arm next
to the weights will be at full extension and at right angles to the body. "The
arm away from the pulleys will be slightly bowed over the chest. Then swing
the arms held straight with no bend to the elbow^s around the front of the body,
at right angles to the body, to the other side. The arm farthest from the weights
will then be extended straight and the nearer one will be bowed over the chest.
Repeat as many times as de-
sired and then turn the other /CC^J^
side to the weights and make
similar movements.
This exercises the chest
and abdominal muscles, the
back, the muscles of the arm
and under the arm.
Fifth. — Stand with the
back to the pulleys and the
feet about half a yard apart.
The arms should be slightly
flexed, the hands extending
back toward the machine.
One hand is then swung
around in a circle in such a
way that it passes by the
front of the body at about the
level of the shoulder, while, as
it swings farther, it passes
around the body to the other
side until the knuckles point toward the wall behind. In making this swing,
the body is raised on the ball of the foot on the same side, Avhile the body turns
at the waist (Fig. 253).
This is the best movement that can be used by walking urological patients in
good condition. It exercises the muscles of the legs, thighs, buttocks, abdomen,
loins, chest, shoulder, the muscles about the shoulder and the upper arms.
Outdoor Exercises. — Of the outdoor exercises, walking in the fall and win-
ter, and rowing and swimming in the summer are the best. In w^alking, five
miles is sufficient at a gait of from three and a half to four miles an hour. Golf,
when one is properly clothed, is an excellent exercise, as it keeps one walking
in the open air. In the city, walking to and from business each day is like-
wise beneficial.
Fia. 253. — Loin Exercises.
336 UROLOGTCAL THERAPEUTICS
Rowing and swimming are of great benefit, provided they are not too vio-
lently indulged in, or prolonged too much. Long exposure in the water is
especially weakening.
Tennis is too violent fcr many, and horseback or bicycle riding is especially
injurious. Dancing as an exercise is beneficial, if after the dance the patient
will retire and change the underwear. Sitting in a draught after dancing and
eating a hearty supper before retiring are not to be commended. Billiards and
pool furnish a moderate and desirable form of exercise, as they require the
player to walk around the table and stretch over it, at the same time keeping
the mind occupied in a pleasant way.
THE CARE OF THE BOWELS IN XJROLOGY
The care of the bowels is most important in urology, especially in diseases of
the bladder, prostate and urethra. The venous circulation in the above-men-
tioned organs is very closely associated with the rectal plexus, in consequence of
which a passive congestion in one would be associated with a passive conges-
tion in the other, while the mechanical pressure of the feces would act as an
irritant.
In patients wdio are up and about, this can usually be accomplished by regu-
lating the diet and prescribing sufficient exercise. In patients who are in a weak-
ened state from chronic disease, and in bed patients, this is more difficult.
The results of constipation are renal irritation due to indican and other
irritating products in the urine; pressure on the prostate and vesicles, and, in
consequence of this, congestion and frequency of urination ; while later on, a
neurasthenic condition may develop.
The diet in cases of constipation should have among other varieties certain
articles that leave a residue as cereals, prunes, spinach, celery, green salad, fruit,
etc. The remaining diet should be as usual.
The patients on arising should drink a large glass of water, then exercise for
a quarter of an hour. (See prescribed exercises.) After this they should take
a cold shower and a rub down. Breakfast should then be eaten, after which the
patient should go to stool as a habit, whether he feels the desire or not. Coffee
taken with breakfast also assists and many consider smoking a desirable adjunct.
When, however, the behavior of the bowels under the suggested treatment
is not what is desired, certain laxatives should be given. These are of two vari-
ties : waters and drugs. The best of the waters are Apenta and Carabaiia, half
a glass (4 ounces) of the former or a quarter of a glass (2 ounces) of the latter is
sufficient to caUvSe a movement when the patient is up and about. When the
patient is in bed, 6 ounces of the Apenta or 3 ounces of the Carabaiia should
be given. The best rule for bed patients is to give them the aperient, to be
followed in three quarters of an hour by a light breakfast with coffee and hot
WATER AND WATER DIET IN UROLOGY 337
milk. One hour after breakfast, if the bowels have not moved, an enema of
soapsuds should be given.
Of the laxative drugs, eascara is the best. It is well to start in with the fluid
extract, taking half a drachm every night, increasing or diminishing the dose
accordingly. Some prefer to take this after meals in smaller doses, alone or
mixed with other drugs. Of the intestinal laxatives having especial action on
different parts of the tract, the best are podophyllin and aloin. The first has
the better effect on the upper part of the intestine, the second on the lower bowel.
Xux vomica and belladonna are good intestinal tonics. In presenting a com-
bined tablet or pill, aloes, belladonna and nux can be used ; or podophyllin,
belladonna and nux ; or extract of eascara mixed with one or all of them.
The doses for laxative use are : — Aloin, gr. J ; ext. belladonna, gr. -J ; ext.
nux, gr. ^ ; ext. podoph., gr. -I ; ext. eascara, grs. 2.
If, in walking patients, the bowels do not move after breakfast with the
aperient waters or drugs, a glycerin suppository can be introduced. This will
usually induce a movement in from three to five minutes. In case it fails a 6- to
8-ounce bottle of Red Raven splits can be taken three quarters of an hour be-
fore the midday meal. For cases with acute pelvic trouble the aperient waters
are the best and aloin is contraindicated.
For those who do not have pelvic trouble, eascara and other drug laxatives are
the best. Purges can be occasionally taken. Castor oil (half an ounce in sarsa-
parilla) is given, if there is intestinal fermentation with frequent and unsatis-
factory movements, and calomel, grs. 3 to 5, in other cases.
In preparing patients for operation, surgeons differ. Some give calomel or
compound cathartic pill, followed next morning by magnesia sulphate, o^s,
while others give simply licorice powder, and citrate of magnesia on the follow-
ing day.
In giving calomel, it can be prescribed in -jl^-grain doses every hour for
ten hours ; or ^ grain every half hour for four hours ; or ^ grain every hour for
six hours or 3 to 5 grains at one time. In any case, magnesia sulphate, half an
ounce, or Apenta, 4 ounces, or Carabaiia, 2 ounces, should be given on the fol-
lowing morning, followed by an enema.
After the operation calomel can be given with soda bicarbonate in any of
the above doses, followed by magnesia, and, if the bowels do not move, by an
enema of soapsuds. In nearly all my postoperative cases I prefer to give
Apenta water from 4 to 6 ounces every morning and to follow it in three quar-
ters of an hour by a coffee with milk, and toast breakfast.
WATER AND WATER DIET IN UROLOGY
Plain water is without doubt the healthiest beverage for mankind. The
majority of city dwellers do not drink it as they should. In fact, a great many
338 UKOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
of the city people drink tea, coffee, beer or ale with their meals, and nothing be-
tween meals, while many others drink iced water at meal times and between
meals. Frequently clinic patients, when I tell them to drink water, answer that
they do not like it and never drink it.
Water is rapidly absorbed into the blood, increasing the amount of fluid
plasma, and is eliminated chiefly through the kidneys and the sweat glands.
An increased amount of water taken daily flushes the kidneys and helps elimina-
tion through the skin. A normal person should drink about three pints daily,
the exact quantity varying with the season, the amount of exercise and the
weight of the individual.
Varieties of Water. — A number of varieties of water are used: (1) Dis-
tilled water, (2) rain water, (3) city water, (4) spring water, (5) well water,
(6) mineral water. The purest of them undoubtedly is distilled water ^ and in
the absence of a pure natural water this may serve for drinking. Xext in purity
comes rain water, which makes an excellent drinking water if collected in the
country, or, if filtered to remove dust, in the city. City water comes from lakes
and rivers usually at a distance, and is stored in reservoirs and led through
aqueducts. City water not only is apt to be contaminated with germs, but also
to contain unpleasant mineral constituents, giving it a peculiar taste or cloudy
look ; besides this, it may contain lime salts which render it " hard." Such
water should not be drunk unless it is filtered and boiled.
Well water is apt to be polluted by sewerage unless the well is properly
constructed with cemented brick walls and dug deep enough to avoid tapping
contaminated water (over 30 feet as a rule).
Spring water is a pure and clear water which always contains more or less
mineral matter and in reality is a mineral water. Spring water is derived
from rain water which percolates through the ground until it strikes an impervi-
ous stratum (rock), when it flows along this stratum until it finds an outlet in
an unevenly leveled spot.
Water Diet. — Two quarts of fluid should be taken daily, of which three
pints should be water. Water should be taken as follows : one glass on arising ;
the second at 11 a.m.; the third at lunch; the fourth at 5 p.m.; the fifth at
dinner and the last on retiring. The time when water is drunk makes a decided
difference in its action. Water taken between meals on an empty stomach has
a diuretic action and tends to make the drinker thin. Water drunk with the
meals has no diuretic effect and tends to increase the drinker's weight. After
operations on the lower urinary tract, the patient should drink large quantities of
water. If he vomits it, more should be given. I often give a gallon of water
during the first twelve hours after a prostatic operation.
Mineral Waters. — A mineral water, in the sense in which this term is used
by physicians, is one which contains a sufficient amount of mineral matter to
produce a distinct physiological action aside from that of the simple solvent or
WATER AND WATER DIET IN ITROLOGY 339
drinkable quality water. In the strict sense, however, any water containing min-
erals, as spring water, is a mineral water. The classes of mineral waters used
in urology are :
1. Table waters: IndiflFerent or neutral waters containing little mineral
matter and acting, in virtue of their carbon dioxid, as a pleasant beverage.
2. Alkaline waters: Contain carbon dioxid, sodium and magnesium bicar-
bonates.
3. Alkaline chlorid waters: Contain in addition sodium chlorid.
4. Earthy waters: Charged with carbon dioxid, contain earthy carbonates
and sulphates (calcium, magnesium).
5. Alkaline sodium waters: Contain sodium sulphate as chief ingredient;
besides sodium bicarbonate and chlorid.
6. Lithia waters: Contain lithium salts.
7. Bitter laxative waters: Contain magnesium and sodium sulphates chiefly.
1. Table Waters. — The class of mineral waters usually known as table
waters are mild diuretics and stimulants to digestion and circulation, owing
to their carbon dioxid, and can be given to patients as palatable beverages.
Among these are the Poland Spring (Maine) and Great Bear Spring (New
York) waters, that contain but a small amount of alkalies. A more alkaline
water often used at table in this country is White Rock Spring water (Wau-
kesha, Wisconsin), containing an appreciable amount of alkaline carbonates.
The Apollinaris of Ahrweiller (Prussia), the Dorotheenquelle at Carlsbad (Bo-
hemia), the Rosbach and Selters waters (Germany), the Malvern Springs water
(England), Condillac (France) and Geyser Spa of California are other exam-
ples of simple carbonated waters.
2. Alkaline Carbonated W^aters (Containing Carbon Dioxid and
Sodium and Magnesium Bicarbonates as Chief Ingredients), — These include
Saratoga Vichy (Xew York), the French Celestine Vichy, the Salzbrunn water
and the Xeuenahr water (Germany). Celestine Vichy has in my practice
proved to be the best general alkaline water that I have given.
These waters are indicated in inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract,
es|)ecially of the bladder, in oxaluria, in gout and uric-acid diathesis and in cal-
culous formation. They are diuretics, and antacids in the urine, rendering it
alkaline. They also dissolve away mucus, allay inflammation in the bladder
and act as solvents for uric-acid concretions. They diminish the excretion of
oxalic acid.
3. Alkaline-muriated Waters. — The alkaline-muriated waters, which
contain sodium chlorid in addition to carbonates, are also useful in chronic
catarrhs of the bladder and renal pelvis. These include the waters of Selters
and Ems, Saratoga Vichy (Xew York), Plymouth Rock Spring (Michi-
gan), etc.
340 UROLOGICAL THERAPEFTICS
4. Earthy Waters. — Earthy waters containing large amounts of calcium
and magnesium (carbonates and sulphate), with carbon dioxid and small
amounts of iron. They are especially useful in chronic conditions associated
with an abundant secretion of mucus, especially in chronic gonorrhea, in per-
sistent cystitis, neuroses and hemorrhages of the bladder. They are contraindi-
cated in the presence of calcium phosphate or carbonate calculi, in which simple
carbonic-acid waters are best (Geyser Spa, Apollinaris, Selters). The earthy
waters include a large number of springs here and abroad:
France : Contrexeville.
Bohemia: Marienbad.
Germany: Wildungen.
United States: Xapa Soda Springs (California), Richfield Springs (New
York), Mt. Clemens Spring (Michigan), Allouez and Waukesha Springs (Wis-
consin), etc.
5. The Alkaline Saline Mineral Waters {Sodium Sulphate Waters).
— These waters are of great value in gout, in lithemia, in urinary calculi, in
obesity and in chronic nephritis, especially with albuminuria.
They usually contain COg and besides sodium sulphate also sodium bicar-
bonate and chlorid. They should be taken he j ore meals, never during or after
meals, in amounts of from 6 to 40 ounces (Kisch). They are markedly diu-
retic, and in large amounts are purgative. They retard nitrogenous metabo-
lism and increase the waste of fat. They are also solvent of uric acid. The
following are the principal waters of this class :
Austria : Carlsbad, Marienbad, Franzensbad.
Switzerland : Tarasp.
Canada: Caledonia Springs (Ontario).
United States: Springdale Seltzer Springs, Boulder County, Colorado;
Topeka Mineral Wells, Kansas, Geyser Spa (Hot), Sonoma County, Califor-
nia, Idaho Hot Springs, Clear Creek County, Colorado.
The Carlsbad Sprudel salt is sold in bottles in this country for the prepa-
ration of an artificial solution resembling the original water.
6. Litiiia Waters. — These contain usually very small amounts of lithia
and are used principally as uric-acid solvents. Whether they actually dissolve
stones is not yet positively known. They are diuretic and useful in gout, and
stone in the kidney due to accumulations of uric acid. They are usually taken
in the morning, the dose being from 4 to 40 ounces (Kisch).
The chief foreign lithia springs are at Saltzbrunn, Ilomburg, Baden-Baden,
Ems and Kissingen. A number of lithia springs exist in this country, includ-
ing those in Arkansas (Lithia Springs), in ^fassachusotts (Ballardville), in
New Hampshire (Londonderry Lithia), in New York (Saratoga) and in Vir-
ginia (Buffalo Lithia Spring).
USE OF WATER IN UROLOGY 341
7. BiTTEE Laxative Waters. — These contain chiefly sodium sulphate and
magnesium sulphate, but also magnesium and calcium carbonate. Few of these
contain carbon dioxid.
They are purgative waters and are taken in small doses (3 to 8 ounces) in
the morning before breakfast. They are of great value in emptying the intes-
tines before operations and in keeping the bowels clear in various condi-
tions in which this is desirable, as in prostatics, etc. The principal bitter
waters are:
Bohemia: Pullna.
Himgary: Alap, Ilimyadi Janos, Franz Joseph, Apenta, Victoria.
Spain: Carabaiia.
Germanv : Friedrichshall.
United States : Crab Orchard Springs, Kentucky.
All my urological cases, while bed patients after an operation, are given
either Apenta or Carabana water every morning.
USE OF WATER IN UROLOGY
The Use of Watek Ij^troduced into the Passages ok Excretion, Beneath
THE Skin and into the Blood Vessels
Rectal Irrigations. — Rectal irrigations with saline solution are employed in
a variety of diseases of the urinary organs. They secure a thorough cleansing
of the bowels ; in shock, they supply heat ; in uremia and other toxic conditions,
they remove intestinal toxins and secure the absorption of a certain amount of
salt solution into the blood. Locally, that is, applied to the lower part of the
bowel, they relieve pain and discomfort in the prostate, the neck of the bladder,
the vesicles and the posterior urethra. They allay spasm of the vesical sphincter
and they coimteract acute in-
flammation in the pelvic organs
both in the male and female.
The tube which I employ is
called the recto-genital tube. It
is a double-current tube with a Fio. 254. — Recto-oenital Tube.
curved end (Fig. 254). The
inflow part of the tube is attached by a nozzle to the rubber tubing coming from
the douche bag, and extends to the opening in its concavity. The outflow part
begins in an opening on either side of the tube a little farther from the tip than
the inflow aperture and ends in a nozzle at the distal end where it is attached to
a piece of tubing carrying away the fluid into a basin or douche pan. The fluid
flows into the bowel through the opening in the concavity and flows QUt through
the side openings.
342
UKOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
Technique. — For douching the lower bowel, the patient lies in the bath tnb
in a reclining position (Fig. 255), or sits on a chair in a similar position (Fig.
Fia. 255. — Rectal Irriqa-Tions. Patient in bath tub.
256). A gallon donclie bag is suspended so that its bottom is just on a level
with the top of the head, or two feet above the pubes. Tlie douche bag is filled
Fia. 256. — Rectal Irbioatioi^. Patient reclining in chair.
USE OF WATER IN UROLOGY 343
with a gallon of salt solution containing a tablespoonful of salt to the gallon,
the temperature of which, roughly speaking, is as high as can be borne by the
hand, that is, about lOS'^ to 130° F.
Before introducing the tube, its tip should be lubricated and the air should
be expelled from it by allowing some of the solution to pass through. The tip of
the left forefinger is then introduced just inside the front part of the anal orifice
and serves as a guide to the tube, the tip of which is gently introduced into the
rectum, at first with a slightly forward and rotary motion. When it has passed
up for an inch and a half, it comes in contact with the apex of the prostate.
The tip should then be tilted back toward the hollow of the sacrum and the tube
should be pushed up for another inch and a half if the prostate is to be treated ;
or for three inches if the seminal vesicles are to be douched. When treating the
vesicles, the tube should be tilted from side to side, so that its inflow opening
lies over one or the other of the vesicles.
After the tube has been inserted, the solution is allowed to enter the rectum.
Should the flow seem sluggish, or be arrested, the tube is probably blocked by
fecal matter and it should be removed and thoroughly flushed out, when it can
be reattached and reintroduced.
In case the sigmoid and colon are to be irrigated, the pelvis should be ele-
vated and the patient should lie on the left hip. If then the outflow tubing be
compressed, the solution will run up to the splenic flexure. Turning onto the
right hip will then allow it to gravitate to the hepatic flexure and sitting up will
allow some of the fluid to gravitate into the cecum. In urology, douches of the
lower part of the large intestine are generally used and it is rare that one is
called upon to wash out the entire colon.
Vaginal Irrigation. — This should always be given to the patient on her
back with the hips elevated and a douche pan under the buttocks. The nozzle
should always be of sufficient length to reach well behind the cervix of the uterus
and the tip should be introduced along the posterior vaginal wall.
Although many eminent gynecologists maintain that vaginal irrigations are
of no benefit in pelvic diseases, my experience has been quite to the contrary.
I am now speaking of bladder troubles in women which are associated with affec-
tions of the internal genitals. There is a close relationship between the uterus
and its aduexa and the bladder, and pressure upon this viscus as the result of
inflammations or malposition of the female pelvic organs, gives rise to a variety
of disturbances of the bladder functions. Hot vaginal douches of salt solution,
prolonged and repeated daily, are very useful in the treatment of inflammatory
conditions of the uterus and its appendages and have a good effect in relieving
the bladder symptoms associated with these conditions. In treating cases of
cystitis depending on or associated with gonorrheal and tuberculous affections, I
have derived the greatest help from hot vaginal irrigations, especially when the
internal female genitals were involved.
344 UROLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
Irrigations of the bladder and the urethra in women are the same as in men,
although the catheter is used in preference to hydrostatic pressure.
External Applications of Water
The urologist should be familiar with the effects of water at different tem-
peratures, applied externally in the form of baths, douches, etc., as these meas-
ures form an important feature of treatment in urinary diseases. A very brief
outline of the general principles of hydrotherapy will be given here.
Cold water when applied externally in the form of a tub shower or tub bath,
is a vasomotor stimulant which produces contraction of the superficial, and re-
flexly of the deep blood vessels. Cold baths increase the blood pressure and
stimulate the activity of all the organs of the body ; but if too greatly prolonged
the action is reversed ; muscular activity is decreased and circulation is retarded.
It is of value in treating patients suffering from genito-urinary conditions who
need a general stimulation, as well as increasing the function of the pelvic
organs.
Heat applied externally through the medium of baths, local or general, acts
as a sedative, dilates the vessels and produces a hyperemia of the skin and con-
sequent anemia of the vessels of the internal organs. Hot sitz baths, in this way,
tend to lessen congestion of the pelvic organs. Hot baths also promote sweating
and fa\x)r the radiation and abstraction of heat.
Baths. — Baths are divided into general and local.
General Baths. — General baths may be classified according to temperature
as cold, from 50° to 75° F.; tepid, from 75° to 95° F. ; and hot, from 105°
to 115° F. The temperature of the bath room should be about 70° F.
The hot tub bath acts as a sedative and should be given for from five to
twenty minutes, with the patient in a recumbent position. The best time to
take these baths is before retiring and the bath should never be prolonged suf-
ficiently to make the patient feel weak or dizzy.
The cold tub bath is a stimulant to metabolism and to excretory activity, as
well as an excellent general hygienic measure. It should be taken in the morn-
ing and followed by a brisk rub. Its use is contraindicated in very weak
patients. The cold tub bath may be used in septic conditions accompanied by
a high fever, as it is employed in typhoid fever. The bath is begun at a tem-
perature about 10° lower than that of the patient's body and the body is rubbed
vigorously while the patient is in the water. The temperature is reduced to
about 68° F. within fifteen minutes. The duration of the bath should be
between twenty and thirty minutes. The head should be wrapped in a towel
immersed in cool water before the patient is placed in the tub and after the
bath the patient is to be thoroughly dried and placed in a warm bed.
Tepid baths are to be taken by those who do not react properly to cold
baths and cannot stand the strong stimulation of the latter.
USE OF WATER IN UROLOGY 345
Sea Baths. — Sea bathing is one of the best adjuvants to other treatments in
chronic urinary diseases of the urethral canal and in all cases in which we desire
to promote the general health as well as stimulate the nervous system. They
are especially indicated in neurasthenic patients, provided they are strong
enough to bear them. Surf bathing, aside from its stimulant thermic influence,
constitutes a general massage of the body. Swimming is one of the .best
exercises that can be indulged in. In order to insure the full benefit of a
sea bath, a full reaction must be obtained and the bath should not be pro-
longed until the chilly sensations appear. It should be followed by a vigor-
ous rub.
Salt baths made by adding sea salt (2 to 5 ounces to the gallon) to an ordi-
nary tub of water are in a measure substitutes for sea baths and are stimu-
lants to nervous and glandular activity. They are indicated in weak patients
who cannot take sea baths.
Local Hydeothekapeutic Measures. — Of the local measures, we must
first mention the douche or shower. This may be a vertical rain douche, or a
movable spray. The temperature used varies from the lowest to the highest
employed in baths, while in the " Scotch douche '^ the temperature is alternately
hot and cold. A cold shower is a powerful stimulant and is applied for about
one minute, at from 50° to 60° F. Warm douches are used as sedatives in
neurasthenia. The " Scotch " douche applied to the genitals is useful in sexual
depression.
Sitz Baths, — Sitz baths may be either hot or cold. They are very useful
in many urological conditions. They are taken in a special tub holding five to
six gallons, or enough to reach the pationt^s navel as he sits in it. Ordinary
washtubs may also be used. The hot sitz bath is sedative, antispasmodic and
anodyne, and should be given for from ten to fifteen minutes twice a day as
hot as can be borne. It is indicated in all acute inflammatory troubles of the
pelvis, especially in the bladder, posterior urethra, prostate and vesicles. Cold
sitz baths act as a stimulant to muscular contraction, if not too prolonged.
They are employed in impotence, sexual debility, spermatorrhea, atonic condi-
tions of the bladder and passive congestion of the pelvic organs. They should
last for from two to five minutes only and are contraindicated in acute inflam-
matory conditions of the bladder, prostate, etc.
Wet Packs, — A method of reducing temperature and inducing profuse
sweating is known as the " wet pack.'' A woolen blanket is placed upon the
bed and over this is spread a linen sheet immersed in cool water and well wrung
out. The patient is placed upon this sheet with his head wrapped in a towel
wet with water at about 60° F., his arms are raised above his head and the
sheet is tucked in all around his body; the woolen blanket is then carefully
folded and tucked over the shoulders and entire body of the patient. A hot-
water bag is then placed at the feet. The pack is left on until it becomes very
346 UROLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
warm and a second pack, or several successive packs, can be applied until the
temperature is reduced.
In urology the wet pack is indicated in febrile states, such as septicemia,
and in cases of pelvic inflammations. In diseases of the kidneys, the hot pack
is useful for promoting perspiration and elimination. They are contraindicated
in patients with weak hearts.
Sponge Baths. — The cold sponge bath is used as an antipyretic measure in
place of the cold tub bath, when less active treatment is sufficient, or when the
condition of the patient is such that it is not advisable to move him about.
When frequently repeated, it reduces temperatures to a considerable degree.
The sponge bath should be followed by an alcohol rub, or some alcohol should
be mixed in with the water.
Local Use of Cold Water and Ice. — Local inflammatory conditions are fre-
quently treated by the external application of cold or ice water, either in coils
or ice bag, while the combined part of the geni to-urinary tract is treated by cold
water indirectly applied by means of tubes called psychrophores.
There are two varieties of psychrophores, a urethral and a rectal. They
are both hollow metallic tubes, closed at one end, with no outlet through which
water can escape into the urinary or rectal passages. After the psychrophore
has been introduced into the urethra or rectum, the nozzle is connected with
the pipe from the douche bag and the cold water flows into the tube in a con-
tinuous stream, filling the tube, and escapes by an adjoining nozzle through a
piece of tubing into a douche pan or basin. The metallic surface of the instru-
ment is cooled and communicates the cold to the tissues with which it lies in
contact. The psychrophore is used either in the rectum or urethra for passive
hyperemia of the prostate and posterior urethra, especially in chronic inflam-
mation of these organs associated with sexual debility, nocturnal emissions,
spermatorrhea and prostatorrhea. Ice bags are used principally in cases of
epididymitis complicating gonococcal urethritis.
Saline Infusion
Salt solution in the " physiological proportion," that is, 1 drachm to the pint,
is introduced into the body in such a way as to combat shock, to supply loss of
fluid due to hemorrhage, or to cleanse the blood from various poisons, as, for
example, in uremia. The solution is introduced into the rectum or cellular
tissues, from which it is taken up into the circulation; or else it is injected
directly into the vein. The three methods of introducing saline solutions are
called: (1) enteroclysis, (2) hypodermoclysis and (3) intravenous injection.
(1) Enteroclysis. — This is the simplest of all methods and should always
be first resorted to in an emergency until the apparatus for the other methods
can be prepared. It consists in the introduction of a soft-rubber rectal tube
USE OF WATER IN UROLOGY 347
of sufficient caliber high up into the bowel and the slow introduction of a salt
sohition, at 105° to 110° F., containing a teaspoonful of table salt to a pint
of water. The fiiiid may be introduced throngh a funnel or with the aid of an
ordinary douche bag and, in either case, the bottom of the reservoir should not
be raised more than a foot above the pubes so aa to avoid the forcible introduc-
tion which might be followed by reflex expulsion. The patient's pelvis should
be elevated or he may be placed iu the Trendelenburg position, unless it inter-
feres with a surgical operation.
The saline enema is an excellent measure during or after operations to
counteract hemorrhage and shock, and some surgeons employ it as a routine
procedure in operating. One pint of this solution at a time is sufficient and,
in case strong stimulation is requirc<l, two ounces of whisky can be added.
(2) Hypodermoclysis. — This consists in the introduction of the salt solu-
tion sterilized. It is recommended that a small amount of calcium chlorid and
potassium chlorid be also added (making what is known as Ringer's Solution)
into the cellular tissues through a hollow tul>c. The temperature of the solution
should he 105° to 110° F. Tlie apparatus needed is a sterile reservoir of any
kind connected by rubber tubing to an aspirating neeille. The patient is pre-
pared as for a surgical oi^ration, the skin being scrubbed and disinfected with
alcohol and bichlorid. The apparatus is prepared and all the air is expelled
from the needle before it is inserted. The place selected for the puncture should
always be one where '' ■'■ " ' '""' ~' '
subcutaneous tissue.
tlie breast and the c
vcnient; in men, the I
pectoral muscle at the
The fluid should I
should be supplied on
place. Xot too much
l)ressure should be
used at any time
and the vessel should
he raised only
enough to cause a
cimstant flow. The
amount of fluid in-
troduced at one time
varies. About six
ounces can be inti» ^^ 257,-b,pop.«,ocl™.. (B>o„ A.hton.)
duced in an hour
and from one to two quarts have been introduced within twelve hours (Fig.
257). Hypodermoclysis is especially useful in septic conditions, in uremia
348 UROLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
and anuria, but, being slower tlian other methods, is less useful in heinorrluige
and shock.
(3) IntraTenouB Injection. — In this method the sterile saline solution is
introduced into a vein at the l>end of the elbow through a sireeial cannula. The
apparatus required is very similar lo that for hypodennoclysis, exeepling that
it is advisable to have the jar graduated to determine l)etter the amount of
fluid entering the circulation. The rubl«?r tubing and cannula must be Bter-
ilized by boiling, pinned in a sterile towel and allowed to remain there until
needed.
The akin is prepared as for operation, a firm bandage is ]>laced over the
upper arm and tied on the side selected, thus iiujieding the venous flow and
causing the veins of the forearm and bend of the elbow to bulge out (Fig. 258).
The median basilic is the vein usually selected because of its large size. It is
a branch of the median vein and passes obliquely inward across the bend of
USE OF WATER IN UROLOGY
349
the elbow joining with the common ulnar on the inner side of the elbow to
form the basilic vein. The incision is made over its middle portion. The
tissues over it are dissected away by blunt dissection and two ligatures are
placed around the vein «
(Fig. 259). The distal r\
ligature is tied, the proxi-
mal remains loose. A trans-
verse incision is then made
in the vein and the cannula
is inserted into its lumen
(Fig. 260, /i, B), while the
solution is running out of
the tube, in order that no
air shall enter the vein. The
bandage is now loosened, al-
lowing the solution to run
into the vein, and if neces-
sary the proximal ligature
can be tied around the can-
nula so as to avoid leakage.
From one to three pints is
allowed to run into the vein.
The elevation of the douche
jar should be from three to
six feet above the table. The flow should be at the rate of a pint in a half
hour. The amount necessary to inject depends on the pulse of the individual,
which should be carefully watched.
After the injection is finished, the tube is withdrawn and the proximal
ligature is tied. The temperature of the solution should be kept constantly at
least 105° F. in the jar, so as to secure a temperature of over 98"^ F. as the
fluid enters the vein. This mav be acco!ii])li^hed bv the additicm of fresh hot
solution. A sterile thermometer is kept in the jar for the purpose of regu-
lating its contents.
Fig. 260. — Intravenous Injection. A shows the cannula in
the vein and the tube extending from it to the reservoir con-
taining the solution. B shows the opening in the vein, the
cannula inserted and the vein ligated above and below the
opening.
CHAPTER XVII
ANESTHESIA IN UROLOGY
There are two varieties of anesthesia, general and local, the former of
which will probably always be used in most of the major operations, while the
latter will without doubt be employed more and more as the technique of its
administration develops.
Gteneral Anesthesia. — The materials used in general anesthesia are liquids
which are rapidly diifusible and therefore are readily transformed into gases
that are inhaled and have a narcotic effect upon the patient. Of these, the ones
generally employed are ether, chloroform and nitrous-oxid gas.
Ether is probably the best and safest in all major surgical operations. It
is administered through inhalers which are usually about six inches in length,
three inches in width, and five inches in height. Those that are sold as the
most up-to-date appliances are made wholly or partially of metal with various
mechanisms for holding gauze and cotton. They can also he constructed from
paper folded in a strip five inches wide and fifteen inches long, this to be
enveloped in a towel and then rolled up in oval form of the same dimensions
already given. In this inhaler, ordinary absorl)ent cotton or gauze is placed and
it is pinned together at the top, in this way forming a truncated cone. The in-
haler is placed over the nose of the patient and the fluid is poured into the
inhaler from above, or from below, either directly into the cone or through some
apparatus leading to it.
Ether is also given by the drop method through a special or a chloroform
inhaler, a process which takes a longer time, but which is considered safer for
the patient, as he does not receive such a large dose suddenly.
Chloroform is administered by the drop method. The chloroform inhaler
is spoon-shaped, made of a wire frame covered with gauze or flannel, and the
liquid is dropped upon it very much as in the last method described for the
administration of ether.
Of the two anesthetics, ether is safer on accoimt of being a heart stimulant,
although it is supposed to be contraindicated in diseases of the kidney, in which
case, chloroform is considered advisable. The latter is, however, a cardiac
depressant, and many deaths have occurred from its use. In a large operative
service covering many years and many urological operations, I have never had
a death that I could ascribe directly to ether.
350
GENERAL ANESTHESIA 351
Nitrous oxid is of value for examinations in urology and is also used for
brief operations, although patients can and have been kept under its influence
for an hour or more. The gas is contained in a cylinder in a compressed form,
from which it escapes, on the turn of the valve, into a collapsed rubber balloon.
When this is filled, the gas slowly passes through the inhaler and is breathed in
by the patient. It is the safest of all anesthetics. It can be taken on a full or
an empty stomach. No preparation for the anesthetic is required. There are
no toxic symptoms following, such as vomiting and nausea. It may be con-
sidered harmless.
Dr. C. S. McNeille, the dentist at Cooper Union, who has had unusual
experience with this variety of anesthesia, in speaking of its action as an anes-
thetic, says: " All statements in relation to this matter can only be approximate.
In this office we have given it 259,000 times since 1863 with no deaths. Very
few deaths in nitrous-oxid anesthesia have been re])orted, and those usually
came from asphyxia. We have never had a death during an anesthesia. As to
the advisability of administering the gas on a full or an empty stomach, I would
say that, in my experience patients have never vomited during an anesthesia if
the operator or his assistant held the chin well down on the chest of the patient
and thus let the saliva run forward. I also find that the patients who come
with an empty stomach are the only ones who have a headache after taking gas.
Hence I am in the habit of advising them to take a light repast before the oper-
ation. As far as the time during which we can keep the patient under gas is
concerned, I would say that I have kept a patient under gas for a surgeon for
two and a half hours without intermission. The principal thing in keeping
a patient under prolonged gas anesthesia is to watch the respiration and to give
the gas so slowly as to prevent the system from IxMng crowded with the vapor.
"As long as the rate of respiration is satisfactory, in fact as long as the patient
is breathing, I do not care what the pulse may be doing. A man who knows
how to give gas, will rarely produce the slightest degree of asphyxia. Should
marked asphyxia occur, then artificial respiration must immediately be applied.
As a rule, the patient recovers in from a half to two minutes, but it may be
necessary to continue for a longer time. I believe that the stage of excitement
in gas anesthesia is produced by a too rapid administration of the gas, and that
in giving ether, this stage is the more severe and violent, the more we crowd
the anesthetic in the first stage. The usual time for producing a narcosis for
a tooth extraction is one minute. In administering gas, we are guided purely
by the physiological eflFects and not by the pressure indicator on the reservoir."
The increasing popularity of nitrous-oxid gas as a general anesthetic has
brought about its use as a forerunner to ether and chloroform in general anes-
thesia, so that now, especially in the administration of ether, gas is frequently
given first, which renders the patient unconscious in a few seconds. Then the
ether is continued by pouring it into a separate section of the inhaler made for
352 ANESTHESIA IN UROLOGY
this purpose, and the patient passes from the influence of one anesthetic to
that of the other quickly and with but slight disturbance. The method of com-
bined anesthesia was introduced by Dr. Thomas Bennett, of New York, who be-
came a specialist in this branch of work. By his well-devised apparatus and his
skillful manipulation, he is able to give anesthesia, starting with nitrous-oxid
gas, continuing with ether or chloroform and administering oxygen, if necessary,
in such a way that the operator feels safe and his composure is never disturbed
while operating. The result of Dr. Bennett's pioneer work in combined general
anesthesia has been the devolopmcmt of anesthesia as a specialty, which has been
taken up by a number of the younger men throughout the country.
The ease of operating under nitrous-oxid gas has been one of the chief in-
centives to find other easy methods of using anesthesia and especially to produce
analgesia without rendering the patient unconscious, a condition which no one
looks upon favorably and every patient dreads nearly as much as the operation.
An analgesic condition can be brought about generally and locally by certain
drugs. The best general analgesic is scopolamin, generally spoken of as the
scopolamin-morphin injection; but drugs which render the body analgesic are
rarely used, as they are considered dangerous to the life of the patient. Local
analgesia or anesthesia is, therefore, preferable.
Spinal Anesthesia. — Spinal anesthesia has been used considerably in the
surgery of the genital tract, especially in women. Personally, I have never
used spinal anesthesia in urological operations, and, judging from what I have
observed of its effect in the hands of other surgeons, I do not feel inclined to
advocate its use, although Goodfellow, of San Francisco, and Boyd, of Panama,
have found it most satisfactory in their work of prostatic surgery.
This method was introduced in 1885 by Corning, of New Y^ork, and worked
out by Bier, Quincke and Sicard. It consists in the injection of a solution of
cocain (or another anesthetic) into the subdural space in the spinal canal. The
effect of this is to render the entire lower part of the body anesthetic through
the action of the drug upon the spinal nerve roots in the cauda equina.
The puncture is made with a long strong hypodermic needle beneath the
second lumbar vertebra (in children, the third) a little to one side of the median
line. The patient lies on ys side with legs drawn up. The skin is disinfected
as for an operation ; then it is anesthetized with a 0.1-per-cent solution of cocain,
or with the ethyl-chlorid spray. The needle, syringe and solution are sterilized.
The dose of cocain is 0.01 to 0.02 gram in a syringeful of physiological salt solu-
tion with one drop of adrenalin. The needle is first introduced and a suffi-
cient amount of spinal fluid allowed to escape. The syringe is then attached
and the solution is slowly injected. The needle is withdrawn and the punc-
ture closed with plaster. Anesthesia occurs in ten minutes.
Local Anesthesia. — Local anesthesia occupies a very important position in
urology, as it renders the examination and treatment painless in many cases,
LOCAL ANESTHESIA 353
and operations can be performed without pain, or with a minimum amount
of suffering.
The methods of applying local anesthesia are by freezing; by application
to the mucous membrane or skin ; by intra- or hypodermic injections or infil-
trations ; and by injections into the urethra, bladder and tunica vaginalis.
Freezing Methods. — Freezing methods have been popular since the intro-
duction of the ether spray by Richardson in 1866. In the following year, Roth-
enstein introduced the ethyl-chlorid spray, which supplanted it and has been
extensively used in minor surgery.
Ethyl chlorid is a colorless liquid which is sold in glass tubes provided with
a stopcock. When grasped in the hand and the valve is opened, the warmth
of the hand suffices to vaporize the fluid. The tube is held at a distance
of ten to fifteen inches (25 to 40 cm.) from the spot to be operated, the fine
spray striking the surface, giving it a frosty appearance when it is frozen and
anesthetized.
A number of other freezing substances have been introduced since ethyl
chlorid, but this is as effective as any of the newer preparations. The spray
must be interrupted when freezing takes place, as permanent damage to the
tissues may be brought about by prolonged freezing. Personally, I rarely use
the freezing method, as it is not as practical, nor as far reaching as other local
anesthetics.
The Application or Injection of Anesthetic Solutions.^Cocain. —
Of the large number of anesthetic drugs now known, the preferable one in
routine work is cocain. Cocain is an alkaloid from the leaves of the coca plant.
The salt used in local anesthesia is cocain hydrochlorate and is spoken of in
this chapter as cocain. It is a white crystalline powder, soluble in water and
alcohol. It has an anesthetizing power when placed upon mucous or serous
membranes or when injected into the tissues, which was first discovered by
Koller, of Xew York, who utilized it in anesthetizing the eye in his operations
on that organ. It paralyzes the nerve terminals of the sensory nerves in the
skin, the subcutaneous and other tissues, and also paralyzes, in a less marked
degree, the motor perij)lieral nerves.
Dosage of Cocain, — The dose of cocain internally is 1 grain (or 6 cgm.) ; in-
jected intradermically, or into the deeper tissues, the dose is from 1 to 2 grains
(or 6 to 12 cgm.) ; while, on the skin or mucous membrane or the external
genitals, 6 grains (or 36 cgm.) or more can be used.
The dose according to the strength of the solution is as follows: Of a 10-per-
cent solution, drops 10 are used; of a 4-per-cent solution, drops 25; of a 2-per-
eeiit solution, drops 50; and of a 1-per-cent solution, drops 100.
The quantity generally used in this country for urethral and bladder injec-
tions is \ ounce of a 1-per-cent solution. Chismore, of San Francisco, used in
his office practice for several years a 3-per-cent solution, of which he was in the
354
ANESTHESIA IN UROLOGY
habit of injecting 3 ounces into the bladders of his patients as a matter of rou-
tine in crushing vesical calculi.
Method of Administration. — In the hospital, for intradermic injections, we
use Bodine's tubes put up by Squibb, each tube containing 1 grain of sterilized
cocain and a certain amount of salt. The solution is made by breaking the
tube and adding its contents to 1 ounce of sterile water. The proportion of
salt in the tube is sufficient to make a solution corresponding to 1 grain of cocain
in 1 ounce of normal salt solution. We can, therefore, see that :
Tube 1 (gr. 1), added to water 1 ounce, makes a 1 : 500 or ^ of 1-per-cent
solution ; the strength and dose for intradermic injections.
Tube 1 (gr. 1), added to water 2 ounces, equals a 1: 1,000 or iV of 1-per-
cent solution ; to be used for injections into the deeper tissues.
For urethra and bladder solutions ^ of l-per-cent strength is used. It, there-
fore, follows that:
Tubes 5 in number (grs. 5), added to 2 ounces of water, makes a 1 : 200 or
^-per-cent solution.
Generally, however, the tablets of cocain are used for preparing these solu-
tions, especially in all exploratory and cystoscopic work. Five ^-grain cocain
tablets to 1 ounce of water, would make a 1 : 200 solution, or ^ per cent. Pow-
ders of similar strength can be used in place of tubes or tab-
lets in making these solutions.
Sterilization of Cocain Solutions, — In the Squibb's tubes,
the contents are sterile, and it is simply necessary to break the
tube, letting the powder fall into the sterile water. After
making solutions from tablets or powder, they should be held
over a flame and brought to a boil once, as prolonged boiling
weakens the solution. The solution should be freshly made be-
fore operating, as cocain solutions spoil quickly. Each powder
of cocain can contain incorjjorated in it the proportion of salt
sufficient to make a solution, corresponding to 1 grain
of cocain in an ounce of normal salt solution for a J-of-1-
per-cent solution, or by adding 5 grains to 2 ounces of
water a 1 : 200 solution will be obtained.
The syringe used for intradermic and deeper injec-
tions is one holding either 5 c.c. or 10 c.c. of the solu-
tion. The barrel and piston are both made of glass.
Both the syringe and needles are sterilized by boiling. The syringe with a
finger brace is preferable. The needle and syringe should have a simple socket
joint. For infiltration work, needles bent at right angles to tlie barrels are
useful (Fig. 261).
Technique of Injection: Intradermic and Suhdermic, — The syringe should
be held with the thumb on the piston, and the first and second fingers should be
Fio. 261. — Strixob por
Local Anesthesia.
Needle bent at right
angles.
LOCAL ANESTHESIA
355
on the crosa piece of the barrel, {See Fig. 262.) Care should be taken that the
pressure is used only in the axis of the instrument with a free wrist, so as
not to break the needle.
A method at our disposal for incising or excising diseased, inflamed or
suppurating tissues is, first, to isolate this area by surrounding it with an aiies-
FiQ. 262. — Method of HaiJ>iNa raw Strinoh.
thetized region carefully mapped out;
second, to anestlietize a strip of skin
and then gradually work deeper, to
render anesthetic, all tlie tissues to be
included in the field of operation.
The first principle to be observed
is that the needle should not be pushed
forward or reintroduced, save through
an already anesthetizc<l field.
The skin and subcutaneous tissue
is best anesthetized by the following
niethwl (Fig. 2«;J). The needle is
pushed inio the skin (not subcutane-
ously) just far enough to cover the beveled point. Then a little pressure is ap-
plied to the piston and a small white wheal or bleb is raised which renders the
skin anesthetic. The needle is withdrawn and the point is now reintroduced at
the distal margin of the bleb where a new bleb adjacent to the first is made,
continuing iu this way until a strip of anesthetized skin is obtained for an
incision.
If a larger area of skin is to be anesthetized, we can use a modification of
Reclus and Schleich's infiltration methods on the ground that, if the subcu-
taneous tissue under an area of skin be anesthetized, the surface will also be-
come anesthetic after a few minutes. Two points at opposite sides of the area
are marked on the skin by raising blebs (Fig, 264^ From these points, a
3. 263. — Method of Makiko the Blebs m
Ihtkaderuic iNJECmoNB. A showa the punc-
ture of the firat bleb. The croeecs (x) show the
introduction of the needle for the Bucceeding
blebs. Only the first puncture is felt.
356 ANESTHESIA IN UROLOGY
long needle is introdnced in a radiating direction into tlie subcutaneous tis-
sue, injecting cocain always aiiead of the needle and following with the
point The diagram sliows how tho area is covered anbcutaneously. After
a few minutes, the entire skin surface over
this area is anesthetized, which is espe-
cially applicable in excising ulcerated or
diseased lesions of the skin, and in obtain-
ing skin grafts. Other forms, as the oval
or the diamond, can be injected in a simi-
lar way, depending on the shape and loca-
tion of the area to be operated.
When it is desired to cocainize a see-
tion of skin and a mass of tissue beneath
it, the oval or diamond may first be
Fio. 264. — Thb Swbcptaneoub Method op , , . i ^ i_i v mi. ii
ANesTOOT.«™ AN Area TO BS Operated marked OUt by four blcbs. Then the CO-
UPON. Numbers 1 and 2 show the p«intji pain 19 injected deeply into the tissues to
at which the needlea areinlroduced inra- . j ■! ■ !_■ i ■!. ■ ..i i» ^i . .i
dialing unes. tlie depth to whu'h it 13 thotight that the
operation will extend, and while proceed-
ing with tile operation, an injection can be made from time to time into the
deeper tissues to he invaded. It is well to remember that 1 : 500 solution is
used intradermieally and 1:1,000 subdermically.
The operations that are performed under cocain are usually those of a minor
type, although many of a major nature are equally successful. It is principally
indicated in circumcision, meatotoniy, internal urethrotomy, external urethrot-
omy, vesical lithotomy and operation on any suppurative condition from the
external urinary meatus to the mouths of the ureters.
In kidney work, with the exception of cases of perincphritic abscess, a gen-
eral anesthetic should be used. It is very difficult to keep tho parts sufficiently
relaxed under cocain anesthesia to deliver a kidney, unless it is very small or
freely movable. I will take up the tcchni(]ue of local cocain anesthesia more in
detail under the operations in which it is used. -
Cocain Poisoning.—Cocain jTOisoiiing is usually manifested suddenly' by an
attack of vertigo. Often there is a partial or actual enllapse, irregular, weak or
fluttering pulse, and cold perspiration on the surface of the body. The attack
may be followed or accompanied by vomiting; sometimes syucojie occurs and
may last for a few minutes.
In a certain class of cases, there is a feeling of excitation, the result of irrita-
tion hy the drug of the brain cortex. It resembles somewhat the period of
excitement of chloroform anesthesia, ex(repting that consciousness is not so
deeply affected. The patient becomes excited, noisy, laughing and chattering
in incoherent delirium. There is frefjuently dryness of the throat, a heavy
feeling over the heart and distiirhauces of sensation, as a tingling or numbness
LOCAL ANESTHESIA 357
of the limbs, or the loss of sense of sight or hearing. The pupils may become
widely dilated and insensible to light. Sometimes there is twitching of the
mnscles, or loss of reflexes, while in fatal cases there is usually coma and death
due to paralysis of the respiratory system.
Preventive and Palliative Treatment of Cocain Poisoning. — We should
always be on our guard against poisoning, as cases have been reported in which
slightly over one grain used hypodermically or injected into the serous and
mucous cavities has proved fatal. The following precautions are recommended
by Reclus :
The patient should lie horizontally while being cocainized and should re-
main in this position from twenty minutes* to three hours, according to the grav-
ity of the case. Before the injections are made, the part should be compressed
by a band above the locality to be anesthetized, and this compression should con-
tinue for a half hour after the operation.
If symptoms of cocain poisoning come on at any time, the patient should
be made to lie flat; the heart should be stimulated by injections of strychnin,
digitalis or atropin, one or all, according to the pulse ; besides which, friction of
the body and the extremities should be resorted to. Artificial respiration may
be needed if breathing threatens to stop. Drops of amyl nitrate should be imme-
diately used if at hand. In case the trouble is due to a solution in the bladder,
the viscus should be emptied and washed with saline solution. If there are con-
vulsions, ether inhalations are indicated.
In conclusion, I will say that in all uncomplicated cases of urethral surgery
and in cases of vesical calculus, cocain can be used ; but it is important to have
an assistant to give the injections and infiltrations, who is accustomed to the tech-
nique of the administration. For prostatectomies, extirpation of vesical tumors,
nephrotomies and nephrectomies, it is important to have a special anesthetist of
the highest possible grade if the operator desires to feel at ease during the oper-
ation, as in that latter group of cases in my practice, the hemorrhages are often
alarming.
CHAPTER XVIII
DISEASES OF METABOLISM
URICACIDEMU
Uricacidemia is the condition in which an excess of uric acid in the blood
is characterized by various nerv^oiis symptoms and frequently by the local
phenomena known as gout.
This does not mean that an excess of uric acid in the urine as shown by
its analysis indicates the uric-acid diathesis or gout, as is supposed by many.
These conditions are the result of uric acid retained in the blood and tissues,
and not of that eliminated with the urine. It may be said, and at times it is
no doubt true, that the amount of uric acid and urates contained in the urine
is in proportion to that retained in the body.
The formation of uric acid in the body and its role in disease are still sub-
jects of discussion. Formerly it was thought that uric acid w^as a product of
nitrogenous changes, an intermediate between the foodstuffs and the final
product of urea. It is thought at present that uric acid is formed by oxidation
of nucleic acid and that foods rich in nuclei, such as meats, give rise to its
formation and elimination in large quantities. It is impossible to know, how-
ever, whether or not uric acid is also derived from some other constituent of
the food. Excessive accumulation of uric acid in the blood and tissues is more
frequently the result of imperfect elimination than of increased formation.
Uric acid is a very insoluble substance and a slight decrease in the alkalinity
of the blood may cause its retention and accumulation in the tissues. We hold
at present that uric acid is not formed in the kidney, but in the tissues, in the
liver and in the spleen.
The normal amount of uric acid in the urine is from 0.4 to 0.52 grams (G
to 8 grains) in twenty-four ho\irs.
The proportion of uric acid to urea is as 1 to 45.
A deposit of uric acid and urates in the urine does not necessarily indicate
an excess of uric acid. Such a deposit may occur on cooling, as the result of
acid fermentation. Urines of high acidity may deposit uric acid, irrespective
of the absolute quantity of the latter in the specimen. Whether uric acid is
really increased or not, we can only know by quantitative analysis.
Uric acid is increased in the urine by an abundant meat diet, containing
358
imiCACroEMIA 359
much nuclear substance and by a sedentary life, often the use of tea and coffee,
certain drugs, as the salicylates and also in the following diseases :
1. In acute fevers and in most acute diseases.
2. After an attack of rheumatism and gout, when normal elimination has
been reestablished.
3. In diseases of the lungs and heart accompanied by diminished oxida-
tion (pneumonia, hydrothorax, chronic heart diseases).
4. In large abdominal tumors, ascites, respiratory insufficiency.
5. In diseases of the liver and spleen.
6. In pernicious anemia and leukemia, due to the destruction of the nuclei
of the leucocytes.
7. In diabetes mellitus.
Uric acid is diminished in the urine by a vegetable diet ; after a diet of milk,
eggs and dairy products ; after eating cherries and similar fruits.
It is also diminished in chronic diseases of the kidney and in other condi-
tions, with a decrease in the amount of urea ; in gout, during acute attacks and
in chronic wasting diseases.
Sjnnptoms. — Uricacidemia is clinically characterized by a certain group of
symptoms, sometimes spoken of as the gouty state.
Heredity plays an important part, and in many families various manifesta-
tions may be of frequent occurreAce.
In addition to attacks of gout proper, a tendency to uric-acid diathesis may
be responsible for more or less frequent attacks of headaches, neuralgias, sciatica,
biliousness, affections of the skin, such as eczema, etc.
Later in life, after the prevalence for many years of uricacidemia, the
more serious results of the disorder become evident. Arteriosclerosis frequently
develops, leading to a fatal termination by nephritis, apoplexy, or aneurysm.
The presence in the urine of an excessive amount of uric acid in crystalline
form often acts as an irritant to the genito-urinary tract and always renders the
patient liable to renal or vesical calculus.
Treatment. — In the treatment of uricacidemia, the fact that gluttony and
errors in diet are the most frequent etiologic factors must be constantly kept in
mind. The daily amount of meat and fat-producing foods must be reduced, and
a vegetable diet substituted. Alcohol must be interdicted altogether. Elimina-
tion should be favored by the free use of mineral waters, such as Apollinaris,
Vichy, Selters, as well as by gymnastics and outdoor exercise.
The long list of \iseful therapeutic agents includes the lithium salts, col-
chicum, uricidin, piperazin, the salicylates, etc.
URIC-ACID DIET
Avoid. — Bisque, cream and tomato soup; corned, dried, smoked, canned,
preserved or fried meats or fish. Tongue, ham, veal, pork, turkey, beef, lob-
360 DISEASES OF METABOLISM
sters and crabs. Highly spiced sauces and peppers. Hot rolls, cakes of all
kinds ; all cereals, as oatmeal, hominy, etc. ; sirups, sweets of all kinds ; every-
thing made from corn; potatoes, or vegetables rich in sugar, as beets. (Just suf-
ficient sugar to sweeten coffee can be used.) Strawberries, bananas and melons.
Spirits — brandy, whisky, gin and rum ; good whisky is the least injurious,
taken with meals and well diluted with water. One or two Scotch whiskies a
day, well diluted, can be taken with meals or after them, if the patient is below
par ; or a glass of claret with the meaL Heavy wines, also champagne, Bur-
gundy, beers and ales.
May Eat. — Oysters and clams, consomme and thin soups (without tomato),
fish, beef, lamb and chicken, roasted, boiled or broiled, never fried. Salads
of lettuce, romaine and chicory, with French dressing, consisting of four parts
of oil to one of Tarragon vinegar, salt and white pepper. Dry toast and light,
unsweetened, dry bread. Green string beans and peas; spinach occasionally;
cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, if they can be digested. Apple at lunch and
grape fruit for breakfast, without sugar, are the least harmful, although no
fruits are necessary. Lemon is the least harmful.
N. B. — No tea. Coffee with hot milk for breakfast.
Water Diet, — One glass of water on arising ; one glass at lunch ; one glass
at dinner ; one between meals ; one on retiring. Small cup of mild, black coffee
may be taken after lunch or dinner.
Dietaries. — The following is the dietary which Sir H. Thompson recom-
mends in calculous affections:
" Fish in all forms, except those containing much fatty matter — i. e., her-
rings, mackerel, eels and the thin part of salmon. Game in all forms.
Poultry. Lean meat in moderate quantity. Preparations of gelatin, savory
jelly, or jelly agreeably flavored, but unsweetened. Butter in moderation (this
is the only direct form of fat admitted, fat in some form being necessary). An
egg or two on account of their usefulness in all cooking operations. (The ob-
jection to eggs applies only to the yolks.) Milk in strict moderation, and only
with tea, coffee or cocoa. It is very undesirable and noxious in large quantity,
as it contains a large proportion of fat and sugar, and its casein is digested with
difficulty. It is less objectionable when thoroughly skimmed. Well-made whole-
meal bread. Oatmeal. Pearl barley. Macaroni and other Italian pastes.
Some coarse meal is needed to act as an aperient and prevent constipation.
Whole-meal bread is improved in flavor and texture by an admixture of fine
(not coarse) Scotch oatmeal, in the proportion of about one quarter to one third
of the wheat meal employed.
*^ Dry haricots and lentils are most nutritive vegetables, and should be
taken made into purees. They are digested with ease and contain much nutri-
tio\is matter. Rice, sago, tapioca and arrowroot are all useful if treated as
rNTDICANURIA 361
savory dishes, and not as sweets. Fresh green vegetables are especially good.
Fresh green peas and broad beans, well masticated. Light salads are permis-
sible to persons who digest them easily, but they must not be taken by those
who digest them with diflSculty. Celery, sea kale, asparagus, tomatoes, potatoes
and artichokes are all permitted; so also are apples, roasted or baked, without
added sugar.
" The following are to be avoided : Rhubarb, gooseberries, currants, strawber-
ries, raspberries, grapes, plums, pears and all sweet fruit, fresh or preserved.
Saccharin may be substituted for sugar."
INDICANURIA
The urine often contains substances, not necessarily indicative of very great
departures from health, but rather to be considered as danger signals, not to
be ignored altogether. Thus, it may contain those known as chromogens,
that is to say, bodies w^hich do not of themselves color the urine, but subse-
quently develop a characteristic color under special conditions, either on stand-
ing or on the addition of agents that cause oxidation.
Indican may be defined as the chromogen of indigo blue. It arises from
the absorption on the part of the intestinal canal of the parent substance, indol,
which itself results from the decomposition of proteids.
In the human intestine in health, indol is formed in small amounts. It is one
of the products of the bacterial putrefaction of albuminous compoimds, and is
physiologically increased on a diet rich in meats or animal food, containing a large
proportion of proteid. The indol thus absorbed by the intestine becomes in the
tissues through oxidation a new substance, indoxyl, which is excreted in the urine,
as a rule in conjugation with sulphuric acid — as indoxyl-sodium or potassium
sulphate — and also it is found in small proportion as indoxyl-glycuronic acid.
Pathological Indicanuria. — The clinical importance of the presence of a
large proportion of indican in the urine has been exaggerated by some, but is
more apt to be underrated. Its significance in the light of recent researches can
scarcely be doubted. It affords valuable evidence of excessive proteid decom-
position in the presence of bacteria ; these are the agents of processes of putre-
faction that lead to disturbances in the liver, to the various forms of gastritis,
to constipation and diarrhea and those processes of putrefaction and fermenta-
tion gathered loosely into the general idea of *^ toxemia and autointoxication."
Experience shows that an increased output of indican is observed in cases
of intestinal obstruction, associated with atony and with a deficiency of acid in
the gastric juice, and in not a few intestinal disorders dependent on a dimin-
ished flow of bile. According to Simon, the deficiency of hydrochloric acid in
the stomach is intimately associated with the development of indican. Thus,
indicanuria occurs frequently in carcinoma of the stomach, in subacute and
362 DISEASES OF METABOLISM
chronic gastritis and in those forms of dyspepsia where the motor power of
the stomach is impaired. It is also present in typhoid fever.
Examples of excessive albuminous putrefaction and of the bacterial activ-
ity leading to the formation of large amounts of indican in conditions to be met
with elsewhere than in the alimentary tract, are afforded by cases of putrid
empyema, fetid bronchitis and pulmonary gangrene, the importance of which
has been fully set forth by Von Jaksch.
Sjrmptoms. — The symptoms of indicanuria are various, and are in many
cases difficult to trace to their true relation with the output of indol.
In general, it may be said that indicanuria is commonly associated with gas-
tro-intestinal disorders marked by flatulence — the sign of bacterial growth —
and of the nondigestion of fats, prominently disclosed by alternating attacks of
constipation and diarrhea. A long train of symptoms, nervous, hepatic and
renal, take their origin in putrefying processes in the intestine, which at the
same time give rise to the presence in the urine of indigo-yielding substances.
It becomes necessary, therefore, to examine the urine for indican whenever the
signs of gall-stone disease appear, whenever there is pain or colic, or jaundice ;
and though the mere presence of indican should not be regarded as pathogenic, it
gives a clew to the nature of the disease and its treatment. Thus, a furred tongue,
injected eye, loss of appetite, headache, torpor, both mental and bodily, tender-
ness over the liver and abdomen, may occur without indicanuria, but they may
just as well coexist with it, and such signs should lead us to examine the urine.
Treatment. — The treatment of indicanuria consists of those remedies w^hich
are intestinal antiseptics and those which stimulate bile secretion. Ko single
drug should be used continuously, more benefit being derived by using different
members of these groups from time to time.
Salol is the most frequently used and is given in doses of from 3 to 5 grains
three times a day after meals, either in tablets or capsules.
Beta-naphthol and naphthalene come next in efficiency and are given in doses
of 2 to 5 grains in capsules three times a day, after meals. Sodium iodid is use-
ful in cases in which there are accompanying nervous symptoms, 10 to 15 grains
in solution being given three times a day after meals. Sodium benzoate is also
valuable as a remedy and is given in doses of 10 to 20 grains in capsules or solu-
tion after meals. In cases of hyperacidity due to intestinal fermentation,
sodium bicarbonate is of value, 10 to 30 grains being given in solution or capsule
after each meal. Of the remedies used when fermentation or putrefaction is
due to an insufficient flow of bile, the glycholate and taurocholate of sodium
are useful. They may be given in capsules, 3 to 4 grains in a capsule, after
meals, or every three to four hours during the day. Phenolphthalein has of
late been used when indicanuria is associated with constipation, as it acts as a
cholagogue and laxative. It is given in capsules or tablets, in doses of from 5 to
30 grains, before retiring.
OXALURIA 363
OXALURIA
Oxaluria means the presence of an excessive amount of oxalate of calcium
in the urine. When found occasionally in moderate quantity, these crystals are
of no clinical significance, as they may appear under normal conditions after
eating fruits and vegetables containing comparatively large amounts of oxalic
acid, such as rhubarb, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, turnips and sorrel.
Oxalic acid is a product that is formed as an intermediate step in the com-
bustion process, and conies between urea and uric acid in the series. It is found
in very small quantities in normal urine in the form of calcium oxalate, but it is
contained in normal specimens occasionally only, after the urine has been left
standing for a time.
Urine containing numerous crystals of calcium oxalate for any length of
time is not the urine of a healthy individual, and the condition is one that
should be treated.
Oxaluria is merely a symptom pointing to a debilitated condition of the
system. Of the cause of this condition, little is known. Generally, oxaluria is
associated with conditions of nervous debility, perhaps especially often with
those arising from sexual excesses. This is so frequently the case, that one
sliould always be on the lookout for spermatozoa, if, in examining the urine of
a nervous individual, calcium oxalate is found.
Oxaluria may also give rise to local irritation in the genito-urinary tract.
When the crystals are formed in the kidney as they very frequently are, their
passage through the kidney tubules, pelvis and ureters may give rise to lumbar
pains or hematuria, or the crystals may collect around epithelial cells and mucus
and form into concretions in the kidney or renal pelvis, causing renal colic, or
they may irritate the bladder and urethra, bringing on frequency of urination.
The urine in cases of pronounced oxaluria is of high specific gravity, often
reaching 1.040. Even when there are no subjective symptoms of irritation, the
microscopic examination usually shows the presence of red blood corpuscles,
mucus and epithelia.
Treatment. — Regulation of the diet, and exercise, are of the greatest im-
jx)rtance.
The diet indicated should be one that limits the amounts of all articles con-
taining large amounts of oxalic acid. Water, weak coffee and tea are the most
suitable drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not especially forbidden, but should
be taken in moderation.
In order to dilute the urine, the patient should drink water freely. The
carbonated alkaline waters, such as Apollinaris, are especially useful. Many
authors, as Klemperer, Tritchler and others favor the bitter waters containing
magnesia, such as Friedrichshall, Ilunyadi, etc.
Some cases are greatly benefited by the administration of nitromuriatic acid.
364 DISEASES OF METABOLISM
f
DIET IN OXALURIA
From the following list of foods, a diet suitable for patients having oxaluria
niav be selected: — •
T'ooDs JpERMiTTED. — Clavfis and oysters, consomme and thin soups without
tomatoes, all kinds of meat and fish (baked, boiled or broiled), stale bread and
toast. Vegetables: Fresh string and lima beans, green peas, lettuce, chicory and
romaine salads; later on, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower may be added.
Fruits: Apples are for lunch, peaches or grape fruit without sugar are the least
harmful for breakfast in moderation. Cereals: Oatmeal, well cooked, may be
taken in small quantities.
Foods Forbidden. — All vegetables not mentioned in foregoing list; espe-
cially injurious are potatoes, tomiatoes, spinach, rhubarb, beets, turnips, dried
beans. Fruits: Strawberries, phuns, figs. All sweets are interdicted. Meats:
All glands such as pancreas, thymus, liver and kidneys, on account of the many
nucleins contained therein.
EXTRA DIET IN OXALURIA
A More Rigid Diet Covering a Longer Period
First Week. — As purely nitrogenous as possible, may take milk, meat
(boiled, broiled or roasted), fish, eggs once a day. Nothing fried, pickled,
salted or canned, or preserved in any way. Should drink pure water, at
least three quarts a day. Nothing to be taken except those things men-
tioned.
Second Week. — To above may be added cucumbers, celery, lettuce and
asparagus.
Third Week. — To above may be added raw oysters, oyster broth, green
peas, string beans, any broth or variety of clear soup.
Fourth Week. — Grape fruit, lemons and cauliflower may be added, pears,
peaches, baked apples, grapes in moderation, melons, well-cooked oatmeal in
small amount and well-toasted or stale wheat bread.
Interdicted. — Potatoes, spinach, rhubarb, beets, turnips, dried beans, to-
matoes, strawberries, plums, figs, or sweets added to the above.
DIABETES AND GLYCOSURIA
General Consideration
Diabetes and glycosuria are discussed together in this chapter because they
are so frequently confused with one another, owing to the fact that, in diabetes
mellitus, glycosuria is present.
DIABETES AND GLYCOSURIA 365
Diabetes. — ^Diabetes is a disorder of the body metabolism, characterized by
the passing of excessive quantities of urine. There are two forms of diabetes :
Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus.
Diabetes mellitus is the most important form. In addition to the polyuria
and the intense thirst which characterizes both forms of diabetes, we have here
the presence of sugar in the urine. When diabetes is spoken of without quali-
fication, this form is usually referred to.
Diabetes insipidus is a name applied to that form of diabetes which is
characterized by the passage of abnormally large quantities of normal urine of
low specific gravity, and by intense thirst.
Olycosuria. — Glycosuria means the presence of sugar in the urine, from any
cause, in excess of 0.1 per cent.
There are three varieties of glycosuria: (1) The alimentary, (2) the toxic,
(3) the diabetic.
Alimentary glycosuria occurs in healthy individuals in certain disturbed
conditions of digestion and elimination ; also in diseases of the liver and of the
brain, especially when the latter affects the fourth ventricle ; in goiter and after
injuries. Alimentary glycosuria may occur after the ingestion of large amoimts
of starch.
Toxic glycosuria occurs in fevers, after drinking large amounts of alcohol
and after poisoning with lead, phosphorus, morphin, atropin, chloral, amyl
nitrite, acetone, carbon dioxid, curare and strychnin.
Fhloridzin glycosuria should be classed under toxic glycosuria. Although
phloridzin is a glucosid, the amount of sugar passed after its administration is
too great to be accounted for by that derivable from the drug. Phloretin, which
is a derivative from phloridzin, is free from sugar and produces the same result.
Diabetic glycosuria constitutes the disease known as diabetes mellitus.
DiABETKs Mellitus
Pathology and Etiology. — The pathology and etiology of diabetes, like
those of other disorders of metabolism, has not been definitely determined. The
glycogenic function of the liver is deranged, and an excess of sugar passes into
the blood and is eliminated with the urine. The bulk of the sugar thus passed
is derived from the carbohydrates in the food ; in severe cases, a certain amount
of the sugar seems to be the result of metabolism of the proteid constituents of
protoplasm.
The amount of sugar eliminated in diabetes varies considerably. It ranges
from a mere trace up to ten per cent and even twenty per cent ; average two to
three per cent. The percentage of sugar in the urine is by no means an accurate
index of the severity of the pathological process.
The total amoimt of urine passed also varies greatly. In mild cases, the
366 DISEASES OF METABOLISM
daily quantity may not exceed six to eight pints ; in severe cases, thirty to forty
pints are often passed.
The specific gravity is high, varying according to the saccharine contents
of the urine from 1.025 to 1.060.
Diabetic urine has a sweetish taste and aromatic odor, increasing or dimin-
ishing with the amount of sugar.
Sjnuptoms. — The great prominent general symptom of the disease is in-
tense thirst, a large quantity of water being required to keep the sugar in solu-
tion. There is also usually a great craving for food ; in spite of abnormally
large quantities of nourishment taken and in spite of excellent digestion, the
patient may lose weight. The skin is dry and harsh, the temperature frequently
subnormal, the pulse frequent and the tension increased.
Complications. — Serious complications are frequent, such as acute pneu-
monia, tuberculosis, diabetic tabes, hypochondriasis, cataract, diabetic retinitis,
impotence; nephritis is quite common, sometimes due to arteriosclerosis, in
other cases probably the result of the strain on the renal structure from the
continual passage of abnormal quantities of sugar.
Prognosis. — Recovery from true diabetes is very rare. In children, the dis-
ease is especially fatal ; so-called galloping cases are often seen which carry the
young patient off in a few days. With advancing years, the disease runs a
slower course. During middle life, diabetes may exist for ten or fifteen years
before the fatal termination. In stout individuals, the prognosis is more favor-
able than in those of slighter build.
Unless one of the many serious complications, to w^hich the patient is ex-
posed, sets in, the disease usually ends with diabetic coma. This condition
closely resembles in its onset uremic coma and, like it, is due to the presence in
the blood of some toxic agent, which in this case is believed to be acetone.
Treatment. — The diet and personal hygiene of the patient are of prime im-
portance. The patient should live a quiet life, free from excitement and worry.
He must be scrupulously regular in his habits, taking a moderate amount of
exercise and bathing daily to promote a free action of the skin. The regula-
tion and restriction of the diet is the most essential part of the treatment. The
carbohydrates in the food should be reduced and a carefully arranged diet, with
due regard for variety, should be given. The substitution of gluten bread for
ordinary bread and saccharin for sugar, should be a part of the dietary regime.
Among remedies, opium is the one that has specific influence on the progress
of the disease. Codein given in one-half-grain doses three times a day, gradu-
ally increasing to six or eight grains during twenty-four hours, will in the ma-
jority of cases lessen the amount of sugar in the urine materially. As the
amount of sugar diminishes, the opium may be gradually withdrawn.
Among other useful remedies, we may mention potassium bromid, arsenite
of bromin, arsenic, antipyrin, the salicylates, nitroglycerin and strychnin.
PHOSPHATIJIIIA 367
DIET LIST
From Friedenwald and Ruhrah^ " Diet in Health and Disease "
Foods Allowed. — Meats, eggs, green vegetables, fats. Soups: Chicken,
beef, veal, mutton, oyster, turtle, terrapin, clam broth (prepared without flour).
Meats: All meats, except liver. Gelatin jellies. Cheese: All varieties, espe-
cially cream cheese. Fish: All fish, including oysters, clams, terrapin, lobster,
shrimp, salt fish. Farinaceous foods: Gluten bread, cakes, biscuits and por-
ridges, almond cakes and bread, soya bread. Vegetables: Green vegetables,
spinach, lettuce, romaine, chicory, sorrel, kale, artichokes, endives, pickles,
cucumbers, cranberries, truffles, mushrooms. Fruits: All acid fruits, sour ap-
ples, sour cherries, sour oranges, lemons, grape fruit, gooseberries, red currants.
Nuts: All sorts of oily nuts, such as cocoanut, walnuts, filberts, almonds, butter-
nuts, pecans, Brazil nuts. Fatty foods: Cream, butter, olive oil, cod-liver oil,
bone marrow. Drinks: Tea or coffee without sugar, alkaline mineral waters,
Ehine wines, claret. Burgundy, brandy, whisky.
Foods Forbidden. — Sugars, starchy foods (rice), sweets of all kinds, liver.
Vegetables: Potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots, peas, baked beans, cauliflower; also
sweet fruits, such as dates, grapes, peaches, prunes, bananas, preserves and jel-
lies. Nuts: Peanuts and chestnuts. Drinks: Sweet wines, cider, cordials, beer,
'poTtet.
PHOSPHATURIA
This is a condition in which an excess of phosphates is passed in the urine.
Two varieties of phosphaturia can be distinguished, the true and the false. True
phosphaturia depends upon an absolute increase in the amount of phosphates
eliminated in the urine as determined by quantitative analysis.
A mere deposit of phosphates in the urine immediately on voiding or on
standing, without a relative increase in the total amount of phosphates, consti-
tutes false phosphaturia. The clinical diagnosis of true phosphaturia can be
made only: (1) If there is a quantitative excess of phosphates which is con-
stant (the normal amount excreted in twenty-four hours does not exceed three
and a half to four grains). (2) If this excess is not controlled by a change of
diet. (3) If the deposit of phosphates occurs immediately after voiding the
urine.
Deposits of phosphates in the urine may occur within the body in cases of
inflammation or suppuration of the urinary organs, such as cystitis, pyelitis,
etc. ; especially when there is a decomposition of the urine within the tract,
the result of an obstruction, as an enlarged prostate or a stricture. Of course,
such cases cannot, in any sense, be called true phosphaturia.
This form of phosphaturia is of special interest to the genito-urinary surgeon
on account of the frequent formation of calculi under these conditions.
368 DISEASES OF METABOLISM
The phosphorus eliminated with the urine is derived from two sources:
from the food and from decomposition of the tissues, especially the pliosphorus
containing proteids, as well as nuclein and lecithin.
In the urine, the phosphorus appears in two forms: (1) As earthy phos-
phates— calcium and magnesium phosphates; (2) as alkaline phosphates — the
phosphates of sodium and potassium. The alkaline phosphates are more abun-
dant, the proportion being about two to one.
The earthy phosphates are held in solution in the urine by the diacid sodium
phosphate, to which the acidity of the urine is due.
Whenever the acidity of the urine is neutralized, either before or after
voiding, the earthy phosphates are precipitated, but they can readily be dis-
solved by making the urine acid again.
A vegetable diet, by diminishing the acidity of the urine, will often bring
about this apparent phosphaturia ; while a meat diet, on the other hand, will
decrease or cause the disappearance of this precipitate of earthy phosphates by
increasing the acidity of the urine.
True phosphaturia, that is, the condition associated with a more or less con-
stant relative increase in the amount of phosphorus eliminated, must be classed
as a disorder of metabolism. According to L. J. Teissier, four forms of this
disease can be distinguished:
1. Cases with polyuria and with very pronoimced disturbances of tlie
nervous system, with or without organic changes in the latter.
2. Cases which are from the beginning or during the later stages of the
disease associated with fatal affections of the lungs.
3. Cases in which phosphaturia occurs together or alternate with glycosuria.
4. Cases which cannot be grouped under the foregoing divisions and which
alternate with oxaluria and uricacidemia, showing often albo a slight albu-
minuria and a certain relation to gouty states.
Treatment. — The treatment of phosphaturia requires, first of all, regulation
of the diet and habits of living, whether the disorder belongs to the true or false
variety. Among the remedies that have been used successfully in the control of
true phosphaturia, phosphorus is especially recommended, also nux vomica
and arsenic.
To control phosphaturia of the false variety, the conditions producing it
must be treated. There may be decomposition of the urine in the urinary
tract, due to inflammation and obstruction. Many cases of false phosphaturia
simply require a more liberal meat diet ; others call for mineral acids to cor-
rect gastric fermentations and disturbances of the digestive function. If the
phosphaturia is accompanied by bacteriuria, urotropin should be given.
The diet list for a case of phosphaturia may contain meat, eg^, milk,
cheese, cereals and the legumes, whereas the ingestion of fresh green vegetables,
fruit and potatoes, should be restricted.
CHAPTER XIX
METHODS OF EXAMINING THE KIDNEY
In the cases that we are called upon to see, we are led to suspect the pres-
ence of a surgical disease of the kidney by certain symptoms, foremost of which
is a complaint of pain in the loin ; second, symptoms referable to urination or
the urine voided ; and third, constitutional symptoms.
Pain is the most important of these troubles. It may be slight in char-
acter and may be present constantly or at intervals, or it may come on as a severe
attack of colic located in the loin and extending down the course of the ureter.
Pain is most common in renal calculus, especially after exertion, although
it is also present in varying severity in movable kidney, tuberculosis and
nephralgic nephritis.
Frequent and painful urination is a bladder symptom and rarely occurs in
kidney disease, excepting in renal tuberculosis in cases in which the disease has
invaded the bladder. Polyuria is also a symptom of renal tuberculosis.
Hematuria is the s;^Tnptom of renal disease which, next to pain, alarms a
patient the most and is the reason for the consultation. When hematuria occurs
in a patient suffering from pain in one loin, it leads us to think of hematuria
on that side. Hematuria is most characteristic of renal tumor, in which case
it is spontaneous and often very severe. Xext in order, it occurs in renal calcu-
lus and tuberculosis.
Pyuria in kidney cases means infection, as does also fever, and, therefore,
if either or both of these symptoms occur in a patient with pain in the loin, it
leads us to think of a septic kidney. With the history of these symptoms, we
must begin the examination that will finally lead to the diagnosis of the trouble.
In the examination of a suspected case of surgical kidney, several questions
have to be taken into consideration. First, Are the kidneys affected or is the
trouble in some of the other urinary organs ? Second^ Which kidney is dis-
eased? Is there another kidney? If there is. What is its condition? Third,
What is the nature of the disease ? Fourth, What is the functional power of
the diseased kidney and its mate ? Fifth, Is an exploratory operation necesvsary ?
No. 1 : The Examination of the Urine. — This is most important when con-
\ sidered in conjunction with other findings. The presence of normal renal prod-
ucts in the urine in an increased amount, or of abnormal products, both point
369
1
370 METHODS OF EXAMINING THE KIDNEY
to a renal disturbance. If we find a very large amount of renal epithelia thro\vn
off, it suggests some mechanical irritation of the kidney or its pelvis. If, in
addition to this, there are red blood cells and considerable mucus present in
the urine, the probabilities of renal irritation are much increased.
The presence of albumin and hyaline casts point either to marked irritation
of the kidney or to disease. If these casts are granular and epithelial as well
as hyaline, we have reason to believe that a more severe process, a nephritis,
exists. If crystals are present in masses of mucus or casts, we are led to think
of the probabilities of stone. If, in addition, pus is detected, the indications are
that there is ^n infection of the pelvis ; and if pus casts are also found, it is
evidence that the parenchyma is also infected.
An increased amount of urine, of low specific gravity, leads us to think of
tuberculosis, which the presence of tubercle bacilli would confirm. Atypical
cells, tumor fragments and the presence of connective tissue lead us to think
of tumor. Blood in the urine in connection with abnormal renal products,
suggests tumor, stone, tuberculosis or hemorrhagic nephritis.
While the urinary findings in a large percentage of kidney cases give us the
most reliable data upon which to base a correct diagnosis, they are frequently
but the first incentive to the thorough investigation of the case and only acquire
a definite significance when considered in connection with the results of other
methods of examination.
We will assume that, from the urinary findings, we have decided on the
presence of kidney disease of a surgical nature and are now desirous of locating
the trouble. To confirm the diagnosis thoroughly, a further examination should
include the following steps in the order given :
No, 2: In which kidney is the disease located ? Is there another kidney, and
if so, is it normal or abnormal ?
External physical examination, including:
(a) Inspection, palpation and percussion.
(b) Cystoscopy.
(c) Ureteral catheterization.
No. 3: What is the nature of the disease?
(a) Radiography.
(&) Guinea-pig inoculation.
No. 4: What is the function of the diseased kidney and its mate?
(a) Cryoscopy.
(b) Injections of methylene blue.
(c) Phloridzin injections.
No. 5: Is an exploratory incision necessary?
EXTERNAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION 371
No. 2 : In which Kidney is the disease located? Is there another kidney,
and if so, is it secreting? If it is secreting is the urine normal or abnormal?
(a) Inspection, Palpation and Percussion.
Inspection sometimes shows a bulging in the loins and recalls to our minds
the possibility of hydronephrosis, pyonephrosis, tumor of the kidney, perinephri-
tic abscess, or rupture of the kidney. A bulging on one side of the umbilicus
would point to a movable kidney. Very little, however, is learned by in-
spection.
Palpation is, on the other hand, a most important method of examination,
as by this means we notice undue mobility in movable kidney, and enlargement
when tumor, hydronephrosis, pyonephrosis, pyelo-nephritis, perinephritic abscess
or a cyst is present. By palpation, tenderness is also discerned, indicating a
congestion of the kidney, or inflammation, as pyelitis, pyelo-nephritis and pyo-
nephrosis. A normal kidney in its normal position cannot be felt through the
abdominal wall.
Methods of Palpating the Kidney. — The kidney is usually palpated in one
of three ways: With the patient lying on the back with the knees flexed; in a
sitting posture; or lying on the healthy side. (See chapter on Examination of
Patients, Figs. 233, 234 and 235.)
Palpation with one hand will sometimes show us a movable kidney or one
that is enlarged. The bimanual method is, however, the most practical and
gives us a better idea of its size, consistence, mobility and the presence or ab-
sence of renal tenderness.
When the patient is examined lying flat on the back with the knees flexed,
the examiner stands on the side to be explored, facing the patient. If the right
side is to be examined, the right hand is on the front of the abdomen on the
outer side of the rectus abdominis muscle and the left hand is on the outer side
of the erector spinse, just below the twelfth rib.
The patient is directed to inspire and expire deeply and, during the moment
of relaxation when the patient is breathing out, the hand on the abdomen pushes
firmly toward the posterior abdominal wall, in an effort to reach the hand that
is placed posteriorly. The part of the hand used in examining is the palmar
surface of the finger tips. If any surgical condition of the kidney is present,
a sensitiveness is evident, w^hile the normal kidnev is not tender to the touch.
Movable organs can be felt to glide from under the finger tips and can usually
be held by anterior pressure above them and palpated wholly or in part. (See
Fig. 233.)
Ballottement of the kidney is the pushing of the organ from the finger tips
of one hand to those of the other, and vice versa, by a series of jars or by gentle
bimanual palpation. By this means, an enlarged organ is distinctly felt and
can be outlined and any tenderness noticed.
The lateral method of palpation consists of placing the patient on the healthy
372 METHODS OF EXAMINING THE KIDNEY
side with the thighs antiflexed and the examiner standing hehind the patient's
back. In examining the right kidney, the right hand is placed on the front of
the abdomen and the left behind, the same as when examining a patient who is
placed in the dorsal position. The left hand is often removed from behind and
placed in front just below the free border of the ribs, as in cases of movable
kidney. Pressure made at this point in front, sufficiently deep to prevent the
organ from returning to its fossa, will allow the examiner to outline it more
easily with the right hand.
The organ is often palpated in this manner with greater accuracy, and its
size, consistence and the character of its surface better determined. Kidneys
are not so easily mistaken for the liver by this means, as we do not have to ex-
amine over the edge of the latter organ. (See Fig. 235.)
The kidney can often be more easily felt in the sitting postiire than when
the patient is lying dow^n, especially in the case of movable kidney. The hands
sliould be in the same position in relation to the patient when the examination
is made in the sitting posture as when it is made lying on the back. (See
Fig. 234.)
I think that, in palpating the kidney, any ]X)sition or method should be
used which best enables tlie examiner to accomj)lish his purpose. I always ex-
amine the patient on a chair-table and change the iK:)sition of tlie patient while
making the examination from the sitting to the horizontal position. When
there is a movable kidney, the organ often drops down when the patient is in
the sitting posture ; or else it can be made to drop by having the patient cough
or by jostling that region. In such a case, if pressure is made by one hand just
below the ribs in front, and the back of the table is lowered while the patient
is perfectly relaxed, the organ is prevented from slipping back into its fossa
again and can be easily outlined by the other hand.
The standing position, w^ith the patient resting the buttocks against a table
or chair, wnll often enable us to palpate the organ in a satisfactory manner.
Percussion is of value in a negative way, as tympanitic resonance over the
anterior surface of an abdominal tumor situated in the loin, when the patient
is in a dorsal position, points to its renal origin, on account of the intestine
being placed in front of it. Sometimes, if there is a dullness over a tumor in
the loin by anterior percussion, when the patient is in the dorsal position, it is
an advantage to inject gas into the colon in order to bring out the relati(m be-
tween it and the tumor; for, if it then becomes tympanitic, it will show that
the tumor is behind the colon and therefore, probably, renal.
Liver dullness is not aifected by gas in the intestine, while the kidney dull-
ness is obliterated.
The routine examination of the patient tends to clear up, to a considerable
degree, the question of Avhether the kidneys are alone involved or not, in cases
in which this has not already been done. The patient passes urine into a tube.
CYSTOSCOPY; UEETEEAL CATHETERIZATION 373
and, if the urine is clear and contains no shreds, it shows that there is no sup-
purative involvement of the urethra or the tract above it.
If the first urine is turbid and the second is clear, it shows that the turbidity
is due to some trouble in the urethra, the prostate or vesicles that empty into it,
while the clear second urine shows that there is no marked suppuration in the
bladder or kidney.
If both the first and second urines are turbid and the first contains shreds
while the second does not, it shows that the urethra is inflamed and that the
bladder or kidneys are also involved, unless the turbidity is due to phosphates
or bacteria. When there are such results, therefore, the urines should be
examined for phosphates or bacteria (see chapter on Urinary Examina-
tion), as well as for pus and inflammatory products from the bladder and
kidneys.
The physical examination just made has, perhaps, given us some idea as to
whether one or both kidneys are involved and has brought us one step further
forward in our systematic examination of that organ. The patient's urethra
should then be examined for strictures and his prostate for enlargement, as all
obstructions favor the development of cystitis and suppurative diseases of the
kidney. The patient's bladder should now be washed out, filled and the cys-
toscope introduced.
(h) Cystoscopy. — When the fluid medium is clear, as is shown by exam-
ining the washings from the bladder in a glass held before the light, the in-
terior of the organ is examined with the cystoscope. If there is no tumor,
stone, tul)erculosis, ulceration or inflammation present, the bladder is known
to be healthy and the mouths of the ureters should be examined to see if both
are present. In case both ureteral mouths are seen and clear urine comes from
each, we know that both organs are present and that the kidney trouble is either
aseptic or but slightly septic. If there is an aseptic disease of one or both kid-
neys, the fluid in the bladder will remain clear. If the fluid quickly becomes
opaque, it is a sign that pus is coming from the kidney ; or pus flocculi or blood
may be seen coming from the mouth of one of the ureters and not the other,
showing that there is a disease in the kidney from which the abnormal products
come.
(c) Ureteral Catheterization. — If the urinary examination has shown
pathological renal findings of an aseptic nature and the cystoscope has shown
clear urine coming from pach kidney, the ureters should be catheterized to
obtain a specimen from either kidney, in order to discover which kidney is send-
ing forth the pathological products that were noticed in the general urinary
examination, and, in case both contain such findings, to ascertain the degree of
the involvement in each specimen. The passing of the ureteral catheters will
also tell if the ureter is of normal size up to the renal pelvis and, if not, the
nature and location of the obstruction.
374 METHODS OF EXAMINING THE KIDNEY
If one ureter is not seen to excrete, we become suspicious as to the presence
of the kidney on that side, and, if on catheterizing the ureter we find it goes
into the renal pelvis and nothing comes away, we suspect a nonfunctionating
kidney. If the ureteral catheter goes up but a slight distance and no urine
comes through it, we do not know whether there is an obstruction of the ureter
on that side that has caused an atrophy of the organ, or whether there is a con-
genital absence of the kidney. In either case, the patient would, of course, have
but a single working kidney. In case a turbid and flocculent urine is seen com-
ing from one kidney while that from the other organ is clear, specimens of each
should be taken, and after examination the result should be compared with that
of the general urine. The same test applies to purulent urine coming from
both sides.
In case both ureters are seen- to be secreting urine and yet one ureter
cannot be catheterized, the catheter should be left in the permeable ure-
ter, and an ordinary small soft-rubber catheter should be passed into the
bladder; after emptying it, the rubl)er catheter should be retained in order
to collect the specimen coming from the ureter that could not be cathe-
terized.
If the bladder has been found, during our cystoscopic examination, to be
diseased, we should note this condition and also the presence or absence of
urethral strictui'e, hypertrophied prostate,' vesical calculus, tuberculosis or
tumor, all of which are guides to the diagnosis of diseases of the kidney. Small
ulcers grouped about the mouth of one ureter point to a tubercular kidney on
that side.
It may be here stated that suppurative disease of the kidney, when due to
some cause not situated in that organ or its pelvis, is more frequently secondary
to urethral stricture, hypertrophy of the prostate, or vesical calculus than to
anv other causes.
By the means just outlined, we will be able to discover the presence of
urethral, bladder, ureteral or renal diseases, and to know which of these four
points of the urinary tract is involved ; or whether two or more are affected ; and,
if the disease is renal, to know which side is involved and to form a fair idea
of the condition of the other organ. We can also judge in a case of renal dis-
ease, whetlier or not the trouble is due to lesions situated lower down in the
urinary tract, as obstructions or other troubles in the urethra, prostate, bladder
or ureters. The comparison of the specimen obtained from each ureter with
that of the general sj>ecimen from both kidneys, together with the general and
special examinations already outlined, will probably tell at this time what the
condition of each kidney is and the nature of the disease. Single (unilateral)
kidneys and nonfunctionating kidneys are very rare. Tliere are, however, cer-
tain tests still to be used, the positive results of which are confirmative of our
present conclusions.
THE NATURE OF THE RENAL DISEASE 375
No. 3: The Nature of the Benal Disease.
(a) Radiography. — If there has been a pain in the renal region on one
side, if hematuria has followed the pain, if the kidney has been found to be
tender or enlarged, if crystals have been found in the urine in masses of mucus
and epithelia, we suspect a case of aseptic nephrolithiasis. If there is a large
kidney on one side that is painful and tender with the same findings that have
been mentioned above plus attacks of fever, pus and granular, epithelial and
pus casts in the urine, we must look for a case of septic nephrolithiasis. The
suspicion of renal calculus becomes a probable diagnosis if no obstructions to
the urinary flow have been discovered in the urethra or prostate, nor any tubercle
bacilli or tumor fragments have been found in the urine. We, therefore, proceed
to radiograph the patient.
Radiography should always be resorted to when there is the slightest sus-
picion of stone and also in all pus cases for which there is no appreciable cause.
Stones cannot always be detected by radiography, even by the most improved
tec4mique; but in a large proportion of cases, the shadows have been success-
fully detected and a positive diagnosis of calculus in the kidney or ureter is gen-
erally conclusive by the X-ray.
The difficulties to be surmounted in this work are not only the imperfections
of the apparatus, excessive fat in the patient, accumulation of feces in the bowel,
malformations of the kidney and very small stones located in the renal tissues ;
but also the permeability of renal stones to the X-rays, which is sometimes so
great that they throw but a faint shadow. This is especially so in cases of uric-
acid calculi, the most common kind. Stones of oxalate of lime and phosphates
usually throw a shadow and even small amounts of calcium oxalate will throw
excellent shadows.
If the picture is of good quality and if successive pictures taken at inter-
vals of a few days indicate the presence of stone, the surgeon is able to make a
positive diagnosis. The radiographist should, however, be able to take pictures
of a proper quality, and also to interpret them correctly. At least two pictures,
showing good shadows of stone, should be obtained, before a positive diagnosis
is made for the purpose of operation.
Lester Leonard, of Philadelphia, and Caldwell and Cole, of New York, have,
by their extremely good work, been able to obtain positive findings in nearly all
cases in which calculus was found to be present on operation. Kiimmel, of Ham-
burg, has been exceptionally fortunate in his X-ray work and has concluded
that every stone in the kidney can be detected by a good X-ray plate, of whatever
composition the calculus may be.
The important points in obtaining satisfactory results is to have proper
plates and the requisite technique. In the first place, the bowels of the patient
should be thoroughly emptied, so that there can be no fecal accumulation in the
colon over the kidney. Calomel should be taken the night before, a saline laxa-
376 METHODS OF EXAMINING THE KIDNEY
tive in the morning and a high cleansing enema after the bowels have moved,
after which the picture should be taken. The patient should be placed in the
correct position and submitted to the proper exposure.
The shadows usuallv lie from four to ten centimeters to one side of the mid-
«
die vertebral line, in a location corresponding to the second lumbar vertebra, at
which point the pelvis of the kidney is usually situated.
The patient is placed in the dorsal position, the knees and thighs flexed,
and an adjustable tube of medium softness is used at a distance of 15 cm. (6
inches) from the abdominal wall. The abdomen is covered with a red screen,
limiting the area exposed to that of the renal region. A photographic plate
is placed under the patient's back, corresponding to the opening in the
screen. The exposure should be short — about one or two minutes. A shadow
over the suspected kidney usually makes the diagnosis of nephrolithiasis
certain.
(6) GriNEA-Pia Inoculations. — In the case of a patient wdth pain, an
enlarged tender kidney on one side (and polyuria and frequency of urination),
in whose urine no tumor fragments are found coming from that side and no
shadow is seen on radiography, tuberculosis of the kidney is suspected, esi)e-
cially if the individual is losing w^eight and strength. If tubercle bacilli are
found in the urine coming from the suspected kidney of this patient, the diag-
nosis is confirmed ; but in case the urine from that kidney does not show tubercle
bacilli, it should be at the same time injected into guinea pigs. In fact, the
urine from both kidneys should be examined for tubercle bacilli and injected
into guinea pigs.
Guinea-pig inoculations are just as important in renal examinations in cases
in which tuberculosis of the kidney is suspected, as is the X-ray in cases in
which nephrolithiasis is suspected. The details of guinea-pig inoculations have
been described in a chapter on Tuberculosis of the Kidney, and also in the
chapter on Examination of the Urine to which the reader is referred. The
positive findings in guinea-pig inoculation are, to-day, an indisputable proof of
the presence of tuberculosis in a kidney.
In other cases in which the kidney on one side is enlarged and the patient
has marked attacks of hematuria, tumor of the kidney is suspected. If after
examining the urine from the affected side in such a case, crystals and tubercle
bacilli are not found and guinea-pig inoculations and radiography are negative,
tumor of the kidney is probably present, and this diagnosis would be confirmed
by the finding of atypical cells and tumor fragments in the urine from that
kidnev.
The examination thus far has sho^vn how we have arrived at the conclusion
that a kidney is diseased, which kidney it is, the nature of the disease, the con-
dition of the other kidnev; and it now remains to test the function of the two
organs and to determine their secreting power.
FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF THE KIDNEYS 377
No. 4: Functional Capacity of the Kidneys. — The capacity for work, or
the functional eiBciency of an organ, is an index to its health from a physio-
logical point of view. An organ may be, to a certain extent, diseased and yet
able to perform its function satisfactorily. The functional efficiency, or inef-
ficiency of an organ, may or may not be proportionate to the anatomical lesions.
It is important to know what lesions are present in the kidney and still more
so to know the amount of functional efliciency left in the diseased kidney, as
well as in the organ of the opposite side.
It is said that a patient can live with a third of the total amount of func-
tionating renal tissue normally present in both kidneys, but that if there is
only one fourth of the total functionating renal tissue left, he will die. It is safer
to have a remaining healthy kidney that contains one half of the total amount
of the normal kidney tissue of both kidneys than one that contains but one third ;
but it is also safer to have a remaining kidney with one third of the total amount
of renal tissue than one with but one fourth, as, in the last case, there would
be a renal insufficiency that would be fatal.
By a nephrectomy, we remove the diseased kidney tissue, so that the re-
maining kidney is relieved of the reflex and toxic influences that the organ has
had upon it. The function of the remaining kidney improves and it shows
itself adequate to the needs of the individual.
In surgical affections, the comparison of the functional state of one kidney
with that of the other is of {)aramount importance. The removal of one kidney
which may be functionally useless as the result of a tumor, tuberculosis, etc.,
is not a dangerous procedure if the remaining kidney is perfectly healthy, as it
wull then be able to take care of the work of both. If the opposite kidney is the
seat of either the same or of other disease, the removal of the diseased organ is
contraindicated. Occasionally, however, the disease in the less affected organ
is so slight that its functional power is suflicient to carry on successfully the
elimination of the total urine after the removal of the more diseased one. Mod-
ern surgeons for this reason avoid the removal of any kidney unless the func-
tional examination of the other organ shows it to be sufficiently healthy. To a
certain degree, a clew to the pathological lesions and to the amount of work
a kidney can do is obtained by the chemical and microscopical examination of
the urine. Y'et this examination is not always sufficient, even when the urine
from each kidney is tested separately to determine the condition of each organ.
Estimating Renal Function in Surgical Diseases of the Kidney. —
In order to determine the functional capacity of the kidneys, a twenty-four-
hour specimen should be examined. This will tell us the amount of liquid
and the amount of solid passed. The most important solid is urea and, there-
fore, this should be taken principally into consideration.
Knowing the normal amount of fluid passed in twenty-four hours, as well
as the amount of solid the urine contains, it will be easy to compare the total
378 METHODS OF EXAMINING THE KIDNEY
urine from the patient with the normal, as well as the total amount of urea
passed. Low specific gravity does not mean much, if the amount of solid is
sufficient in a twenty-four-hour specimen, as a diseased kidney will often give
off more fluid than a healthy one, and nervous individuals with healthy kidneys
may also have polyuria. The amount of urea in a catheterized specimen from
each ureter, if the catheters are allowed to remain in twenty-four hours, com-
pared with the general twenty-four-hour common specimen of voided urine,
would give us a good idea of the amount of urine and urea secreted from each
kidney, and whether, in case the diseased kidney were removed, the remaining
organ could carry out satisfactorily the renal function of elimination. Gener-
ally, however, the catheters are left in but one hour and an estimate is made
between the amount secreted in this time and that passed in twenty-four hours.
The Comparative Flow of Urixe througji the Ureteral Catheters
IN Examining the Kidneys. — It is important, while the catheters are in the
ureters, to note the rapidity and amount of the urine coming from each organ.
A normal kidney secretes about an ounce an hour and the urine flows in a
rhythmical manner. If, on introducing a ureteral catheter, an ounce or more
urine quickly escapes, it shows a dilatation of the pelvis and renal retention,
occurring either in uronephrosis or pyonephrosis. The turbid urine may be
white in color, milky, or it may have a yellowish tinge. When white, there is
but a small amount of solid present, when darker a more concentrated urine.
The very light colored urine occurs in cases of pyonephrosis in which the kidney
parenchyma has been almost entirely destroyed. Sometimes nothing but very
thick pus comes from the ureter and slowly drops from the end of the ureteral
. catheter, showing that the kidney parenchyma is practically destroyed, that
the pelvis is not much enlarged and the kidney is secreting but little or no fluid.
Sometimes a diminished amount of turbid amber or yellow urine comes from
one kidney and an increased amount of turbid white urine from the other. In
this case, both kidneys are diseased, probably the first with pyelitis or pyelo-
nephritis and the second with pyonephrosis. The kidney secreting the turbid
darker urine, would probably be the more acutely involved of the two, but would,
contain more functionating renal tissue. In such a case, the general urine
coming from both kidneys might be the color of lemonade. A general urine
might also resemble lemonade when normal urine is coming from one kidney
and a white turbid urine from the other. Again, a general urine may have a
lemonade color in case one kidney is the seat of parenchymatous nephritis, and
the other kidney almost destroyed by pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis. On the
other hand, one kidney may secrete a larger amount of urine of a very low
specific gravity, and the other a turbid-colored urine of a higher specific gravity.
These variations of the balance of health and disease in the kidnev, as shown
by the urine, are more likely to occur in tubercular affections of the kidney
than in any other. In determining the renal function of the two kidneys, it is
FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF THE KIDNEYS 379
necessary to compare the findings in the urine from one kidney with those of
the other, as well as with the findings of a specimen taken from the entire
twenty-four hours' output of urine.
(a) Ceyoscopy. — It has been proved experimentally that the freezing point
of a solution is lowered in proportion to the number of molecules dissolved in
a given volume of the solution, no matter what the weight of the individual
molecules may be.
Therefore, the freezing point of the blood or the urine indicates the number
of molecules dissolved in a given volume of the sample.
The freezing point of normal urine varies between — 1.3° and — 2.2° C
When the kidneys are diseased, the theory is that fewer molecules of solids
are excreted and so the freezing point is higher — that is, nearer to 0°. A
freezing point in urine higher than — 1° C. is usually regarded as abnormal.
When the kidneys are almost destroyed by disease, as, for example, shortly
before death from uremia, the freezing point is often very nearly at 0*^, which
is the freezing point of distilled water.
Cryoscopy is, therefore, designed to give us a means of estimating the func-
tional ca])acity of the kidney.
Technique, — Sample of urine, twenty-four hours'.
Amount needed, 10 to 15 c.c.
Apparatus: — Cryoscope, consisting essentially of a very delicate thermom-
eter of a special pattern known as Beckmann's. The invention of this ther-
mometer made the delicate measurements of temperature possible which are
now used in chemical physics.
The freezing of distilled water (zero) should always be determined first
with such a thermometer and anv deviation from zero should be noted as a
correction.
The other parts of the apparatus are: A test-tube in which the urine is
placed, the thermometer fitting into this tube through a perforated rubber
stopper. A wire or hard-rubber stirrer spiral is used to mix the urine during
the operation. Outside of the tube is the receptacle for the mixture of ice and
salt usually employed for the freezing process.
To read the thermometer, the observer watches the mercury constantly from
the start. The mercury will suddenly begin to sink and then will stop quite
low on the scale. Then it will begin to fluctuate rapidly and will rise to a
point were it will remain stationary. This is the freezing point of the urine
examined. It is, of course, very important to wait for the " superfusion " to
cease, as accurate readings cannot otherwise be obtained. By practicing
with distilled water, one can accustom oneself to bring a mixture of salt
and ice to a fairly constant temperature. This outside temperature should
be about two degrees below zero and another thermometer may be used to
regulate it.
380 METHODS OF EXAMINING THE KIDNEY
The error in reading should not be over y|^ of a degree. This is accu-
rate enough for clinical purposes.
Clinical Applications of Cryoscopy. — The clinical value of the method is
naturally limited, owing to certain sources of error, such as imperfect technique
and variations in the normal freezing point, and owing to complicated lesions of
the kidney, such as complete destruction of one part of the kidney with corre-
sponding hypertrophy of another part, etc.
The chief value of cryoscopy lies in the determination of the relative freez-
ing point of the urine of each kidney separately, obtained with the aid of the
ureteral catheter.
Another, though less important use of the cryoscope is in the diagnosis or
prognosis of a cystitis or pyelitis when we wish to know if the process is ascend-
ing into the kidney.
Cryoscopy of the Urine and the Blood. — The freezing point of the blood
is determined in the same manner as that of the urine and the two tests are
used as a check upon each other. Keranyi and others found that normal blood
freezes at about —0.56° C, a figure which is remarkably constant. When
the kidneys are diseased and do not excrete as much effete material as nor-
mally, an increaseil amount of toxic substances accumulates in the blood and
thus the freezing point of the blood becomes lowered. Abnormal kidneys, there-
fore, produce a lowering of the freezing point of the blood. It has been found
that when this point is below — 0.60° C, the kidneys are diseased.
(1) When the freezing point of the blood is normal and when the freez-
ing point of the opposite kidney is also normal, the surgeon can safely extirpate
the affected kidney.
(2) When the freezing point of the blood is normal and that of the urine
of the opposite kidney does not fall within normal limits, the surgeon should
perform a conservative operation, such as nephrotomy, instead of nephrectomy.
(3) When the freezing point of both blood and urine of the opposite kid-
ney are abnormal, the surgeon should perform even more conservative opera-
tions (e. g., incisions of nephrotic sacs) only under the stress of dire necessity.
(6) Methylene-blue Test. — The object of this test is to determine the
rate of excretion of methylene blue through the kidneys, in order to estimate
the functional value of these organs. The coloring matter is injected intra-
muscularly in a five-per-cent watery solution. Normally, the blue color should
appear in the urine in half an hour after injecting it. If the appearance is
delayed to an hour and a half or longer, the kidneys have a diminished per-
meability.
While the test is attractive theoretically, it is, unfortunately, unreliable
clinically. One objection is, that so long as a small amount of parenchyma
remains healthy, as is often the case in an extensively diseased organ, enough
methylene blue will appear in the urine promptly after injection. It seems,
FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF THE KIDNEYS 381
that some kidneys may have a certain selective action upon methylene blue,
even though diseased, and that they excrete the dye readily, even though they
may not be capable of excreting the urinary constituents. Conversely, it has
been found at times that the kidneys may act normally so far as excreting
urine is concerned, but cannot excrete methylene blue promptly.
Another source of error is the fact that methylene blue may be reduced in
the tissues to a chromogen which is excreted as such, and is converted again
into the blue or greenish dye by boiling the urine with acetic acid.
The duration of the excretion of a given dose of methylene blue is also an
uncertain index. The duration may be shortened, the methylene blue being
excreted more rapidly than normally in both acute and chronic parenchymatous
nephritis, while it is lengthened frequently in the interstitial form. The length-
ening of the period of excretion may also be due to compensatory hypertrophy
of the healthy kidney. In the acute and chronic parenchymatous forms, as well
as in amyloid kidney, the excretion is not materially modified. While the test
may he useful in distinguishing the side aflFected by comparing the urines of
either kidney, it is not a trustworthy guide as a general standard for the func-
tional value of the kidney.
Technique of the Test. — One c.c. of a five-per-cent solution of chemically
pure methylene blue is injected deeply into the buttock. The patient is directed
to empty the bladder every quarter of an hour and the urine is collected in sepa-
rate glasses. The time of beginning elimination, the duration and amount of
coloring matter excreted are noted. Each sample must be tested with boiling
acetic acid, in order to convert the chromogen that may be present into methyl-
ene blue. If the dye appears within half an hour, the kidneys are supposed
to be normal. The elimination lasts normally from thirty-five to sixty hours.
(c) The Pui.oridzin Test. — This test is based upon the fact that, when
phloridzin is injected into the circulation, sugar is excreted by the kidney and
appears in the urine.
This test is performed by injecting subcutaneously 1 c.c. of a 1 : 200 solu-
tion, that is, 5 milligrams of the drug. The patient is allowed to urinate before
the injection and his urine is tested to see that it contains no sugar. The urine
is then collected each quarter of an hour and each sample is tested for sugar.
The urine is cleared first by thorough filtering.
Normally, sugar appears within half an hour to an hour, disappears within
three or four hours and the total amount excreted is from one to two grams.
In chronic nephritis, with interstitial changes, the excretion is either dimin-
i8he<l or abolished, even when no albuminuria is present.
Israel objects to the phloridzin test and denies that the amount of healthy
parenchyma is indicated by the amount of sugar excreted. But even if the
glycosuria is not a measure of the work of the kidney, when there is a marked
difference in the amount of sugar excreted by either kidney, we can determine
382 METHODS OF EXAMINING THE KIDNEY
which of the two works better. When this difference is very marked with a
very low amount of glucose on one side, we are justified in concluding that
this particular kidney is probably functionally insufficient.
Having given the urine the functional tests, in addition to the remainder
of the examination, we can feel that everything has been done that is required
in order to determine the condition of the healthy and the unhealthy kidney,
excepting, perhaps, an exploratory incision.
No. 6: Exploratory Incision. — ^An exploratory incision is rarely necessary.
There are, however, cases in which we must resort to it, on account of an ex-
tremely contracted bladder, hemorrhagic cystitis, sacculated bladder, or such
an unusual amount of blood or pus in the urine coming down from the kidneys
that we cannot see the ureteral mouths or the urine coming from them.
Such difficulties to cystoscopy and ureteral catheterization are seldom en-
countered, but they are occasionally met with in cases in which there is an
enlargement of the kidney on one side with findings of renal disease in the
urine, and, besides, constitutional symptoms that call for operative interference
in the case of the enlarged organ. Here an exploratory incision should be
made on the side of the suspected healthy kidney to examine it before operating
on the suspected diseased one.
CHAPTER XX
ANOMALIES OF THE KIDNEY
Anomalies of the kidney gland proper, and of the renal blood vessels,
are intimately linked embryologically with the anomalies of the ureter. They
are all congenital and explained by embryology. Major abnormalities are rare ;
but minor anomalies — small deviations from the normal type — are, on the
contrary, rather common. The complexity of the developmental process of the
upper urinary tract, which is very intricate, easily accounts for the frequency
of the minor defects.
The subjects can be treated here but briefly and, in case our readers desire
further information, we refer them to the " Surgical Diseases of the Kidney
and Ureter," by Morris (London, vol. i, p. 18).
Some abnormalities have great surgical importance, while others have only
an anatomical and embryological interest, and represent transitory fetal stages
which have become accidentally permanent.
ANOMALIES OF THE KIDNEY GLAND PROPER
Anomalies of the kidney gland proper may be classified under four
headings.
A. Anomalies of Position. — Congenital ectopic kidneys have been found at
the sacro-iliac joint, which will be shown later in the chapter on Hydronephrosis,
over the promontory of the sacrum, just below the bifurcation of the aorta, and
in the false pelvis just above Poupart's ligament. Such a kidney may be single
or, what is more frequent, associated with another normally developed and
normally placed kidney. The vessels are short and multiple, and spring abnor-
mally from neighboring blood vessels, thereby difl^erentiating such a congen-
itally misplaced kidney from an ordinary movable kidney secondarily fixed by
adhesions. The ectopic kidney is fixed in its position and adhesions may be
present, but the origin of the vessels is evidence of a congenital anomaly. The
organ may be found in any part of the abdomen, or in the pelvis, and this is
usually associated with other congenital abnormalities of the genito-urinary
organs. It is more common in males than in females.
Kidneys displaced into the pelvis may give rise to disturbances of defeca-
383
384 ANOMALIES OF THE KIDNEY
tion and also of urination, such as frequent micturition and tenesmus; hema-
turia and pyuria are also seen in these cases. The displaced organs become the
seat of hydronephrosis or pyonephrosis, with symptoms of pelvic or abdominal
tumor. The diagnosis can be made theoretically by a pelvic examination per
vagina or per rectum. The introduction of a ureteral catheter also assists, by
showing that the ureter appears short and obstructed ; but an exploratory lapa-
rotomy is necessary for a correct diagnosis, as this will allow us to find the ab-
sence of the kidney in the renal fossa, and its presence in the pelvis. If, in a
woman, the organ is so placed as to interfere with childbirth, and if the opposite
kidney is not diseased, it is best to remove the displaced gland, providing this
can be done without too much tearing of the surrounding adherent structures.
( Vagin removed such a kidney by the vaginal route. Israel, in operating on
such a case, closed the abdominal wound made for exploratory purposes and
performed an extraperitoneal nephrectomy. Misplaced kidneys are ectoj)ic.
Displaced kidneys are movable kidneys that have fallen from the renal fossa
and become fixed where thev final Iv lodged.
B. Anomalies in Mobility. — These comprise the cases of congenital movable
kidney. They occupy an intermediary position between an ectopic kidney and
an acquired movable kidney. There are two types, according to the normal
or abnormal origin of the vascular pedicle, and the length of the latter. Some-
times the kidney, instead of being held against the posterior abdominal wall by
the peritoneum in front of it, has a true mesonephron.
C. Anomalies in Shape. — The most frequent is lobulation. It is due to the
persistence of a transitory fetal di8|x>sition and reproduces the type of kidney
normal in some species of animals. The fissures may be so deep as to give
the impression of a multiple kidney. According to Kiister, fetal kidneys are
subject to tuberculosis, and his o])inion is confirmed by other authors. These
fissures will be noticed in the illustration of single congenital unsymmetrical
kidney. (See Fig. 205.)
Hour-glass contraction occasionally occurs^ but it is very rare.
Sometimes there exists a fusion of two homologous poles of both kidneys,
the lower ones generally, the upper more rarely. This gives rise to a horse-
shoe kidney, two subvarieties of which are the sigmoidal kidney and the
discoidal, placentalike kidney.
Horseshoe hidney usually shows an isthmus and two free ends which point
upward. Less frequently, the two ends j>oint downward, the upper poles of
the kidney having coalesced. One of the kidneys may be much larger than the
other, and often the bridge or isthmus is composed merely of fibrous tissue. The
ureters are usually two in number ; sometimes four are present, and run across
the isthmus from above downward.
Horseshoe kidneys are usually displaced downward and toward the median
line, as low as the sacral promontory. Supernumerary renal vessels often occur
ANOMALIES OF THE KIDNEY GLAND PROPER 385
in these eases, and a central renal artery may spring from the aorta and supply
the isthmus.
Clinically, horseshoe kidney is of importance on account of the possibility
of an operator inadvertently removing the whole mass as one kidney. Partial
excisions of horseshoe kidneys have been done by Socin, Konig and others and
the isthmus has been severed after ligating it, or the hemorrhage has been
stopped with the cautery.
The diagnosis of a horseshoe kidney is not simple, and at l)est we may sur-
mise the presence of this anomaly when we feel an abnormal median renal
tumor, or see the shadows of calculi very close to the spine. Sometimes a horse-
shoe kidney can be felt as a pulsating tumor over the aorta, over which a sys-
tolic murmur is heard. Hydronephrosis sometimes occurs in a horseshoe
kidney. An exploratory incision is the only positive means of diagnosis.
Both poles of both kidneys may be fused, forming a variety known as annu-
lar kidney, often called solitary kidney and considered as a single kidney. This
we believe to be unjustified, as there are two kidneys and two ureters, and this
anomaly is simply an exaggeration of the horseshoe type.
D. Anomalies in Number. — Cases of supernumerary kidneys are few and
not always well authenticated. The mode of development of the ureter and
kidney makes one doubtful as to the possibility of sui>ernumerary kidneys.
Much more important than the anomaly .of excess is the anomaly of default.
The absence of both kidneys is only a teratological curiosity of the first months
of embryonic life. The absence of one kidney, either on account of nonforma-
tion, or of congenital atrophy, is the chief anomaly of the kidney from a surgical
standpoint.
Statistics show that single kidneys are very rare, although sometimes they
appear to be frequent. This is conclusivelv shown by my own experience with
the anomaly.
During the eight years that I spent teaching anatomy and operative surgery
at the Post-Graduate Medical School, with large numbers of cadavers always
in use, in which both kidneys were dissected or operated upon, I failed to see
one instance of single kidney, and this, together with the same experience in
numerous autopsies, led me to believe that such a condition almost never ex-
isted; I changed my opinion, however, when I encountered three single kid-
neys in a small hospital service within a period of less than ten months, during
which time only fifteen autopsies had been performed. This is certainly unus-
ual, when Guy's hospital reports say that in 4,632 cases, only one congenitally
single kidney was found in a period of ten years.
A single kidney may be associated with deformity of the organ or another
form of anomaly, lobulation. This point is important to remember when oper-
ating, as when one is not sure that there is a second kidney, suspicions may be
aroused by an abnormally large and lobulated kidney on the side operated upon.
ANOMALIES OF THE KIDNEY
The situation of a single kidney varies considerably: it may be found in
the loin, or in the median line, at the brim of the pelvis, etc It is usually
larger than normal, when in a healthy state, and may also be enlarged from
disease. It is generally found on the right side and more commonly in men.
The renal vessels are usually absent on the side where the kidney is lacking
and the ureter as well. Wankiewicz collected statistics of 234 eases of single
kidney, showing rndiments of the ureter in 17 cases, absence of the kidney on
the left side in 127 cases, and on the right side in 97 cases, while in 12 the side
was not given ; malformation of the bladder in most of the cases ; no trace of a
ureteral orifice in the bladder on the side where the kidney was absent in 74
cases, while in others a small indentation or diverticulum was found where the
ureter should have been ; absence of one half of the trigone in some cases, and,
in others, termination of the single ureter in the center of the bladder. Ac-
cording to Wankiewicz, therefore, absence of a ureteral mouth occurs in one
third of the cases of single kidney and may then he detected by the cystoscope.
A single kidney may be excluded only
when both ureters can be catheterized
and are shaped to discharge urine.
A single kidney is interesting sur-
gically, because it may become tbe seat
of an affection demanding nephrectomy,
such as tnbereulosis or cancer. The
following case is an example of the kind
and carries out the views of Kiister in
that it was a lobulated kidney of the
fetal type with deep fissures and the
seat of tiihereiilosis. The patient was
on my service at the Columbus Hos-
pital.
Case I. — Laborer, aged twenty-one
years, was referred to me for nephrectomy
for tuberculous kidney. Incision in the
left loin showed a large left kidney al-
most divided in halves by a fissure and
completely riddled with small tubercles
and abscesses. I removed the organ and
the patient died of uremia on the eighth
day after nephrectomy. The right kidney was found congenitally absent, as
was the suprarenal capsule on that side. Fig. 265 shows the appearance of the
extirpated single kidney. This organ was 5^ inches long, 3 inches wide and 2J
inches thick. The kidney resembled a large ripe tomato, only of a deeper red
color. It was lobulated, there being four quite distinct lobules. The fissures
Fin. 285. M:N0TB TOBKHCCt.AR ABBCESSEa
OF A Single Abymmbtmcal K:onet. Note
the deep fissures and coovolutiona : il was
5}^ inches long and very thick. (Author's
ANOMALIES OF THE KIDNEY GLAND PROPER 387
between these lobules did not extend through the organ. The organ was mahog-
any red and studded with small tubercular abscesses under the capsula propria,
varying in size from a pin point to a split pea. The upper pole was larger and
more involved. The kidney had much fat attached to its capsula propria ; there
was but one pelvis and one ureter present.
Microscopical Examination. — The kidney showed intense inflammation and
numerous miliary tubercles and abscesses, degeneration of the epithelia of the
tubules, little new connective tissue, periarterial extravasation of leukocytes, epi-
thelia of the glomeruli thickened and the tubules filled with casts.
In the place of the right kidney, there was an extension of the right lobe of
the liver down to the renal fossa on that side, resembling a tongue, about 3^
inches in length, 3 inches in width at its upper part, gradually ending in the
shape of a wedge, slightly twisted on itself. No other abnormality was noticed.
When an affection developing in a single kidney can be treated conserva-
tively, as calculus hydronephrosis or pyonephrosis, the outlook is not so gloomy,
although if the calculus w^ere to obliterate the ureter, complete anuria would
immediately ensue. A single kidney may be present in persons who are in
perfect health, and an advanced age may be reached with only one kidney ; but
it seems that these kidneys, despite their compensatory hypertrophy, are weaker
and more liable to disease than ordinary normal kidneys. There is said to be
a tendency to albuminuria in young persons with a single kidney, and also a
tendency to the formation of renal stones. Hydro- and pyonephrosis from un-
discovered causes, and chronic nephritis, have also been recorded in single kid-
neys. It should be noted that, in the two following cases, the diseases from
which the patients were suffering were in themselves sufficient cause for death,
and yet in both cases the kidneys were diseased. In these two cases, the patients
were in the prime of life and it is not illogical to suppose that the single kidney
created a physiological inferiority, partly responsible for the fatal outcome.
Case II (On the service of Dr. C. II. Lewis, at the Columbus Hospital). —
Fireman, aged thirty, died of empyema. Autopsy revealed the presence of a
single kidney situated on the left side. The right kidney and ureter were absent.
The left kidney was in normal position, 7 J inches long, 4 inches wide, 2^ inches
thick ; it was not distinctly lobulated, but there were depressions upon it, giving
rise to irregularities on the external surface. The lower lobe was wider than
the upper. Neither kidney nor ureter was found on the other side.
Microscopical examination made by Dr. Noyes showed degeneration of the
epithelia in the tubes, and casts, little new connective tissue, few red blood cor-
puscles, glomeruli showed some cheesy exudation in capsule periphery, con-
nective-tissue proliferation (Fig. 266).
Diagnosis. — Acute parenchymatous nephritis.
Case III (Occurred in the Medical Ward of the Columbus Hospital in the
service of Dr. Keller and is published by his permission). — Laborer, twenty-
388 ANOMALIES OF THE KIDNEY
five years old. Diagnosis, typhoid fever. Died at hospital in the third week
of the disease. The autopsy showed that but one kidney was present, situated
on the right side, somewhat lohwlated, with single pelvis and uref«r; on the
left Bide, neither kiduey, ureter nor suprarenal capsule was found. The kidney
PlO. 268. SmOLB ASTUMBTRICAL KiDNBT, 7H FlO. 267. SlNQLIlAaTHllBTBICALKlPNBT. MaRK-
iNCtma LoNo, Rbuovbd at Autopbt. Note cdlt Convolcted, Reuoved at Auiofst.
the fiuurefl and depreauoDS. (Author's colleo- (Author's collection.)
was 4 inches long, 2^ inches wide and 2 inches thick. Five or six irregular ele-
vations could be seen on its surface.
The microscopical report of Dr. Noyes showed changes of chronic inter-
stitial nephritis, with the production of a moderate amount of new connective
tissue, degeneration of tubules in the cortex with exudates, glomeruli filled with
leukocytes, proliferation of epithelia. The tubules in the medullary portion
were more normal (Fig. 267),
ANOMALIES OF THE BLOOD VESSELS
Vascular anomalies may exist in cases of abnormal kidneys, but they may
also be found in an otherwise perfectly normal gland. Some o£ these anomalies
have a surgical interest, although most are mere anatomical curiosities.
The vessels may be abnormal by their origin, by their distribution or by
their number. Anomalies of the renal artery are more important, and also
more common than those of the vein.
The artery may originate much lower than usual ; this is ordinarily coupled
ANOMALIES OF THE BLOOD VESSELS 389
with a congenital ectopy of the gland. Among the anomalies of distribution, the
most interesting is the premature branching off from the trunk of the renal
artery of the branch going to the lower pole of the kidney. This artery then
crosses the ureter near its origin, and may become the cause of an hydro-
nephrosis; in three cases out of four (English), it passes in front of the ureter,
whereas in the fourth it passes behind. This artery is not a supernumerary
vessel, as is sometimes stated; but it is a normal artery of the kidney, which
cannot be ligated or cut without necrosis of the corresponding part of the gland.
The renal artery itself may be replaced by two, three or even four trunks.
There may also be renal supernumerary arteries that are small and may
be severed without interfering with the nourishment of the kidney but may
give rise to considerable hemorrhage during renal operations.
An embryologically interesting anomaly of the left renal vein is that in
which, all other things being normal, the vessel ends abnormally low into the
vena cava, at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra, and receives perpendicu-
larly the vena azygos minor.
CHAPTER XXI
KIDNEY INJURIES
Broadly speaking, there are two varieties of kidney wounds: First, those
that are inflicted without the wall of the body having been opened or pierced ;
and second, injuries of the organ by some instrument, weapon or missile that
has passed through the body wall. The former is called a subparietal (closed)
injury, and is usually due to a direct blow, a fall, striking on the kidney region,
or a crush from the wheel of a vehicle ; the latter is called an open wound, and
is due to a slash or a puncture with a knife, sword or bayonet, or to a pro-
jectile from a firearm.
Kidney injuries are rare, if surgical woimds are excluded. In 7,741 cases
of injuries reported by Kiister, but 10 were renal. Contusions are the most
frequent, next come gunshot wounds and last incised and punctured wounds.
I have had 5 cases of subparietal injury and 1 open wound (a stab).
There is an instinctive tendency to consider all injuries involving the kid-
ney as dangerous. This idea has been inherited from surgeons who were not
familiar with renal surgery, but at the present writing operative interference
has shown us that this fear was not justified and that kidney w^ounds, like the
wounds of all highly vascular organs, often heal quickly. Experimental sur-
gery, in the hands of Albarran, Legueu, Paoli, Podvyssotsky, Tufiier and others,
has taught us that the mechanism of wound repair in the kidney is essentially
the same as in any other parenchymatous organ ; that is, the proliferation of the
interstitial connective tissue of the gland bridges the gap between the two edges
and then permanently replaces this temporary mending in the natural way with
the aid of a clot. The functionating elements of the gland degenerate and are
replaced by connective tissue. Scar formation is rapid in the kidney and the
process of repair has been shown far advanced after six days. The parenchyma
is substituted by common scar tissue, which is slowly permeated by scant, newly
formed capillaries. It has been claimed by several that, after the healing of a
kidney injury, a regeneration of the epithelial cells and the glomeruli takes
place. I do not believe, however, that such a process is possible, as in such a
case the kidney parenchyma would have regenerative powers that are not shared
by other tissues in the body. The epithelial cells of the kidney are so delicate,
that even a temporary ligature of the renal vein is enough to alter them deeply ;
390
SUBPARIETAL INJUKIES 391
and highly specialized cells do not regenerate. As for glomeruli, one does not
understand how such a complex formation could regenerate, even in very young
people. If the glomeruli appear more abundant near a renal scar, it is prob-
ably because of the shrinkage of the connective tissue in the vicinity.
There is undoubtedly a compensatory hypertrophy after any loss of sub-
stance of the kidney, but this is not due to the regeneration of renal elementa
Compensation in the remaining kidney, after nephrectomy, for instance, is
established not through formation of new elements, but through an increase in
size and in functional activity of the surviving elements; for it must not be
overlooked that we have normally in the body a much greater amount of kidney
tissue than is necessary for the maintenance of life. Tuffier removed one kid-
ney in dogs and had to slice off a large part of the other, before he obtained any
symptoms of urinary insuflSciency.
SUBPARIETAL INJURIES
Etiology. — Contusions of the kidney are seen a little more frequently on
the right side than on the left (142 to 118). They sometimes have taken place
in both sides ; while cases are on record of the rupture of a single asymmetrical
kidney, and one case of a ruptured horseshoe kidney. In my series, 3 cases
were on the right side. The most susceptible age is from ten to thirty, that is,
the age of greatest muscular activity and liability to accident. Men are much
oftener affected than women. In my personal cases, eighty per cent occurred
in men. Kiister gives even as high as ninety-four per cent in men and six per
cent in women.
The kidney may undergo rupture as a consequence of a direct violence, such
as a blow, fall on the loin, kick from a horse ; or of an indirect compression of
the body between two surfaces, as in elevator-shaft accidents, by the pinning
of the lumbar region between the buffers of railroad cars, or by the passage of
a carriage wheel over the costo-iliac space, the body resting flat on the ground.
The latter two accidents and a fall on the loin are the most common.
Some claim that a kidney may be ruptured by indirect violence, such as a
strong muscular contraction when the body is bent suddenly forward or on one
side; but personally I am inclined to doubt the possibility of a rupture of so
well-protected and so movable an organ from a mere muscular contraction,
unless the kidney is very much congested or distended on account of some ob-
struction to the urinary flow.
The theories of the mechanism of rupture do not account for all forms of
renal injuries, but they are the best we have at our disposal at present.
Pathology. — The pathology of contusions depends on w^hether the fibrous
capsule is torn through or not. If the capsule is not torn through, the hemor-
rhage is usually slight, in which case there is a subcapsular ecchymosis or hema-
392 KIDNEY INJURIES
toma, or irregularly shaped areas of hemorrhage within the parenchyma near
the surface or extending as deep as the pelvis.
True rupture exists when the capsule is torn and the laceration is deep
enough to communicate with the pelvis of the kidney. Fissures are usually
found on the anterior aspect of the organ and are transverse in direction or
radiate from the hilus. Infarcts of the usual wedge shape may follow con-
tusions of the kidney. In cases of true rupture of the kidney, there is an ex-
tensive leakage of blood, or blood and urine, into the surrounding tissue, ac-
cording to whether the excretory channels are torn or not. If the rupture is
very extensive, the two halves of the kidney are held together by the pedicle
only, or, in extreme cases, the kidney may be divided into a number of small
pieces, some of which may be totally detached.
The perirenal extravasation may burrow down along the ureter and collect
around the pelvic organs, but it usually collects in the retroperitoneal cellular
tissue, where it forms a rapidly growing liquid tumor known as a pseudo-
traumatic hydronei)hrosis. The contents of the tumor resulting from rupture
of the kidney consist of a brown-red fluid, w^hich it is said may later change to
amber and resemble clear urine. Personally, I have never seen the clear fluid
after a rupture of the kidney, and I have cut into these extravasations of very
large size some time after the injury. Clear fluid I am inclined to regard as
coming from a rupture of the renal pelvis or ureter.
Detachment of the kidney from its pedicle is very rare and is accompanied
by severe, generally fatal, hemorrhage. When death does not occur at once,
infarction and necrosis of the kidney (extravasation with gangrene of the peri-
renal tissues) are liable to follow.
Fracture of the ribs is a frequent complication of renal contusion. The
peritoneum is torn in some cases of violent injury, an accident more apt to
occur in children under ten years on accoimt of the firm connection between the
peritoneum and the kidney at this early age. Other abdominal organs may, of
course, suffer coincidently with the crushed kidney.
Symptoms. — The Urine. — ^When a kidney is torn, even slightly, it bleeds
more or less profusely. Hemorrhage is, therefore, the most important consid-
eration in the symptomatology of renal contusions. Of all forms of bleeding,
hematuria deserves the first place, because it is the most frequent and the mast
characteristic. It occurs in the great majority of cases, even in mild injuries,
and is lacking only when there is a small tear that does not reach the calices,
and v^hen the continuity of the kidney with the ureter has been destroyed. It
will thus be seen that it is not always an alarming symptom per 5C, and
that its absence does not invariably indicate a mild injury. Hematuria,
coming on after injury, does not mean necessarily a contusion of the kid-
ney in the sense that we are considering; for if a calculus is present, the
bleeding may have been provoked by the traumatism of the stone within
SUBPARIETAL INJUKIES 393
the kidney, as after a jar. Blood and urine pressing on the outside of the
pelvis or ureter may prevent hematuria.
The hematuria after an injury to the kidney may be profuse at once, or
slight and subsequently increase; or it may be intermittent. In addition to
fresh blood, clots or casts of the ureter may be passed, or the blood clots may
accumulate in the bladder and be discharged with difficulty. It lasts from
two to eight days in the average cases. In some, it may continue remittently for
weeks. In infected cases, secondary hemorrhage may occur.
Certain conditions that affect the character and amount of urine passed
occur as the lesion begins to interfere with the function of the kidney. Oliguria
and even anuria may result if a blood clot occludes the ureter. Later polyuria
may occur, either simply compensatory in character or indicating the presence
of a traumatic nephritis. Albumen and pus may also be found in the urine,
indicating the presence of an infection and renal suppuration. Together witk
hemorrhage, we should look for the general symptoms such as accompany other
abdominal injuries, and are summed up by the word " shock," symptoms which
are due to injury to the solar plexus and other of the adjoining nerve plexuses
as well as the loss of blood. They include pallor, cold extremities, cold perspi-
ration, a small and rapid pulse, vomiting, vertigo and prostration. If internal
hemorrhage be severe, there are added to this gradual blanching of the skin and
mucosae, a thready pulse, anxiety and collapse. If peritonitis comes on later,
there are the usual general symptoms associated with this complication.
Local Symptoms. — The local symptoms generally come on at once after the
injury, although they are sometimes delayed. They include pain of a varying
character, usually not severe when due only to the injury of the external tissue
or to fractured ribs. It may, however, be very severe, radiating like that of a
renal colic, and increasing on movement and often upon respiration. Sometimes
patients complain of a sensation of something bursting at the moment of injury.
Retraction of the cremaster and pain in the testis on the affected side, are
regarded as signs of severe renal hemorrhage and of blocking of the ureters
by blood clots (Le Dentu). There may also be muscular rigidity over the in-
jured organ. The renal pain may last for weeks, and sensitiveness on pressure
persist for a long time.
Physical Signs. — The skin about the injured loin may be ecchymosed or
lacerated. Ecchymosis may also follow the connective-tissue sheaths of the
spermatic vessels and thus reach the external abdominal rings. In certain cases,
it has been seen to extend over the external genitals. A characteristic feature of
these ecchymoses due to renal injuries is that they usually reach the inguinal
ring late — two or three weeks, perhaps, after the accident (Sebilleau, Dumenil,
Le Dentu) — but it must be remembered that they may also be due to injuries
of other vessels in the retroperitoneal tissues.
The swelling may be very slight in mild injuries, but it is always distinct
394 KIDNEY INJUKIES
in the more severe forms. It usually comes on suddenly in severe cases and
depends upon the amount of the effusion of blood and urine. The tumor is usu-
ally palpable even in mild cases and is dull on percussion, when the swelling
is sufficiently large to percuss well.
Complications. — The complications are aseptic or infectious in character.
Aseptic complications are intraperitoneal hemorrhage, and, rarely, traumatic
nephritis. Infectious complications are peritonitis, perinephritic abscess and
pyelo-nephritis.
Peritoneal Complications. — Effusions of blood into the peritoneum occur
when the injury includes a rent in that membrane, or when the liver, spleen,
or some other organ is torn. A septic peritonitis develops within a short time
when infected urine flows into the cavity along with the blood. However, this
is fortunately not a common occurrence, as the peritoneum is fairly resistant
to aseptic urine. According to experiments quoted by Wagner, such urine is
borne by the peritoneum for forty-eight hours without much damage. As-
cending and hematogenous infections may also attack the peritoneum in sub-
cutaneous injuries of the kidneys (de Quervain).
De Quervain noted that, owing to disturbances in circulation of the colonic
flexure on the affected side, a certain degree of meteorism was often present
without any peritoneal involvement. This is a point worth remembering, as
such tympanites are apt to mislead one into the diagnosis of traumatic
peritonitis.
Chronic Traumatic Nephritis. — Chronic traumatic nephritis, as a com-
plication of subcutaneous renal injuries, deserves a few additional words, as it
has been the subject of considerable controversy. It is not certain whether a
diffuse nephritis can follow such an injury, and it is probable that in the cases
in which diffuse renal lesions were found at autopsy after contusions of the
kidney, the patient had been suffering from chronic nephritis before the injury.
Circumscribed nephritic lesions may occur, however, in the areas immediately
involved. In such cases, which are rare, the albuminuria and the casts persist
for some time in the urine after the hematuria disappears. Albumin has been
found in small amounts for a year or more after the injury.
Diagnosis. — The diagnosis of a renal contusion is possible in a positive way
when hematuria is present. All other symptoms may lead us to suspect such a
lesion, but none is sufliciently characteristic. This does not mean that they must
not be looked for carefully. The existence of a perirenal hematoma, coupled
with the history of the case, has, however, great value.
The differentiation between a subparietal renal injury and a renal colic
due to calculus and preceded by an accidental traumatism, is not always easy.
The history of the case and the repetition of the attacks at intervals may help
in making this distinction in the limited time at our disposal in these cases.
Renal tumors often give rise to pain and hematuria after an accidental blow,
SUBPARIETAL INJURIES
395
and, in Hucb cases, the diagnosis will have to be reserved until the nrine and
the cachexia give a clew to tlie condition.
We Lave seen that tlie severity o£ the symptoms ia hy no means a measure
of the extent of the injury in sulicnlaneous renal traumatism. An exception
to this, perhaps, is the ra]>idity with which the renal hematoma develops. This
is usually proportionate to the severity of the injury.
In eases with slight or absent swelling and pain, but with persistent hema-
Inria, the cystoscope will show from which side the bleeding comes. Muscular
rigidity on the affected side is of
service in doubtful cases.
In another class of cases, the
bleeding continues slowly until a
tumor resembling a small water-
melon in shape and size develops
on one side of the abdomen, most
marked in front {Fig. 268). In
this case, a lumbar incision should
l)e made in the ileo-costal space he-
hind and the contents evacuated.
The amount of mixed urine and
blood in sueh cases is often as-
tounding.
Prognosis. — The prognosis of
renal contusions varies with the
severity of the lesion. The chief
danger is from complications, and
recoveries are on record of patients
who have been in an apparently
hoi>eIes3 condition. Death may oc-
cur within a short time as a result
of collapse from hemorrhage. If
the patient lingers on, complica-
tions may be feared. According to ilorris, in rupture of the kidney, its pelvis,
or ureter, the prognosis, as far as life is conccnied, is less favorable than in
rupture of other abdominal organs.
Statistics of mortality from subparietal renal injuries vary somewhat.
Eldler gives fifty jier cent mortality, Kiistor forty-seven per cent, Kwn thirty-
three per cent, but Albarran thinks that these figures are exaggerated, as he saw
seven cases without a death and as Le Dentu notes that recovery took place in
nearly all eases observed by him. Guyon, at the Xeeker Hospital for the past
ten years, docs not record a single fatal case. The high morlality figures are
due probably to the fact that only the grave cases are published. Hemorrhage
I. 268. — Shape op thb Abdomen iv the Case
or A RopTDBBD KiDNET. The rupture extoudcd
inU) the tenal pelvis. There was a slow leakage
of blood and urine. (Author's case.)
396 KIDNEY INJURIES
and suppuration are the most frequent causes of death. Wagner could find
but three cases on record where the patient recovered from a renal contusion
complicated by a demonstrable tear in the peritoneum. Kiister considers these
cases as offering the most unfavorable prognosis. The question of prognosis
bears directly on the question of treatment.
Treatment. — In mild and moderately severe cases, renal contusion heals
spontaneously, in which case there is no place for active surgical interference.
In fact, such patients, when kept in bed, with strips of adhesive plaster across
the back, recover quite well in a very large proportion of cases. The usefulness
of ice bags is doubtful.
In complicated cases, rest in bed should be maintained for a week or longer,
.after the swelling and all traces of bleeding have disappeared. Shock should
be treated in the usual way, but cases of rupture of the kidney must be very
carefully watched and, if the shock is great, the pulse thready, indicating in-
ternal hemorrhage, rapidly increasing, an incision should be made and the
wound in the kidney repaired by suture, if not too extensive. If, however, the*
kidney is badly lacerated, an immediate nephrectomy is indicated.
If the renal hemorrhage is found to be active, the kidney must be repaired
or removed. In two such cases of my own, after evacuating the contents and
packing the cavity, the hemorrhage ceased. Later I removed the kidney in one
of these, on account of infection and the great damage done to the kidney.
Still another indication for operative intervention is given by the late in-
fection and suppuration of a perirenal hematoma. This may require an opera-
tion three weeks after the accident. The kidney is sometimes necrotic and has
to be removed.
To sum up in a few words : The immediate indication for operation is hem-
orrhage ; the late indications are perirenal accumulations and infection.
The results of operative treatment as contrasted with the nonoperative treat-
ment, are tabulated thus by Morris (vol. i, p. 198).
In twenty-six cases collected from English and American sources from 1884
to 1893 inclusive, he found:
One died of other causes.
Fourteen treated palliatively, ten died — 70.7 per cent.
Eleven treated by operation, three died — 27.2 per cent.
This is not absolutely convincing proof of the superiority of the operative
method. My personal results to date are:
One treated palliatively, no death.
Four treated by operation, one death.
niustrative Cases. — I will give a brief resume of the five cases of sub-
parietal injury of the kidney I have had.
Case I. — Case of subparietal subcapsular injury of the right kidney. The
patient was a laborer, thirty-eight years of age, who one week before seeking
SUBPARIETAL INJURIES 397
admission to the hospital had a fall, striking on the right side. This was fol-
lowed by pain in the loin and inability to pass urine for twenty-four hours;
when he finally passed urine, it was red in color.
Status prcesens: A mass the size of a cocoannt, dnll on percussion behind, is
felt in the right lumbar region. Local pain and tenderness. No temperature.
Urine: Of a Burgundy-red color. Specific gravity, 1.022. Albumin,
twenty-five per cent in bulk. Some leucocytes and abundant red corpuscles.
Treatment: Kest in bed; milk and Vichy diet; urotropin and Basham's
mixture.
Course: The patient remained in the hospital five weeks. At the end of
the first week, the urine was straw-colored, specific gravity 1.019, of acid reac-
tion and contained a few blood cells and calcium oxalate crystals. By the end
of the second week, three weeks after the accident, all traces of blood had dis-
appeared from the urine, and the tumor was diminishing in size. It could
scarcely be felt at the time of discharge, five weeks later.
Case II. — The patient, a laborer, twenty-two years of age, eleven days before
admission fell while dumping a box of dirt, and struck the ground on the left
side from a distance of twenty-five feet. He was unable to walk and liad to be
carried home. A few days later, the painful swelling, that had been gradually
increasing in size, occupied the
entire left side of the abdomen.
The general symptoms increased
in severity, and the patient en-
tered the hospital.
Status prwsens: There was a
swelling in the left side, resem-
bling a small watermelon in form,
dull on percussion (Fig. 268).
Temperature 101° to 106° F. ;
pulse, 88 ; respiration, 20, There
was no visible hematuria. The
local findings led to the diagnosis
of splenic rupture.
Treatment : Operative. An in-
cision was made in front, along
the outer border of the rectus
muscle, and the peritoneal cavity
, , , J Fio. 269. — RuPTOBB OF KiDNET. ShowB the rent in
was opened. Ihe gut was found the kidney proper and pelvia of a ruptured kid-
Stretched between the anterior "ey- The kidney is turned bo aa to show the tew.
, . . .. , „ 1-1 (Author's case,)
and posterior peritoneal walls like
pieces of ribbon, due to a retroperitoneal timior that was pushing forward the ab-
dominal contents. The patient was accordingly turned and an incision made in
398 KIDNEY INJURIES
the loin behind, when two and one half gallons of a reddish-brown bloody fluid
escaped. The kidney was found ruptured posteriorly, showing a transverse reut
in the kidney proper extending into tlie pelvis that admitted three fingers. The
opening was just above and |X)sterior to the ureter. The organ was 8urrounde<l
by a dense mass of tissue and very adherent to the adjacent parts. The wound
was packed and drained, but a week later the drainage became impaired, and
there was much pain and distress. Keopening of wound and removal of two and
one half quarts of a brownish fluid containing pus. Nephrectomy one month
later. The patient recovered (Fig. 260).
Case III. — The patient was a grocer, thirty-one years of age, who three weeks
previously, following a fall, began to suffer from pain, gradually increasing, and
swelling in the left lumbar region, with anorexia and constant thirst. No irregu-
larities of urination. No visible hematuria.
Status p^cesens: A large tumor, not sharply defined, also sliaped like a
melon, was felt in the left lumbar region. Temperature, 102"^ to 103"^ F. ;
pulse, 98.
Treatment: Operative. A lumbar incision was made, and a large amount of
a brownish fluid like broken-down kidney tissue was removed. The cavity was
packed with gauze. Suppuration followed, and the patient remained in the
hospital for two months, when he was discharged with the wound in the kidney
healed.
Case IV. — The patient, a housewife, thirty-six years of age, had complained
for eight years of occasional pain in the right lumbar region, with fever, last-
ing from a few hours to days. For some time before coming under treatment,
she had noticed an increasing fullness in the lumbar region. Examination
showed a well-defined tumor on the right side, extending from the costal mar-
gin to the iliac fossa, beyond the umbilicus. There was another bulging in the
ileo-costal space behind. At this time the patient's temperature was 101° F. ;
pulse, 94 ; respiration, 3G. She was sent to the hospital in an ambulance, and
at the time of admission, a few hours after the first examination, her temi>era-
ture was 105° to 100° F. ; pulse, 130; respiration, 46. No well-defined tumor
could be outlined in the examination, but there was a general mass over the en-
tire right side of the abdomen. It was evident that the ride in the ambulance had
caused rupture of the kidney and leakage into the postrenal space. An in-
cision was made the next day, and a large amount of blood and pus evacuated.
The temperature dro})ped at first, but then ran a septic course due to imi)erfect
drainage. The kidney on removal was found to contain a stone. The outcome
was death.
Case V. — The patient was a man twenty-nine years of age, an ironworker
by occupation, who gave a history of many attacks of malaria. Two years ago
he had pain in the right loin, lasting four or five days, and tliis had recurred
since at intervals of four or five months, with a little fever, lasting for hours
INCISED, PUNCTURED AND GUNSHOT WOUNDS 399
or days. Four months before coming imder treatment, the patient, while
lifting a piece of metal, heard something snap on the right side; this was
followed by faintness and cold perspiration. There was a strong desire to
urinate, and the urine passed was bloody, remaining turbid ever since that
time. At the time of admission, the patient had a septic temperature, aver-
aging 100° F. ; his general condition was bad. A large mass could be felt in
the right side.
Treatment: Operative. An incision was made in the loin, and three pints
of mixed urine, blood and pus were evacuated. A ragged opening was found
in the lower pole from which protruded a fragment of stone, over an inch in
length and one third of an inch in width. The wound was packed. The
temperature dropped after the operation; the wound did not heal and a sinus
remained, discharging urine and pus. Nephrotomy was performed, followed
by free drainage of the kidney, and the patient left the hospital one month
later in good condition.
INCISED, PUNCTURED AND GUNSHOT WOUNDS OF THE KIDNEY
Etiology. — Incised and punctured woimds of the kidney are almost always
due to a thrust, or to a fall on something sharp, as a pointed weapon. The kid-
ney is generally alone affected, as the wound is usually due to the stab of a knife
in the back or side, and the opening of the peritoneal cavity is infrequent. Still
rarer is a complete division of the organ. When the kidney wound results from
a thrust through the anterior wall of the abdomen, the other abdominal organs
are usually injured as well.
The wound may vary considerably in depth and direction. As these wounds
are often inflicted by septic instruments, it is not surprising that they fre-
quently become septic.
Gunshot wounds are rarely seen in civil practice, and in war they are al-
most always complicated with gunshot injuries of other organs on account of
the high velocity of modern firearms. Edler states that these wounds constitute
about one twelfth of one per cent of all gunshot injuries. Only three cases are
on record in women.
Pathology. — The bullet may remain in the kidney and become encysted
there, or it may pass through the organ, or it may graze it and cut off a piece
of renal substance, or pass through the renal pelvis. Fragments of cloth, bone,
etc., may be carried with the bullet and remain in the track of the projectile.
There is always a certain amount of contusion along this tract, and an eschar
forms in its walls. The kidney may, however, be mashed to a pulp by the
projectile. The orifices of entrance and exit are of unequal size, the latter
being usually the larger. Stellate fissures radiate from tlu^se openings when
the kidney is flaccid, or a long and wide fissure results when it is distended at
400 KIDNEY INJURIES
the time of the injury. Unless the pyramids or calices be wounded, no blood
escapes and there is but little hematuria at first in the average case, though
blood may accumulate in the perineal space.
These wounds heal by granulation followed by the formation of cicatricial
tissue, after the slough has separated from the tissues and has been discharged.
Foreign bodies carried in with the bullet may become encysted in the kid-
ney, or pass into the ureter or through the external wound. Fistula? are fre-
quent sequela?.
Symptoms. — They are the same as those of contusion ; namely, hemorrhage
and shock and a wound in the lower region or in the abdomen below the
costal arch. Pain in the wound, radiating along the ureter, is a very variable
feature. The hemorrhage may take place externally, internally, or through the
ureter.
External hemorrhage alone is exceptional. It is generally associated with
hematuria. The latter is rarely absent and may be an early sign. The amount
of hematuria is much greater in proportion to the internal perirenal as well as
the external hemorrhage. When the outer wound is large, there is considerable
external bleeding and generally very little lumbar swelling. If the calices or
pelvis are wounded, urine will be mixed with the blood. In gunshot wounds,
the immediate hemorrhage may be slight, owing to the presence of a clot, but
when a slough separates, after five or six days, there may be a profuse secondary
hemorrhage. Prolapse of the kidney through the wound is extremely rare.
The symptoms of renal injury may be obscured by those of the other abdominal
organs simultaneously involved. Retention of urine in the kidney may be
caused by a clot clogging the ureter. The complications are all referable
to infection and consist in peritonitis, nephritis, pyelitis and perinephritic
abscess.
Diagnosis and Prognosis. — The situation, direction and origin of the
wound, hematuria, hemorrhage from the external wound, or ordinary extravasa-
tion, are the chief guides in the diagnosis. In case there is an escape of urine
from the wound, the odor of the fluid is usually strong enough to prevent errors ;
but, if there is any doubt, an examination as to the presence of urea can be
made. ' A digital examination of the wound should be resorted to in doubtful
cases. Lumbar pain and hematuria are reliable signs of a renal wound in these
cases. The sounding of gunshot wounds is only permissible imder circumstances
pointing to the presence of a foreign body. The X-ray will often locate the
bullet.
The prognosis is always grave and depends largely upon coincident infec-
tion, upon peritoneal penetration and upon the participation of the renal pelvis
and renal vessels in the injury. Albarran gives the general mortality as fifteen
per cent. Of forty-three cases of punctured and incised wounds of the kidney
collected by Kiister, ten (twenty-three per cent) ended fatally. The death
INCISED, PUNCTURED AND GUNSHOT WOUNDS 401
rate has been considerably lessened by operative treatment. Experience in the
South African War, according to Morris (vol. i, p. 233) showed that penetrat-
ing wounds of the kidney, caused by modem small-bore bullets, do not neces-
sarily have a fatal issue, even when other organs are traversed, and that the
kidney or the liver may be pierced from before backward or from side to
side, without any symptoms of importance following. These fortunate cases
are due to the fact that small-bore bullets do not lacerate and make very small
wounds — a fact that has altered many aspects of military surgery within
recent years.
Treatment. — The general treatment is that of shock and hemorrhage,
consisting in stimulation for the former, and a hot saline enema or in-
travenous injection for the latter. A simple antiseptic bandage should be
placed over the wound, and, if the patient's general condition improves,
the treatment should be expectant and symptomatic. I do not believe in
closing the wound, although, if it is very large, the edges can be brought
together by surgical plaster, allowing sufficient space for the escape of blood
and bloodv urine.
If the hemorrhage is severe, and the patient does not rally under stimu-
lants, the case becomes an emergency one, and a wide lumbar incision must be
made, the kidney reached and sutured, leaving a drain from the surface of the
kidney to the outer dressings. If the organ be found too extensively involved,
a quick nephrectomy should be performed.
To sum up: Put on an antiseptic bandage with an ice bag over the wound,
counteract shock, check the hemorrhage, keep the patient quiet and he as con-
servative as possible. Such are the guiding rules for the treatment of all kid-
ney wounds.
ninstrative Case. — I have had only one case of punctured woimd of
the kidney, a laimdryman, twenty years of age, who was stabbed in the
loin from behind just above the twelfth rib, and was able to walk to the
hospital.
Status prcesens: There was a wound, about three quarters of an inch in
length, in the lumbar region, and a mass was present resembling an enlarged
kidney. The patient vomited and complained of pain in the loin. His pulse
and temperature were normal.
Treatment: Internally, 15 minims of the fluid extract of ergot given
every three hours, and urotropin given every six hours. Wet dressings (m
the loin.
Course: On the following day, he urinated a quart of red blood and con-
tinued to pass bloody urine for seven days, when it became clear and he left the
hospital. Two days later he began to suffer from frequency of urination, void-
ing every three hours, and on the following day again passed red urine. There
was severe pain over the pubic region, and the patient reentered the hospital,
402 KIDNEY INJUEIES
where he was catheterized and a quart of bloody urine was drawn oflF. At no
time did he have any fever. The hematuria ceased altogether at the end of
two weeks after the accident, when he left the hospital. The renal hematoma in
the loin persisted during the whole time, and was still present on the right
side at the time of the discharge.
CHAPTER XXII
MOVABLE KIDNEY
Movable kidney is frequently referred to as floating kidney, but more
correctly speaking a movable kidney is one that has an abnormal range behind
the peritoneum in a vertical plane, while a floating kidney is one with a meso-
nephron which floats among the abdominal viscera.
The kidney is held in place by the fatty capsule which surrounds it, the
perirenal fascia, the suprarenal capsule to which it is adherent, the renal pedi-
cle, and through the intra-abdominal pressure. The perirenal fascia (see Fig.
30) incloses it on all sides, but is open at the lower inner part, in which direc-
tion the kidney tends to move. There is normally some mobility of the kidney,
from 3 to 5 cm., greater in women than in men, depending upon the length of
the vascular pedicle. It may be said that, whenever a kidney can be felt pro-
jecting below the ribs, moving on respiration and sensitive to the touch, it may
be considered movable in the pathological sense. The frequency in autopsy
findings differs greatly from the clinical statistics. For instance, Epstein, in
compiling postmortem statistics, found that it had occurred once in 500 cases and
Newman estimated 1 to 1,000; while, clinically, Kutnow found it in 20 per cent,
Glenard in 22 per cent, Goddard-Danhieux in 35 per cent of women and 21.35
per cent in men, and Harris in over 50 per cent in women, while in men it was
present in 2.3 per cent. I believe it is safe to say that it occurs in 10 per cent
of women, although I think the percentage of those who suffer to any marked
degree from the mobility is much less.
Three degrees of movable kidney are spoken of: First, when the lower half
of the kidney is palpable (Fig. 270, I) ; second, when the entire organ is pal-
pable (Fig. 270, II) ; third, when the entire organ can both be palpated and is
freely movable downward and inward (Fig. 270, III). The third degree, ac-
cording to Glenard, constitutes a floating kidney. The organ is at times even
more movable and has been found in the female pelvis, from which position it
has been removed by operators who mistook it for a cystic ovary. When it moves
away from the loin, its usual rotation is downward and inward, and, as it pro-
gresses, its lower pole moves forward and its upper pole tends to point backward.
(See Fig. 270, III). It sometimes pulls on the duodenum and often makes an
403
404
MOVABLE KIDNEY
extensive excursion with the ascending and hepatic flexure of the colon, espe-
cially when there are adhesions to one or the other of these viscera.
In mild degrees of movable kidney, the ureter gives rise to no trouble; but
when the displacement is marked, it may curve or kink, although still allowing
the urine to pass through it, but less easily than under normal conditions. This
Fia. 270. — DiBPi.*ciiiiBHT o
may interrupt temi>orarily the flow of urine (Fig. 271). When the kinks are
held by adhesions, the course of the urine may be seriously impeded, giving rise
to retention of urine in the renal pelvis and attacks of pain.
The suprarenal capsule does not move with the kidney. The peritoneum
over the kidney may become loosened and elongated and accompany it in its
excursion, resembling a mesonephron.
Etiology. — The etiology of movable kidney is still a subject for discussion.
Women are predisposed to this condition. The relative frequency in men and
women is variously estimated from 1 in 7 to 1 in 15. In my practice it is 1 to 5,
but presumably because my male patients are more numerous. The reason
ETIOLOGY
406
for this predisposition in women is that the renal foii^a, i. c, the bellow in the
loin where the kidney rests, is shallower in the female. It is also more open
below and narrower at the upper part, where-
as in men the fossa is deeper and narrower
at the lower part.
The most favorable period for the devel-
opment of this condition is that of gestation,
ulthougli it is frequently fonnd in yonng
girls and has heen re])orted in infants. The
right side is affected in between 85 and !I0
per cent of the cases on accoimt of the longer
pedicle, the pressure transmitted to the kidney
by the liver during respiration, and pressure
from corsets, waistbands, belts and girdles.
Pregnancy is considered an Important
cause, especially when frequently repeated
at short intervals and followed too soon by
exertion, llultiparse are affected more fre-
qnently than nnllipane, in a proportion vari-
ously estimated at from 20 to 1, to from 5
to 1. This tends to show the importance of
intra-abdominal pressure in the support of
the kidneys and the fact that the abdominal
wall, if its muscles are strong and well devel-
oped, serves as a bandage with the intestine acting as an elastic pad. It also
emphasizes the imjwrtance of preserving the strength of the abdominal wall.
In cases where this is much weakened after pregnancy, the woman should
remain in bed until it has become stronger and, when she resumes her usual
household duties, an abdominal support or belt sliould be worn.
A loss of fat is usually spoken of as an important cause, but this is not
especially noted in the fatty capsule at the time of operation in thin subjects.
The question as to the eoimection of nephroptosis with general enteroptosis
has been discussed by many and, according to Glenard, it is but a part of
enteroptosis, the latter being a disease of general bad nutrition, accompanied
by the falling forward and downward of all the abdominal viscera. Glenard's
views, however, are not universally accepted and I think it is safe to say that
while nephroptosis has no tendency to produce general enteroptosis, that the
latter condition may assist in producing the former.
All observers seem to agree that the corset and the tight waistbands of heavy
skirts in women, and the tight belts supporting the trousers in workingmen,
are common causes of this condition. Corsets and waistbands supporting heavy
clothing do evidently have a traumatic influence on the kidney, as the former
Fio. 271— KiNKiNO or th» Urttbr
IN DiBPLACGUBHT OT TSB KlDNET.
This kioluDg of the ureter may
intemipt temporarily the flow ol
urine, leading to the (ormatioD of an
intermittent □ephrydrosis (bydro-
nephrosis). (Harris, in Reed's " Teil-
book of Gynecolo^.")
406 MOVABLE KIDNEY
in many movements tend to push the liver against the kidney; whereas, if the
kidney is displaced and it is pressed upon by a thin belt or waistband, the
weight of the clothes tend to drag the kidney down during certain movements,
as when the patient bends forward in the act of scrubbing, washing, or in other
motions of a similar nature. The lifting of heavy weights, reaching for high
objects, straining at stool, chronic hacking cough, horseback riding and the
skipping rope also tend gradually to displace the kidney. These can all be
s2)oken of as repeated traumatisms of a mild character.
I feel that the claims that sudden traumatism causes movable kidney — such
as a blow in the loins, a fall upon the knees, buttocks or perineum, a blow on
the thorax, a sudden muscular strain due to the abrupt stopping of a car and
other claims of a similar nature which are used in suing cori>orations and
railway companies — are groundless. In all such cases, if the traumatism had
been sufficient to displace the kidney suddenly, it would have been grave enough
to have ruptured the vessels or the renal pedicle and given rise to a dangerous
hemorrhage, and, perhaps, sudden death. It is really the repeated traumatism
of a mild character that causes the trouble, as has already been mentioned under
corset and belt pressure. I believe that persons who suddenly complain of pain
in the loin after a shock, a car accident or jar, and in whom a movable kidney
is found on examination, would have shown the presence of such a condition
had they been examined before the accident ; but as there was no reason for
such an examination, the presence of movable kidney naturally was not known.
On the other hand, when a movable kidney exists, a sudden jar or wrench may
give rise to renal strangulation and thus bring on symptoms that might induce
one to believe that the mobility had been caused by the recent traumatism.
Heredity is spoken of as a predisposing cause of abnormal renal mobility.
This may be true in a way, on account of the liability of the child to have the
same body configuration as the mother, and, consequently, if the mother had
a movable kidney, the child would be predisposed to its development, for I
consider the body form as the principal predisposing factor in this condition
and all others as slowly contributing causes.
The Body Index in Patients with Movable Kidney. — Becher and
I.onnhof, in examining a large number of women, foimd that they could gen-
erally jud^e from the appearance of the patient's figure whether one of the
kidneys was palpable or not. After reasoning out the whys and wherefores
of this decision, they made the following scientific observation and deduction:
First, that more movable kidneys were found in women with a long distance
from the suprasternal notch to the pubes and a small waist than in women with
a short trunk and large waist ; second, they decided, after taking many careful
measurements, that the distance from the suprasternal notch to the upper
margin of the symphysis pubes, divided by the smallest circumference of the
abdomen and multiplied by 100, constitutes a body index. Given as a result
ETIOLOGY 407
or quotient 75, representing the normal woman, if a number above this resulted,
say 77 to 80, it could be considered positive that one kidney was movable;
whereas, if it was below 75, say 73 or less, no movable kidney was present. The
measurements were computed according to the metric system in centimeters.
The mathematical index = ^. ^. j— tj X 100 = ^
Cu-cumf erence of abdomen
r75-normal
77-plus — positive
^73-minus — negative
Harris, of Chicago, continued the studies of Becher and Lennhof, but went
into the subject more carefully, and has, therefore, been able to give to the pro-
fession a clearer and more comprehensive idea of the ini}>ortance of the body
form in movable kidney, as well as to depict the shape of the individual predis-
posed to movable kidney, in contradistinction to one who is not so predisposed.
Harris divides the body into three zones — the upper, middle and lower —
by drawing three planes through the body transversely. (See Fig. 272.) He
takes the tips of the tenth ribs as the landmarks, because they are fixed points,
whereas the smallest circumference of the body is rather an uncertain location.
He then proceeds to take certain measurements with the patient lying flat on
the back. The circumference of the body at the tips of the tenth ribs is first
measured and a mark is made with a pencil where this line crosses the median
line. A mark is also made at the lower end of the sternum and the cireum-
ference is taken at this point also. The breasts must be drawn up, if they are
in the way, and the circumference should be taken at the end of the ordinary
respiration. Finally the distance between the upper sternal notch and the
upper margin of the symphysis is taken, and a line drawn between these two
points, upon which the length of each zone is noted. These measurements give
us Harris's Index No. 1, which is simply the jugulo-symphysis, divided by
the circumference at the tenth rib and multiplied by 100. It is similar to that
of Becher and Lennhof, but it is more accurate. When this index is above
77 or 78, the kidney is palpable ; but when it is below these figures, palpation
is negative.
By a comparison of the different zones in cases with palpable kidneys, it
was found that the increased length of the jugulo-symphysis was situated
chi.^fly in the middle zone, while the upper and lower zones remained practically
the same. In negative cases, the average circumference of the upper end of the
middle zone was 77.1 cm., and of the lower end of the middle zone, 69.5 cm.
On the other hand, in positive cases, the upper circumference of the middle
zone was 73.46 cm., and 61.9 cm. for the lower circumference. Thus, there
was a marked contrast between the positive and negative cases in regard to
the circumference of the lower end of the middle zone. In other words, the
middle zone was elongated and made narrower, especially at the lower end,
whenever the kidney was palpable.
408
MOVABLE KIDNEY
Ilarris found that there were still certain sources of error in this method
of measurement. In taking circumferences, accurate measurements are diffi-
cult to get in fat subjects, for the breasts are in the way, though pulled up,
and there is a certain spreading that corresponds to the lower margins of the
ribs when a corpulent woman lies on her back. For this reason, he deter-
FiQ. 272. — Anterior View of the Body Di-
vided INTO Three Zones, the Upper, Mid-
dle AND Lower, Made bt Drawing Three
Planes through the Body Transversely.
The normal female body is drawn in heavy
black lines. The imperfect female body is
drawn in dotted lines and is the one predis-
posing to movable kidney. These outline draw-
ings show the lateral diameters of the body
index in the healthy person and in people with
movable kidney, as determined by Harris.
Fig. 273. — Side View op the Body and the
Lines Corresponding to the Antero- pos-
terior Diameters of the Body Index as De-
termined BY Harris. Here, also, the heavy
black lines show the normal person and the dot-
ted lines the one predisposing to movable kidney.
mined to use calipers and measure
diameters instead of circumferences,
and have the patients standing during
the measurements instead of lying down. In this way, he measured five diam-
eters, which gave him very accurately the body form of the patient.
First Diameter : The widest or upper lateral diameter. This is taken with
the calipers resting at the widest point of a plane corresponding to the lower end
of the sternum, usually on the seventh ribs (Fig. 272, No. 1).
Second Diameter : The middle lateral diameter. This is the greatest dis-
tance between the lower edges of the tenth ribs (Fig. 272, No. 2).
Third Diameter: The lower lateral diameter — the widest distance between
the iliac crests (Fig. 272, No. 3).
ETIOLOGY
409
Fourth Diameter : The upper antero-posterior diameter ; from the lower end
of the sternum to the spinous process opposite in the same plane as the upper
lateral diameter (Fig. 273, No. 4).
Fifth Diameter: The middle antero-posterior diameter; from the median
line in front to the spinous process opposite on the same plane as the middle
lateral diameter (Fig. 273, No. 5).
In order to draw conclusions from his transverse diameters, he divided
the middle lateral by the upper lateral diameter and multiplied the quotient
by 100, thus obtaining Index No. 2. The second index refers entirely to the
middle zone and shows the relation between the lateral diameters of its lower
and upper ends, or, in other words, the amount of constriction at the lower end.
Index Xo. 2 arranged as a mathematical problem is solved as follows and
shows one of many results that may be obtained:
Middle lateral diameter w ,/x^ _ r73.23 — positive
Upper lateral diameter "" \85.26 — negative
Furthermore, all cases below 81.8 were found positive, that is, with mova-
ble kidney, while all cases above 81.8 were found negative.
In detail, the measurements of the diameters were as follows:
Average upper lateral diameter
Average middle lateral diameter ....
Average lower lateral diameter
Average upper antero-post. diameter
Average middle antero-post. diameter
In Negative
Cases.
23 .62 cm.
20.2 "
28.7 "
16.9
15.67
In Positive Cases
23.85 cm.
17.44 "
29.06
17.03
14.26
iC
Difference.
0 . 23 cm. Practically same.
2 .76 cm. or 13 .6 per cent.
0 . 36 cm. Practically same.
0.13 cm.
1 .41 cm. or 9 per cent.
The difference between the upi)er lateral and the middle lateral diameters,
in negative cases, was 3.4 cm. or 14.4 per cent, and the difference lx»tween
the upper and middle antero-posferior diameters in these cases was 1.23 cm.
or 7.28 per cent. In the positive cases, the difference between the upper and
middle lateral diameters was 6.41 cm. or 27 per cent, while between the upper
and middle antero-posterior diameters the difference in these cases was 2.8 cm.
or 17 per cent.
These figures show that the middle zone diminishes in size from above
downward nearly 100 per cent more from side to side, and 140 per cent more
from before backward, in the positive cases than in the negative. This means
that there is a marked diminution in the capacity of the middle zone in the
positive cases in which the kidnev can be felt and this diminution grows more
marked in these cases as we advance in the middle zone from above downward.
As the upper zone remains practically the same in the two classes of cases,
any lessening in the capacity of the middle zone must result in a crowding
of the contents of this space downward — in other words, a greater tendency to
410 MOVABLE KIDNEY
a displaced kidney. The above description contains the essence of Harris's
views and is practically his own wording with his conclusions from the study
of the body indexes as devised by him.
The two figures, one of the normal body and the other of the form predis-
posing to movable kidney, were drawn by Harris and presented to me by him.
I here take this opportunity to state that, in my opinion, the careful study that
Harris has made of cases of movable kidney has done more to make clear the
predisposing cause of this disease than any other writings on the subject.
Symptoms. — In many instances there are no symptoms in a case of movable
kidney, as has been ascertained frequently, when its presence was accidentally
discovered during a physical examination for some other reason than for indi-
cations of movable kidney. Frequently the severity of the symptoms is by no
means dependent upon the degree of mobility of the organ, as a slightly movable
kidney may cause great suffering, while another may be markedly movable with-
out giving rise to any signs.
Clinically, there are three types of movable kidney — first, the painful or
neuralgic; second, the neurasthenic; third, the dyspeptic — according to the
predominant symptom, although they may be associated in different degrees.
Pain was present in 90 per cent of the cases in my own practice.
Pain. — Pain is due to traction on the nerve plexuses and on the peritoneum
or other organs covered by the peritoneum, esj^ecially if adhesions are present.
Its character is generally a dull ache, either constant or recurring, and accom-
panied by a sense of dragging or heaviness. It is usually situated in the loin
below the twelfth rib and less frequently in front on one side of the umbilicus,
in the iliac fossa or in the groin.
Occasionally there are acute, paroxysmal attacks of pain that come on sud-
denly, starting in the loin and radiating along the ureter, called Dietl's crisis,
somewhat similar in character to those of renal calculus. During the severe
attacks, there may be muscular rigidity on the affected side, the kidney may be
found enlarged and tender from acute congestion, and the urine may contain
blood. There may be oliguria at times followed by polyuria. These attacks
usually last for a few hours and sometimes for a few days. They are due to
kinks or compression of the ureter, causing an increased renal tension and
resulting in variable degrees of renal retention or temporary hydronephrosis
(Fig. 271). The records of my own cases show that of those having pain four-
teen per cent had attacks occurring from every few days to every few months.
The history of the attacks of pain covered a period of from four months to
fourteen years.
In three per cent of my cases, the pain began suddenly and the patients
attributed the condition to some movement they had made just before they first
noticed the pain. In one case, the patient stooped over to pick up some
clothes, since when she has experienced a peculiar sensation in her right loin
SYMPTOMS 411
and has had occasional pain of a dull dragging character. Another woman
first felt the pain come on while raising an awning, since when she has had
it whenever she does hard work. Of course, the occurrence of the first pain
coming on suddenly during some particular exertion does not mean that this
has caused the trouble, but that the stage of mobility had been reached when
any movement or jar might favor the sudden falling of the kidney or a ureteral
kinking, causing a sudden pull on the renal or ovarian plexuses.
Attacks of pain generally increase iii frequency, and sometimes in severity,
as the case progresses. In twenty per cent of my cases, the pains were dull in
character. The abdomen was usually relaxed.
Aervous Symptoms. — The nervous phenomena of movable kidney are
spoken of as hysterical and neurasthenic. Among these nervous symptoms,
which differ in various individuals, are irritability, restlessness, depression,
languor, palpitation, vertigo, a feeling of pressure in tlie head, neuralgia, loss
of flesh and appetite, and a general impairment of health. The nervous pains
are generally nepliralgic, sciatic, lumbar or intestinal, and sometimes ovarian
or testicular.
Gastro-intestinal or Dyspeptic Symptoms. — Symptoms of this char-
acter are frequent. Of these, indigestion and flatulency are most common.
Next in order are constipation, due to pressure or dragging upon the colon,
gastralgia, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms of gastritis during attacks of
renal strangulation. Jaundice from duodenal traction or compression of the
bile ducts, or tugging on the hepatico-duodenal ligaments, is not so common as
often assumed. Symptoms of appendicitis may be produced as the result of
compression of the superior mesenteric vessels, and the congestion of the vermi-
form appendix which follows. According to Edel)ohls, this tendency to apixMi-
dicitis is found in fifty per cent of women suffering from a movable kidney.
Among other symptoms, are weakness, dizziness, loss of appetite, throbbing
in the abdomen on the affected side, headache and constipation. Chills and
fever have occurred in a few cases, associated with pyelitis and renal re-
tention.
Character of Fkination axd the Frine. — In discussing these two symp-
toms, there are several points to be considered. The character of the urination
does not differ much from normal, any deviation depending principally on the
presence or absence of renal retention or strangulation, the latter of which is not
common. If there is renal retention, a temporary hydronephrosis, there will
he a diminished amount of urine passed, or oliguria, while the secretion is
retained in the kidney ; but when the kidney returns to its proper position, a
larger amount of urine will be voided, which is spoken of as polyuria.
In renal strangulation, there is a diminished amount of urine during the
attack, after which an increased amount of a highly colored urine, often con-
taining blood, is passed.
412 MOVABLE KIDNEY
In the usual case of movable kidney, the urinary findings are slight, if any:
a low specific gravity, a very slight trace of albumin and an occasional hyaline
cast, or sometimes a few finely granular casts. These findings are due to the
irritability of the kidney and the strain on both organs incident to the irregu-
larities of the renal circulation and the urinary excretion.
Edebohls, in operating on movable kidneys by partially decapsulating the
organs and fastening them to the abdominal wall, noticed, in cases with this
variety of urine which closely resembled that of interstitial nephritis, that the
polyuria, casts and albumen gradually disappeared or diminished. He, there-
fore, reasoned that, if people with movable kidney passed the same urine as
patients with interstitial nephritis, movable kidney was the cause of interstitial
nephritis ; and furthermore, if the interstitial nephritis associated with mov-
able kidney was cured by partial decapsulation, then any case of chronic nephri-
tis could be cured by decapsulation, as it gave the kidneys a chance to form
a collateral circulation with the abdominal wall or with the fatty capsule. This
was the line of reasoning that led him to recommend total decapsulation of the
kidney as an operation for the cure of chronic Bright's disease.
Physical Examination. — Very few practitioners can feel a movable kidney
unless the mobility is quite marked, as they have not sufficient practice in renal
palpation. This should not, however, be considered a reflection on their diag-
nostic ability, as I have seen the best surgeons and internists fail to detect this
condition when kidneys were movable in a marked degree. Again, I myself have
sometimes had the greatest difficulty in locating movable kidneys, the movement
of which the patient could sometimes feel in her abdomen. Such difficulties
occurred principally in patients with a large abdomen, either from distention
or from thick walls. This leads me to state that the principal difficulties in
detecting a movable kidney are, a thick abdominal wall, too firm pressure on the
part of the examiner, and an unfavorable position on the part of the patient.
To show the ease with which one can detect a movable kidney at times, I will
relate the history of a patient whose husband said she was suffering from indi-
gestion and hives, and that she at that time had an attack of hives on her abdo-
men which annoyed her considerably and for which condition he asked me to
prescribe. At the time of the visit, she was examined standing, with her skirts
lowered and her upper garments raised in such a way as to expose her abdo-
men, which was the principal seat of the eruption. I at once saw a typical
band of herpes zoster on her right side and, moving my finger lightly across it
to see if the characteristic vesicular feel was present, I detected a kidney beneath
my finger tips which was displaced by the gentle pressure used and which came
back against them again when the pressure was removed. Since then I have
seen several movable kidneys which have been as easily demonstrated, and none
of which I would have been able to detect if I had resorted to the strong pressure
that I was formerly in the habit of using.
DIAGNOSIS 413
A change of position is also a most important procedure. Most patients are
examined lying flat on their backs with the result that, unless the kidney is held
down by adhesions, it will go back into its fossa ; and as this fossa, in the right
loin, has in front and on its side the liver and ribs, it is extremely difficult to
palpate the organ. It is, therefore, advisable to examine the patient on a table,
the back and shoulder part of which can be raised so as to allow the kidney to
fall from its lodgment, if it has sufficient mobility; then, having made firm
pressure below the lower ribs behind and in front on that side, to prevent the
kidney from slipping up, the patient should be lowered into the dorsal position
again while keeping her abdominal muscles lax, so as to allow the examiner to
maintain his grasp on the deeper tissues below the free border of the ribs.
If a movable kidney has been prevented from returning to its seat in this
way, it is held down by one hand while it is being palpated by the other. If
the pressure of the upper hand is lessened and the pressure of the other hand
on the lower border of the kidney is increased, it will be felt to glide up under
the fingers of the upper hand into its fossa. A kidney can often be felt with
the patient sitting or leaning on the edge of a table, bed or chair, without the
individual being lowered into the recumbent position. (See Fig. 234.)
Frequently, it is necessary, in order to palpate the kidney, to place the pa-
tient upon the healthy side, in a reclining posture, with the shoulders somewhat
elevated and the knees slightly flexed. In this case, it will also tend to fall out
of its fossa toward the healthy side of the abdomen. Sometimes, if the patient
stands with the buttocks resting against a table, so as to relax the abdomen, this
position is favorable to the detection of movable kidney by palpation.
An important point in palpating a kidney is to have the patient take a long
breath, and for the examiner to try to grasp the kidney at the height of inspira-
tion. The surface of the organ is usually smooth, though sometimes lobular,
and pressure upon it occasionally produces nausea, besides which it is frequently
tender to the touch.
Percussion has been of little value to me and so has inspection, although I
have seen cases where the contour of the abdomen was changed through enlarge-
ment of the kidney, or when, together with a loop of distended colon, it exerted
sufficient pressure on one side of the anterior wall of a relaxed abdomen to make
it more prominent than on the opposite side.
Diagnosis. — Movable kidney is at times difficult to diagnosticate. A cal-
culous kidney may give rise to attacks of renal colic closely resembling the pains
of movable kidney and it may also be enlarged and have a certain limited ex-
cursion. A calculous kidney, however, is never as movable and is usually
harder. X-ray examination may show the presence of a stone.
Cases of hydronephrosis, due to other causes, have not the mobility of a
movable kidnev. Tumor of the kidnev, w^hile it may resemble a case of movable
kidney with hydronephrosis, is associated \vith induration. I recently had a
414 MOVABLE KIDNEY
case of renal cancer, in which the mass was freely movable ; in f ^ct, the pedicle
was so adherent to the peritoneum that I considered it a mesonephron. It is a
question in my mind whether, in this particular case, the weight of a slow-grow-
ing tumor produced this mobility, or whether it was originally a movable or
floating organ which was the predisposing cause of the growth. I know from
experience that calculi form in the pelvis of a movable kidney, for I have had
such cases and I have had others in which tuberculosis developed. I can under-
stand also, how a malignant growth might develop in a kidney of lessened re-
sistance. It is exceedingly difficult, however, to understand the development of
a cancer in a movable kidney, although this particular case that I have just
mentioned, and which was diagnosticated as such, was movable from the renal
fossa, to below and beyond the umbilicus (Fig. 204).
Other tumors of the abdomen do not resemble movable kidney to any degree. .
I have never seen a gall-bladder that could be mistaken for it; neither have
I seen a spleen which I have mistaken for such a condition. In three patients
with displaced and movable liver, recently on my surgical service, all my col-
leagues in the hospital considered them to be movable or displaced kidneys. 1
demonstrated to them, however, that such was not the case and that although
movable kidneys did exist, which I anchored, the livers still remained in the
positions in which they were at the time of the examination.
Regarding the tumors and cysts of the ovary and uterine tumors, I will say
that I have never seen an ovarian tumor or cvst that I could mistake for a mov-
able kidney. In fact, in tumors of the pelvis, the direction of their extension
is so different — upward instead of downward — and the bimanual pal])ation
differs so greatly, that I have never found any difficulty; although I realize
that it must be confusing in some cases, as one of the first nephrectomies that
was performed was one in which a kidney was removed from the pelvis by mis-
take, the operator considering it an ovarian cyst. Tumors of the uterus that are
movable have their mobility in the pelvis, or in the lower abdomen rather than
the upper. Besides this, their consistency is greater, they cannot be pushed up
into the renal fossa and bimanual palpation would show them to be wholly or in
part in the pelvis.
In case the symptoms point to renal calculus or movable kidney. X-ray pic-
tures should always be taken, as it is occasionally found that a renal calculus is
present in a movable kidney. It may also be mistaken for renal tuberculosis, in
which case a search for the bacilli should be made in the urine and guinea-pig
inoculation resorted to. The course of the two affections is, however, very dif-
ferent and signs of constitutional disturbance, loss of weight and strength, a
septic temperature and the urine findings will determine the presence of the
more rapidly destructive disease.
Complications. — The complications are, renal strangulation, already men-
tioned, hydronephrosis and pelvic or reno-pelvic infection.
TREATMENT 415
Prognosis. — Movable kidney has very little influence on longevity, except in
cases of a complication in which the function of the organ is interfered with
or the patient's general condition is impaired. The severe type of symptoms
already mentioned is usually relieved by fixation of the organ.
Treatment. — Preventive and Palliative. — Under preventive treatment
must be considered the various predisposing causes that tend to bring about
movable kidney or increase its mobility. These are tightly laced or badly shaped
corsets, high heels, or any clothes held up by tight belts or bands in men or
women who do heavy work by lifting and bending. Certain exercises should be
avoided, such as horseback riding or other forms of exercise which tend to pull
or bring a strain on the kidney. Valuable procedures are : A well-fitted, straight-
front corset or a corset waist with shoulder straps for women; suspenders for
men; exercise which develops slowly the abdominal muscles and those of the
loin, in this way tending to increase intra-abdominal pressure and regulate the
movements of the bowels. Pregnant women should wear well-fitted abdominal
belts or supports during the last month, especially if they have a flabby abdo-
men, and should also wear a similar support after childbirth when they are up
and about again. They should be careful, however, not to leave the bed too early.
Palliative treatment includes rest in bed, a liberal diet, massage, electricity,
abdominal supports and the remedies which relieve pain during acute attacks.
Rest in bed is indicated for women with nervous, neuralgic and mildly painful
symptoms. The Weir-Mitchell cure is valuable in these cases, as it helps to
restore the nervous balance. Dr. Weir-Mitchell recommends a liberal diet, by
which is meant a simple but nourishing one, such as eggs, roast meats — mutton,
lamb, beef and chicken — fish, green vegetables, rice, cereals and cooked fruits.
Eggs should be boiled or poached ; the fish, meats and poultry boiled, broiled or
roasted and the vegetables boiled. Sweets should be restricted and fried foods
altogether forbidden. In addition milk, malt extract and other adjuncts of a
milk diet can be used. A small quan-
tity of coffee in the morning, and
milk and black coffee after dinner,
are allowed.
Massage is a valuable means of
strengthening the abdominal walls
and loins, and should be employed
for from twenty to forty minutes Fi«- 274.— Pomeroy's Elastic Abdominal Sup-
. PORT FOR Patients with Movable Kidney.
daily. In this procedure, the aim
should be not to reach the kidney, but simply to strengthen the abdomen. It
should never be given sooner than one hour after meals. Electricity, wnth the
faradic or high-frequency current, is also of value.
Abdominal supports are appliances which tend to press the abdominal wall
and its contents upward from the pubes (Fig. 274). They are made of elastic
416
MOVABLE KroNET
WfjbbiDg, similar to elastic st<iekings, and are laced in the hack. Many patients
require perineal bauds passing between the thigbs to hold tbcm in place.
Straight-front corsets (Van Orden), if carefnlly constnicte<I, are valuable as
Flo. 275. — SmAJOHT-moNT Fia. 276. — How thb Cossbt Shodui bb Put on in MoVj(3le Kidmst.
CoBSBT FOB Movable (Gallant's method.)
KiDNBT. (Van Orden.)
Fio. 277A. — Wide STnipa of Adresivb Piabtbb for Suppoktino the ABi>o>fBN.
TREATMENT
417
a simple and practical abdominal support (Fig. 275). Gallant makes a special
point of the manner of putting on a straight-front corset in women. This should
be done while she is lying on the back with the pelvis elevated; the corset is
hooked first at the lowest part over the pubes, after which the remaining hooks
are adjusted from below upward (Fig. 276). Straight-front corsets have the
advantage at present of being fashionable, as well as improving the figures of
women. It is well to wear a thin cloth band under these elastic supports. Wide
strips of adhesive plaster can also be applied for abdominal support (Fig. 277,
A, B). Abdominal exercises are,
however, of the greatest importance,
as, by developing the muscles of the
abdomen, they act as a straight-front
corset. (See chapter on Exercise in
Urology. )
In painful conditions, accom-
panying strangulation of the kidney
in Dietl's crises, the patient should
be treated as in renal colic, by anal-
gesic remedies, such as morphin,
bromids, aspirin, antipyrin, or hot
applications, besides any other meas-
ures that seem to be indicated. If
none of the palliative remedies give
relief and if the patient's general
condition suffers, or if a complica-
tion such as painful colic or Dietl's
crises takes place with increased frequency, a fixation of the kidney should be
recommended, on the ground that it is better to undergo the trials of an opera-
tion than to continue to put up with the continued inconvenience and poor
health connected with a bad movable kidney.
If hydronephrosis is present, fixation of the kidney should be urged as a
necessary procedure; whereas, in those cases in which movable kidney is com-
plicated by a malignant tumor, tuberculosis, or advanced pyonephrosis, nephrec-
tomy should be perfonned. If a calculus is present, a nephrotomy for its re-
moval and subsequent fixation of the organ is indicated.
Nephrectomy for the cure of an uncomplicated movable kidney should never
be performed. In forty-two such operations reported by Wagner, eleven died,
making a mortality of nearly twenty-five per cent.
Fio. 277B. — The Adhesive Plaster Strips
Applied.
CHAPTER XXIII
NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
(Brighfs Disease of the Kidneys)
The term Bright's disease has given rise to so much confusion that, were it
not for its long usage, it would be advisable to drop the name.
Very little was known concerning the diseases of the kidneys until 1827,
when Bright published the histories of some cases of dropsy with albuminuria,
together with the autopsy records showing the presence of various kidney lesions.
From the study of these cases, he concluded that disease of the kidney was asso-
ciated with dropsy and albuminuria, and the name Bright's disease was given
to kidney diseases with these symptoms.
Wilkes, in 1853, described definitely two forms of Bright's disease as nephri-
tis— the interstitial and parenchymatous — although he admitted that a mixture
of the two, forming a third type — the diffuse — might also occur.
Virchow, in 1871, described three forms of Bright's disease: That aris-
ing from the vessels (the amyloid form), that originating from the epi-
thelia (the parenchymatous form) and that developing from the interstitial
tissue ; but he also emphasized that the three forms do not always occur singly,
but two, or even all three types, are seen frequently in the same kidney.
In 1879, Weigert published studies which are practically the foundation
of the modern view of Bright's disease. He claimed that there was no such
thing as a parenchymatous nephritis without interstitial changes, nor was there
an interstitial nephritis without epithelial changes. He showed that the many
varieties of kidney, small and large, white, red and mottled, which were found
at autopsies and which were made the basis of diiferent classifications, in reality
depend upon quantitative differences in the amount of congestion, of edema, of
fatty degeneration and of interstitial changes.
Brault taught that the best division was, first, acute and chronic nephritis;
acute nephritis, to be subdivided into transient acute, hyperacute and subacute;
and chronic nephritis, to be subdivided into nephritis with dropsy and nephritis
with uremia.
Since the time of Weigert, the classifications of nephritis, etiologically,
pathologically and symptomatically, have included hundreds of names, so that
418
ACUTE NEPHKITIS 419
we are pleased to see in the latest book on the subject, by Chauffard, that the
old terms " acute nephritis " and " chronic parenchymatous, interstitial and
diffuse " are still considered. This will, therefore, be the classification fol-
lowed in this chapter. The terms dropsical and uremic nephritis will, however,
be associated with the names parenchymatous and interstitial.
ACUTE NEPHRITIS
Etiology. — Acute nephritis is usually caused by the germs giving rise to in-
fective disease or to their toxic products. The most important of these diseases,
are scarlatina, diphtheria, pneumonia, measles, acute articular rheumatism,
influenza, typhoid^ malaria, smallpox, cholera, yellow fever; while septicemia,
erysipelas and chicken-pox may also be mentioned as causes. The germs of
pneumonia and typhoid have been foimd both in the kidney and in the urine.
In diphtheria, the presence of the toxin has been fairly well demonstrated.
Pregnancy sometimes gives rise to an acute nephritis of toxic origin, as a
result of the production of placental toxins passing into the system of the
mother, that are not properly eliminated.
Exposure to cold is a frequent and most important cause of acute nephritis
which is but imperfectly understood. According to Chauffard, cold tends to
increase the number of germs circulating in tlie blood and to promote the
passage of germs from the intestines into the circulation. The nephritis due
to cold, may, therefore, after all be of infectious origin.
Poisons taken internally may cause acute nephritis, such as turpentine, can-
tharides, chloroform, ether, mercury, sulphuric and oxalic acids, and the in-
ternal or external use of carbolic acid, iodoform and tar. Alcohol, and spices
which irritate the kidneys, may also give rise to acute nephritis, if given in
large doses. Potassium chlorate, in overdoses, gives rise to hemoglobinuria and
acute nephritis. Extensive burns and chronic skin diseases which destroy the
function of large areas of skin are also among the causes.
Pathology. — The kidneys in acute nephritis are usually large, heavy, with
tense capsules which are easily peeled off. Their surface is either dark red or
mottled grayish-red in color, occasionally pale and gray. An incision through
the convexity into the pelvis shows that their tissues are rather soft and friable,
their cortex swollen, cloudy, gray and yellow and their medullary portion dark
and congested.
Microscopically, there are changes, either in the parenchyma alone, or in the
interstitial tissue also.
The epithelia of the convoluted tubules are either in a state of cloudy swell-
ing or of granular and fatty degeneration. At times, they are almost completely
destroyed and fill the lumen of the canal. Hyaline, granular, fatty and blood
casts are found in the tubules. The glomeruli do not show many changes in
420 NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
the milder cases, save an exudation of albumin within their capsules; in the
severe cases, their capillaries are filled with blood, sometimes with thrombi
and their epithelia are degenerated or proliferated.
If the interstitial renal tissue is also involved, it is the seat of a swelling or
edema between the fibers. The vessels are. engorged and their walls are in a
state of acute inflammation. Hemorrhages in various parts of the kidney, for
example, in the glomeruli, the tubules or the connective tissue, may also be
found. In severe forms, a small cellular infiltration is frequently seen in the
connective tissue about the capsules of the glomeruli and between the tubules.
The inflammation may terminate in complete resolution, or the condition
may be followed by a chronic nephritis.
Symptoms. — Acute nephritis may be subdivided clinically into (a) acute
transient, (fe) hyperacute and (c) subacute or prolonged nephritis.
(a) The acute-transient form includes a group of nephrites occurring
during the course of an infectious disease, such as typhoid. There is no edema,
nor uremic symptoms ; the amount of urine is increased, albumin is considerable
and blood slight. The sediment contains hyaline and granular casts and a few
red and white blood cells.
(b) Hyperacute Nephritis. — This is the result of violent poisoning with,
bichlorid of mercury, phosphorus, cantharides and other drugs causing great
renal irritation, or it may develop in the course of acute infectious diseases, as
scarlet fever or diphtheria. The chief characteristic of this type is the rapidly
increasing anuria, which is one of the earliest symptoms. It may occur within
a few hours after taking one of the poisons mentioned and frequently terminates
suddenly in death. There are no major symptoms, such as edema or uremia.
Recovery from this form of toxic nephritis is rare and occurs principally in
cases following an infectious disease.
(c) The subacute or protracted is the most common clinical type of acute
nephritis, and its course will be principally considered. It is usually the
result of acute infection or intoxication, although it may be due to cold. The
nephritis due to cold and that due to scarlet fever and diphtheria are, perhaps,
the most typical representatives of this group.
In both instances, the urine is dark in color, or even reddish, the specific
gravity is high, the reaction markedly acid. The urea and the chlorids are
lessened. There is always a considerable amount of albumin, two or three grams
per liter. Under the microscope, the sediment shows finely and coarsely granu-
lar epithelial and blood casts, red blood cells, leucocytes and renal epithelia,
some of which are in a state of fatty degeneration.
Their general course in the later stages, especially in severe cases, is about
the same, although their onset may be different.
In nephritis due to cold, which is also called nephritis a frigore, the onset is
usually accompanied by violent pains in the back and loins, a sudden rise of
ACUTE NEPHRITIS 421
temperature to 101° F. or more, and a pulse of about 100 ; vomiting often occurs
at the onset.
An examination of the patient at this time usually shows tenderness on
pressure over the kidneys, and the organs may be felt to be enlarged. Edema
then shows itself, usually as a white puffiness of the face, especially about the
eyelids and over the sternum and later about the ankles. The acute process may
not extend beyond this stage. In severe cases, the edema increases in the lower
extremities, and the pleura, the pericardial and peritoneal cavities may become
involved. Subcrepitant rales may also be heard on auscultation, showing that
an edema of the lungs is impending. These involvements will give rise to more
or less dyspnea. In bad cases, symptoms of uremia may now begin, in which
case there will be a diminished amount of urine, headache, disturbance of sight
and hearing, and perhaps vomiting and diarrhea may develop. If the uremic
condition increases, the tongue will become dry and coated, and delirium or
convulsions may set in, followed by coma and death. The symptoms that I have
described may all be present in a given case, or only a few of them ; they may
occur somewhat in the order that I have described or very differently. The
nephritis may stop at any point in this list of symptoms and the patient re-
cover. The symptoms of an accumulation of fluid in the serous cavities and an
edema of the lungs are very serious, while edema of the glottis in itself is
very dangerous. Albuminuric retinitis forebodes a fatal outcome; convul-
sions are very alarming ; and a dry tongue, delirium and coma point to a fatal
issue.
Scarlatinous nephritis, representing the type of acute nephritis complicat-
ing scarlet fever, diphtheria and other infectious diseases, occurs during the
period of defervescence. The symptoms of the onset may be the same as those
just enumerated in connection with nephritis a frigore. Usually, however, albu-
minuria is the only symptom noted. On the other hand, the first symptoms may
be severe, as edema may set in and rapidly become a general anasarca ; whereas,
other cases may be characterized by uremic symptoms. The later symptoms
will be similar to those mentioned under Nephritis Due to Cold. It is, on the
whole, the graver of the forms of protracted acute nephritis.
In either of the varieties under consideration, an increased flow of urine
and an increased activity of the skin, as shown by sweating, may come at any
time during the disease, and recovery take place; or the symptoms will disap-
pear, with the exception of some albumin and casts in the urine, in which case
the disease usually becomes chronic.
Generally, the attacks of subacute nephritis do not reach the stage in which
the serous cavities become involved, or in which there are marked uremic symp-
toms. The active stage of the attack usually lasts for three weeks, during
which time the temperature is but slight or ranges from 99° to 101° F., with
a pulse of from 90 to 100. If these gradually subside, the patient will prob-
422 NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
ably recover by the end of six or eight weeks, or else pass into the chronic stage.
The blood pressure in acute nephritis is from 130 to 150.
Diagnosis. — Acute nephritis occurring in the course of an infectious dis-
ease will not be overlooked if we make it a habit to examine the urine for albu-
men in every case. The history of the patient will show us whether we are
dealing with an acute nephritis or with an exacerbation of a chronic condition.
In the latter, the urine shows in the sediment hyaline, fatty casts and fatty or
degenerated renal epithelia.
There is also a history of a previous acute nephritis, or an infectious disease.
The presence of thickened arteries and of hypertrophy of the heart, as well as
changes in the retina, are also points which show that a chronic nephritis has
existed for some time and is now in an acute explosion.
The diagnosis between renal hemorrhages from other causes and an acute
nephritis with bloody urine is not difficult. In the latter, the urine is dimin-
ished in amount and contains renal epithelia, leucocytes and hyaline, granular
and epithelial casts. The presence of fever and edema are also signs which
help to differentiate the condition from renal hemorrhage. In renal hemorrhage
due to tumor, atypical cells and tumor fragments would be found in the urine.
If due to stone, crystals would be present, and if due to tuberculosis, tubercle
bacilli. The treatment of acute nephritis will be considered later.
CHRONIC NEPHRITIS
As we remarked in the introductory chapters, the terms chronic paren-
chymatous and chronic interstitial nephritis are no longer regarded with favor
by some modern clinicians. What was formerly known as chronic paren-
chymatous nephritis some now style chronic nephritis with dropsy, and what
was known as chronic interstitial nephritis, they call chronic nephritis with
uremia. However clinicians may call these two general groups, the autopsy
findings show that, although in all cases of chronic nephritis there is more or
less evidence of both parenchymatous and interstitial changes, the preponder-
ance of the disease is either in the parenchyma or the stroma. In comparing
the autopsy findings with the clinical symptoms during life, it is usually found
that the cases accompanied by dropsy are of the parenchymatous type and those
accompanied by uremic symptoms are of the interstitial type.
Chronic Parenchymatous Nephritis
(Chronic Nephritis with Dropsy)
Etiology and Pathogenesis. — This form of chronic nephritis frequently
follows an acute or subacute renal parenchymatous inflammation, or it may also
develop without discoverable reason. In the latter case, the real cause of the
chronic nephritis is not known, but it is supposed to lie in some toxic influence
CHRONIC NEPHRITIS 423
which acts upon the kidney through the blood. A variety of causes contribute
more or less distinctly to its development. Of these, we may mention frequent
or protracted exposure to cold or dampness ; overnutrition ; undernutrition ; per-
haps abuse of alcohol; various constitutional diseases, such as tuberculosis,
syphilis, gout and chronic malaria ; diseases of the heart, especially ulcerative
endocarditis; and chronic poisoning with lead or mercury. Chronic paren-
chymatous nephritis may also be the result of a previous acute infection or in-
toxication, which was apparently cured and reappeared afterwards in this
chronic form. Among the predisposing causes are unfavorable hygienic sur-
roundings, overwork and severe physical strain.
Pathology. — Upon gross examination, the kidneys are generally enlarged
and the capsule is adherent in places. The consistence of the kidney may vary
greatly. The surface of the organ is pale white or mottled. An incision through
the convexity shows the cortex to be narrower than normal, the yellow and
white finely striated markings obscured. The medulla is not much changed.
The medullary rays are slightly darker than normal.
The lesions in this type of nephritis are always scattered through the kidney
in patches or foci, and the appearance of the organ depends upon the arrange-
ment of these foci and the amount of changes in the parenchymatous and in the
interstitial tissues. What is known as the large white kidney, for example, is
a parenchymatous or a diffuse nephritis mixed with amyloid kidney (Senator).
It is characterized especially by fatty degeneration of the tubules and the
glomeruli, and fibrous and hyaline changes in the stroma.
The large mottled kidney is the result of lesions in patches, involving both
the parenchyma and the stroma. The minute hemorrhages and venous conges-
tion in the cortex give rise to the mottled appearance.
Microscopically, it has been found that all these differences depend upon
quantitative relations of the pathological changes in the various classes of tissues
of the organ (Senator). The pathological changes in parenchymatous nephritis
are found principally in the cortex, especially in the epithelia of the convo-
luted tubules and less frequently of the straight tubules. These epithelia are in
various stages of degeneration, from cloudy swelling to complete molecular
necrosis, and are shed more or less freely into the lumen of the tubules, which
contain also leucocytes, fat globules, red blood cells and hyaline, fine or coarse
granular, epithelial, fatty and mixed casts.
While the type is known as the parenchymatous, there are always some
changes in the interstitial tissue (diffuse nephritis). Foremost of these is an
edema of the stroma. In the advanced stages, there may be round-celled infiltra-
tion or proliferation of the interstitial tissue partly clouding the parenchym-
atous elements.
The glomeruli are also affected, showing fatty degeneration and necrosis of
their epithelia, and an exudate within their capsules. Their capillaries are fre-
424 NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
quently compressed or blocked by the swelling of the endothelia. The arterioles
surrounding the glomeruli are also more or less thickened.
Symptoms. — The symptomatology of chronic parenchymatous nephritis is
quite clearly defined. There may be a prodromal stage, characterized by a
fever and lumbar pain, but usually the disease sets in insidiously with slight
and transient edema, which leads to an examination of the urine and to the dis-
covery of albumin and other evidences of nephritis.
The edema first appears on the lower eyelids or on the face, over the sternum
or at the ankles. Later, it extends to the legs, the scrotum, the abdomen, the loins
and the rest of the body, after which the edema changes its place according to
the patient's position. It is greatest in the legs when he stands and greatest
in the loins and buttocks when he lies in bed for any length of time. Gradually,
effusions may appear also in the pleura, the peritoneum and the pericardium.
The extensive edema of chronic Bright's disease is considered by some as
a means of defense, that is, that the toxins which are not eliminated are stored
up in the edematous fluid and are thus kept out of the circulation. This theory
is proved by finding toxic constituents in serous effusions and in edematous
fluids in chronic nephritis.
The urine in this form of chronic nephritis is always scanty, clear, of high
specific gravity and straw or yellow color. The toxins of the urine are composed
of 85 per cent of inorganic products, the principal of which is chlorid of potash,
and 15 per cent of unknown organic, substances. There is usually a considerable
amount of albumin — over 2 grams per liter (^ to § of 1 per cent by weight).
The ordinary urinary salts may be normal or increased, save the chlorids, which
are diminished. Their retention in the system when the kidneys are affected
with chronic nephritis, especially in the parenchymatous form, has been thor-
oughly demonstrated.
Renal epithelia, numerous fine and coarse granular, epithelial and fatty
casts, leucocytes and a few red cells are found in the sediment of the urine.
C ardio'Vascular symptoms are not pronoimced in this form of nephritis.
There may be at the start slight weakness of the heart beats ; the arterial tension
may be at first slightly lowered. If the nephritis turns toward the chronic
atrophy or interstitial form, we note a rise of blood pressure and a marked hyper-
trophy of the left ventricle.
Course. — The course of the disease in this type of nephritis may be either
rapid or slow. If it is rapid, there is a steady increase in the edema and a
decrease in the amount of urine secreted. The heart becomes seriously affected,
the pulse feeble and rapid. Gradually, the other internal organs are involved.
The appetite fails, the tongue becomes coated, the breath fetid. There are
often attacks of diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms, according to some
writers, are due to the invasion of the gastric walls by edema. The serous
cavities are next attacked and the edema spreads, giving rise to a hydrothorax.
CHRONIC NEPHRITIS 425
When hydrocardium develops, we find a diffused apex beat, dyspnea and a tend-
ency to syncope. The blood pressure is variable.
These patients with their tense, swollen skin, which is white and dry,
present a characteristic appearance. In fatal cases, if death is not due to an
intercurrent infection, as, for instance, a broncho-pneumonia, it is the result of
gradual exhaustion and finally edema of the lungs or uremia after a hopeless
period of disability.
When the course of the disease is slow in evolution, the edemas are much
more gradual in their development. The patients are often pale, puffy, with
a peculiar luster of the eyes (edema of the conjunctiva) and at times complain
of headaches and other minor uremic signs.
Diagnosis. — The diagnosis of chronic parenchymatous nephritis is generally
not diflScult, as edema, pallor and abundant albuminuria are usually well
marked. It is distinguished from acute nephritis (or from an acute exacerba-
tion of a chronic nephritis) by the history of the case and by the absence of
acute symptoms, such as fever and blood and blood casts in the urine. It is at
times not easily distinguished from amyloid kidney, as amyloid changes may
exist with such a nephritis. The diagnosis of an amyloid kidney can only be
made when there is an amyloid enlargement of other organs and when there
is a history of some cause for an amyloid kidney. In amyloid kidney the
quantity of urine is large and the color pale, although there may be large
amounts of albumin. We should, therefore, suspect an amyloid degeneration
whenever the amount of albumin in a chronic case tends to exceed ten or twelve
grams in twenty-four hours. In amyloid kidneys, the urine does not contain
granular casts, save in the very advanced cases.
Diffuse Nephritis
This represents the case of chronic parenchymatous nephritis with cardiac
and vascular changes, which start as a typically parenchymatous type but go on
slowly toward the atrophic or interstitial form. The urine in these cases is
more abundant than in the pure parenchymatous, lighter in color, with a lower
specific gravity and contains a smaller amount of albumin.
As the disease progresses, and as the heart hypertrophies and the arterial
tension increases, the edemas grow less marked, but what appears like an im-
provement is in reality a transition to the interstitial form.
Chronic Interstitial Nephritis
Etiology. — The development of this disease must be referred to the long-
continued action of slight toxic factors, usually of a systemic origin. Concern-
ing the relation of arteriosclerosis to this form of nephritis, arteriosclerosis may
be the cause of chronic interstitial nephritis, or, on the other hand, it may be
426 NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
the result of it, but it is probable that more often both arteriosclerosis and
chronic interstitial nephritis are the result of the same causes, such as chronic
poisoning with lead, alcohol, gout or syphilis. Diabetes mellitus may also be
mentioned as the cause of this form of nephritis. Senator called attention to
the frequency with which arteriosclerosis and the accompanying interstitial
nephritis is met with in diabetic patients of advanced age.
From what has been said concerning the causes of this condition, it will be
understood that chronic interstitial nephritis is rare in childhood and youth,
and frequent toward the end of life. The frequency increases with the age
of the patient, being greatest between fifty and sixty. Men are more frequently
affected than women, because they are more often exposed to the causes
above mentioned. Occasionally, there is an hereditary or family predis-
position toward this disease. The condition has also been found present at
birth.
Pathology. — The essential pathological change in this form of nephritis is
a slow hypertrophy of the interstitial tissue, stroma of the kidney, with a grad-
ual disappearance of the parenchyma. The appearance of the kidney varies
with the duration of the disease. In the early stages, the kidneys are normal in
size or slightly enlarged and mottled. In the advanced fetage, they may have
shrunken to half their size or even less, one kidney being usually more markedly
affected than the other. The capsule is generally adherent in places and con-
tains newly formed vessels. The surface of the kidney is covered with minute
red or grayish elevations, showing sometimes small cysts among them. On
section, the kidneys are hard and tough, their cortex shnmken, sometimes ap-
pearing as a narrow border around the medulla. The medullary rays are also
shortened, closely packed and darker in color than normal. The visible arteries
show thickened, gaping walls, and at times there are infarcts of uric acid or of
calcium salts in the renal tissue. •
On microscopical examination, the changes are found chiefly in the cortex
and usually are scattered in patches. The interstitial tissue is greatly increased,
with here and there some round cell infiltrations. The tuUiles are compressed
or in places obliterated, their epithelia are in a state of atrophy or fatty de-
generation or lying loosely detached in their lumen.
The glomeruli are the seat of a cellular proliferation around their* capsules,
which compress them and render them incapable of functionating. Their loops
show increased layers of cells, or else a degeneration of ceUs, swelling of. the
epithelia and fatty degeneration of the same. The cavities of the glojneruK mliy
be the seat of an exudate as in the parenchymatous form. Charactew^ic arterio-
sclerotic changes are found in the arteries of these kidneys. *• *
Symptoms. — This form of nephritis has always a very slo^v an^d'. insidious
onset, and the lesions usually exist for years before the condition* is recbgpized.
The disease may be divided into three stages :
CHRONIC NEPHRITIS 427
(1) The stage of compensation,
(2) The cardiac stage,
(3) The uremic stage.
(1) Stage of Compensation. — In the first stage of the disease, there is a
compensation for the gradually increasing involvement of the kidney. The sys-
tem in some way accommodates itself to the altered conditions. During this
stage, there are two classes of minor symptoms that may occur :
(a) Those due to arterial hypertension and those due to uremic intoxication.
The symptoms due to arterial hypertension are: Swollen and twisted tem-
poral arteries ; occasional attacks of anesthesia in the fingers ; slight attacks of
epistaxis ; noises in the ears and impaired hearing ; occasional vertigo.
Those due to uremic intoxication are: Headaches, which are not relieved
by drugs but disappear with rest and diet ; paresthesia, sensation of cold, heat,
formication ; cramps in the ankles awakening the patient at night.
(6) The urine in this stage of the disease is increased in quantity, and the
patient urinates frequently. The urine is pale, clear, usually below 1.010 in
specific gravity; the total solids are diminished. There is either no albumin
or merely a trace.
(2) The Cardiac Stage. — During the cardiac stage, which follows that of
compensation, the system begins to feel the effect of the diseased kidney. The
cardiac symptoms of this stage consist in palpitation, attacks of angina pec-
toris, an increase of arterial tension, hypertrophy of the heart and a bruit de
galop (galloping sound) which is a marked uremic symptom.
Complications may set in during this stage, some of which may prove fatal
before it has fully developed, such as hemorrhages and infections. The hemor-
rhages may be of great severity, as attacks of epistaxis; retinal hemorrhages
that may be followed by more or less permanent blindness ; and hematurias re-
sembling those of renal tuberculosis, stone or tumor, during which there may
be alarming losses of blood. Hemorrhages into the skin and the mucous mem-
branes also occur, although rarely, during this stage. Some of the infections
which may complicate this stage are erysipelas, pneumonia, anthrax and abscess
formation.*
(3) The Uremic Stage. — ^During the uremic stage, in addition to some of
•the sj^mptoms that have already been enumerated under the minor symptoms
• of compensation are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and, in the more dangerous
cases,* convulsions, dry tongue, delirium, stupor, coma.
Diagnosis. — The diagnosis of chronic interstitial nephritis is usually not
difiicult when the disease assumes its characteristic clinical type. We should
. pay special attention to the presence of cardiac hypertrophy, as shown on per-
cussion by the increased area of cardiac dullness, by a more diffuse pulsation
and by the apex beat being found in the sixth intercostal space, one to three
inches to the left of the nipple ; to increased arterial tension, which, instead of
428 NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
being 130 to 140, would be found to be 140 to 180 or higher; to arterial sclero-
sis, which would show as thick distended tortuous vessels or, later on, as fibrous
cords that roll under the fingers; and to a large quantity of urine with a low
specific gravity and the presence of albumin and hyaline casts.
There are some cases, however, in which the diagnosis is more difficult, be-
cause the condition is marked by a predominance of uremic symptoms resem-
bling chronic bronchitis, gastro-intestinal affections and cancer of the stomach,
owing to the cachexia present. In still others, the marked delirium has been
looked upon as a sign of progressive general paralysis.
Prognosis. — The prognosis of this form of nephritis is always grave. The
disease is incurable, but the patients may live for years and die from some
other disease. The only consolation is that the course is usually very slow.
The prognosis is worse when the symptoms of chronic uremia or heart failure
are present
TREATMENT OF NEPHRITIS
Treatment of Acute Nephritis. — The first steps to be taken are to have
the patient kept in bed, as rest is most important both for the heart and the
kidneys, after which an attempt should be made to eliminate the toxins by
giving a saline purge, such as sulphate of magnesia an ounce, or compound
jalap powder half a drachm; some physicians prefer calomel five grains. A
diet which will necessitate as little work on the part of the kidney as possible
should then be given, such as milk, three pints a day, or milk with one third
part of Vichy. Wet cups should be applied over the kidneys. After these first
steps, the patient should be kept on a milk diet ; the bowels should be kept open
by mild saline laxatives, such as citrate of magnesia, Apenta or Carabana
water ; and hot-water bags should be kept over the kidneys. The patient should
be allowed to go on without further treatment, unless severe symptoms set in,
and may have an uneventful recovery.
In more severe cases, certain symptoms that call for a vigorous treatment
occur, such as marked edema with perhaps an involvement of the serous cavi-
ties, or those of uremia. A hydragogue cathartic should then be gi^en. Ela-
terium is the most efficient of all hydragogue cathartics and of value in uremia,
but it must be kept in mind that its action is very exhausting. It is best given
in combination with the extract of belladonna one quarter of a grain each.
If this is not sufficient to eliminate the toxins, a hot-air bath or pack should
be given later. When this fails after waiting for a sufficient interval, pilocarpin
should be given. This is most useful in the treatment of renal dropsy and gen-
erally exerts a marked diaphoretic action when given internally in doses of
from one twelfth to one sixth of a grain.
If the purge, hot-air bath and pilocarpin, together wdth the saline diuretic,
are not sufficient to benefit the patient, then venesection should be resorted to.
TREATMENT OF NEPHRITIS 429
followed by an intravenous injection of normal salt solution. In this case, 400
to 500 C.C. of blood should be withdrawn, and the same amount of salt solution
should be injected.
When the flow of the urine is scanty, it should be stimulated by giving as a
diuretic citrate of potash, ten to fifteen grains every three hours, by which the
severe edema and uremia just mentioned can often be prevented.
After the dangerous symptoms subside by this means, the patient should
continue with the milk diet and with saline laxatives if constipation is pres-
ent. The saline diuretics should be given again, as soon as the urine begins
to become scanty. If dangerous symptoms again set in, the same vigorous
measures should be taken to combat them by means of hydragogue cathartics,
hot packs, pilocarpin or intravenous saline injections.
Under such treatment, most patients recover ill from six to eight weeks;
others become chronic ; still others die, especially those developing anasarca and
uremia. As the patient's acute symptoms disappear and the urine increases in
quantity and elimination is better, the patient can be gradually changed to a
more varied liquid or soft diet, as broths, cocoa, bread, crackers, rice and other
carbohydrates, and sugar and butter can be added if the digestion permits.
Some also allow easily digested vegetables, such as spinach, cauliflower, string
beans and peas. In this way, a variety is furnished and the patient is able to
maintain a partial milk diet for some time. As a beverage, the patient may
have slightly alkaline table waters, or lemonade, or water slightly tinged with
wine,
Benzoate of soda and lactate of strontium have been recommended in the
treatment of acute nephritis, but they are more suitable for chronic cases. The
benzoate of soda acts as a urinary antiseptic and counteracts the causative in-
testinal fermentation through increasing the flow of bile. The lactate of stron-
tium diminishes the amount of albumin in the urine but does not increase
the flow.
For the pain in the loin, dry cups or hot compresses are sufficient. For the
hematuria, ergot or tannic acid may be given in the following form (Senator) :
Ergot grs. v (0.3 gram) ;
Tannic acid grs. ss (0.03 gram) ;
Powdered gum acacia grs. viiss (0.5 gram).
To be taken every three hours.
The constipation which these drugs produce must be counteracted by ap-
propriate purgatives, such as Apenta or Carabafia water.
Treatment of Ohronio Nephritis. — This includes preventive, specific, di-
etetic, hygienic, therapeutic and symptomatic measures.
Preventive. — The probabilities of a chronic nephritis following an acute
attack may be very much lessened by very carefully managing its treatment dur-
430 NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
ing the acute stage and the period of convalescence. This means keeping the
patient quiet and on a bland diet during the acute stage and by not exposing
him to bad weather, cold or draught of air while he is convalescing. The diet
during convalescence should be very simple and moderate, free from condiments
and with a limited amount of animal proteids ; or it may be salt free if there
is a tendency to edema, or ^uch a condition is threatening.
Specific Treatment. — Most cases of chronic nephritis are incurable.
Therefore, the aim of treatment should be to maintain the general health and
assist the renal fimctions so that the patient can continue to live without much
inconvenience.
Within the last decade, there have been brought forward certain special
methods of treatment which are intended to reach the disease itself and to im-
prove the condition more or less permanently. Organotherapy, the use of
renal extracts, is not yet sufficiently known to be recommended. My own
personal experience with it has been such as to lead me to prefer the older reme
dies. The second form of treatment under this category is the surgical, and
that of the iodids, the former of which is of very little use, except in the case
of certain complications.
The Iodids. — Sodium and potassium iodids, or their substitutes, have been
used in chronic nephritis, especially by the older physicians. I frequently use
this remedy in doses of two or three grains, three times a day, as a vaso-dilator
in arteriosclerotic and cardiac changes. It is also supposed to modify the de-
velopment of the lesions in the kidney and to prevent the formation of inter-
stitial tissue. Its principal value is in cases of chronic nephritis, in patients
with lead poisoning and syphilis, when from two to five grains, three times a
day, should be given.
The minor symptoms of chronic interstitial nephritis, due to arterial hyper-
tension and appearing in the shape of headache, occasional vertigo, tinnitus and
epistaxis, are also combated with potassium iodid, the action of which should be
carefully watched. Alternately with the iodid treatment, glonoin (solution of ni-
troglycerin) is recommended by Chauffard and may be given in doses of one to
two drops. Nitroglycerin has to a large extent taken the place of amyl nitrite in
conditions where this drug is indicated.
Surgical Treatment. — About eight years ago, my colleague, Dr. Ede-
bohls, noticed that many of his cases of movable kidney had in the urine before
operation a slight amount of albumin and a few hyaline and finely granular
casts which disappeared after partial decapsulation and fixation of the organ.
He accordingly concluded, first, that chronic nephritis could be unilateral or
bilateral, and second, that, if the partial decapsulation employed in nephropexy
was sufficient to cure nephritis, through the increased blood obtained by the
anastomosis between the partially decapsulated surface of the organ and the
adjoining tissues, then a more extensive decapsulation would give a greater
TREATMENT OF NEPHRITIS 431
exposed surface for anastomosis and consequently the recovery would be more
certain. He accordingly advocated and began to perform an operation, called
renal decapsulation, for the cure of chronic nephritis, which consisted in en-
tirely removing the capsula propria of the kidneys and replacing them in their
fatty capsules. He claimed that, by this means, an anastomosis of good-sized
vessels formed between the kidney and the fatty capsule, resulting in the cure
of the disease.
I performed a number of these operations, but was not satisfied with my
results, and accordingly wrote to many of the leading surgeons of the country,
asking them to send me a report of the results of their operations. In answer,
I received reports of 120 cases that had recently been operated upon, 16 per cent
of which were reported cured, 40 per cent improved, 11 per cent unimproved and
33 per cent of deaths. The mortality had been greatest in the cases diagnosti-
cated as diffuse nephritis, 75 per cent of which had died, whereas in the cases
diagnosticated as parenchymatous and interstitial, there had been about 25 per
cent mortality in each group.
Some time after this, I again wrote to the surgeons who had contributed
before and found that, among those of their patients who had survived the
operation, 88.5 per cent had since died. The results were accordingly not such
as could lead me to advocate renal decapsulation.
There was, however, a class of cases that had been very much benefited by
operation and this comprised cases of chronic nephritis, associated with hema-
turia and nephralgia. These cases were cured of the attacks of hemorrhage or
pain by a nephrotomy.
The conclusions that J drew from the studies of my own operations and
those of my colleagues were, first, that total decapsulation of the kidney is an
unwarranted operation which should never be performed; but that a partial
decapsulation of a sufficient area of the surface of the organ to assist in its fixa-
tion is helpful in the case of a movable kidney ; second, that, in cases of a non-
movable kidney in which there is much tension on account of a tight capsule,
this will be removed by simply incising the capsule over the convexity; third,
that, if there are symptoms of unilateral nephralgia or hematuria, a nephrotomy
is satisfactory, not only as an approved operation, but also as an exploratory
means of determining a possibly existing surgical disease.
General Treatment. — Rest in bed is important whenever an acute exacer-
bation occurs, associated with edemas, scanty or bloody urine, or uremic symp-
toms, during which time the patient should be treated as a case of acute nephri-
tis. If it is found that rest in bed does not improve the condition of the urine,
the patient may be allowed to get up and lounge about the house in reclining
postures, especially if the disease is not far advanced. If the heart is hyper-
trophied and there is much arterial tension, as from 160 to 200 or over, and
cardiac symptoms, such as palpitation and angina pectoris, headaches or diges-
432
NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
tive disturbances are present, rest in bed should be maintained until the pa-
tient improves. Periods of rest in bed, for from two to four weeks at a
time, say every four months, are of considerable benefit in many chronic
cases with a tendency to uremia. The patient's general condition is kept
up by massage while undergoing this rest treatment. During these periods,
the diet should consist of milk or mixed food, whichever agrees better with
the patient.
Many chronic nephritics go on for years attending to their regular pursuits
of life without taking any medical treatment for the disease. Many of these
patients would never know they had nephritis unless told so by the physician
making the urinary analysis. It is important to instruct them as to the pro-
tection of back and chest bv
suitable clothing, the avoidance
of draughts, or any prolonged
exposure to cold and wet. For
the protection of the back in
male patients, I recommend a
kidney pad or protector during
the cold weather. It is easy to
see that the winter vests have
thick material in front and thin
behind. The kidney pad is
made of doubled woolen cloth
sewed together, of the size and
shape of the vest back. There
are nine buttonholes in the pad,
and nine corresponding buttons
on the vest to which they are
fitted. The same pad can be
used with a number of vests.
Besides the protection it affords
the lungs and back, I know of notliing of its size that has ever given me so much
warmth as has this pad (Fig. 278). It is desirable also that patients should pass
a number of hours in the open air every day, if possible, provided the weather is
mild and pleasant.
Climate, — A change of climate during the winter to a warm, dry, evenly
tempered place is of great benefit. Patients are sent to Egypt or Algiers, or
to the south of Italy or the Riviera. In this country, Florida and Southern
California offer excellent climatic conditions for nephritics.
Diet. — The diet of these patients should be moderate, mixed and nonirri-
tating. They should learn to estimate how much they can eat without doing
themselves harm, or else should regulate the diet according to its calories,
Fia. 278. — Kidney Pad to Bb Buttonbd on thb Back
OF A Vest am a Protection for Nbphretics.
TREATMENT OF NEPHRITIS 433
and they should know that their longevity depends on eating certain foods and
in such amounts as they can easily digest, assimilate and eliminate.
Milk is the ideal food for the patient with Bright's disease, because it is
highly nutritious, contains but few toxic substances and promotes the excre-
tion of urine. Yet an absolute milk diet is not necessary except in acute exacer-
bations, or in cases in which the major symptoms of uremia threaten to develop.
Again, a diet of milk alone is not sufficient in chronic nephritis during the
stage of compensation, and, when prolonged, it leads to gastric intolerance and
to a general debility with sluggishness in the functions of various organs. Be-
sides, if milk diet be instituted too early, it will be difficult to keep it up later
on in the disease when it is indispensable.
When an absolute milk diet is necessary, it should be giv^en in small quan-
tities at frequent intervals. The amount needed for the maintenance of the
body weight is about three liters in twenty-four hours, but this is entirely too
much fluid and two liters usually mark the degree of tolerance, while one liter
daily is sufficient for a short interval or for a longer period if combined with
other food. Milk can be taken hot or cold or flavored with a little sugar or a
small quantity of cocoa. It is more easily digested when mixed with Vichy
or some similar alkaline mineral water. If not well borne, it can be given pre-
digested by means of pancreatin. Substitutes for milk, such as koumiss, may
also be used.
Milk diet often causes constipation, thus necessitating the daily use of laxa-
tives or cold-water enemas. Sometimes fecal impactions form, so that enemas
of oil or even mechanical removal of the masses is necessary. In other patients,
a milk diet causes diarrhea for which bismuth should be used internally.
A diet free from chlorids has of late years taken the place, in a measure, of
the absolute milk diet. This method of treatment is indicated in cases of chronic
parenchymatous nephritis with dropsy and has already been spoken of. The
dropsy can sometimes be made to disappear in patients by giving them a diet
free from chlorids, but will reappear again on adding sodium chlorid to the
food. An absolute salt-free diet should not be continued for any length of time,
as the system requires six grams of salt a day. This represents the amount of
salt in three quarts of milk. The amount of salt to the liter is approximately
tw^o grams.
The advantage of the chlorid-free diet is that it offers a choice between a
number of articles of food. Meat contains very little chlorids, which are lost
completely when it is boiled. Eggs, vegetables, potatoes, lentils, rice and
farinaceous food contain but small amounts of chlorids. Among the fresh vege-
tables, green peas, carrots, turnips and string beans may be chosen as contain-
ing little salt. In some cases, after a period of such a diet, the patient can
return to ordinarv food and can tolerate more salt In other cases, as soon as
salt is given, the symptoms reappear.
434 NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
There is a class of cases, also, in which the salt-free diet does not lessen
the edema nor prevent uremia. It is probable that in these cases the exclusion
of chlorids from the food is not enough to relieve the system of an excess of
chlorids. There are also some patients in whom a chlorid-free diet causes an
increased albuminuria. All patients should be carefully watched while on this
diet. If the edemas have disappeared, the salt may be gradually increased Tvhile
the return of symptoms are watched for. If they return, the amount of salt
should be reduced again.
Quantity of Fluid. — An important rule in chronic nephritis is never to ex-
ceed a definite quantity of fluid ingested in twenty-four hours and in this way
to avoid overloading the heart. The heart in these cases is already overworked
and must not be strained too much. The average daily quantity of fluid should
not exceed one and a half liters. It is for this reason that an absolute milk diet
is difficult to maintain without impairing the nutrition of the patient. If we
wish to give the patient the full amount of nutriment, we ought to give from
three to four liters of milk a day ; this is obviously unwise, as we would thus
exceed the limit of fluid capacity of the organism.
Van Norden recommends a liter and a quarter of fluid a day and says that a
person taking this amount should pass from one and one third to one and one
half liters of urine daily.
The liquids besides water allowed in chronic nephritis are milk, lemonades
or sour drinks and the alkaline mineral waters, especially Celestine Vichy.
Mineral-water cures, as such, cannot be expected to cure the disease, but are
sometimes beneficial to the extent to which they improve the patient's general
condition. Carlsbad, Vichy and Neuenahr are advised when there is not much
hypertrophy of the heart, and but slight increase of arterial tension and no
dropsy. On the other hand, when there is a tense pulse and a markedly hyper-
trophied heart, such springs must be avoided and Marienbad or Kissingen may
be recommended. Carbonic-acid baths may be used at home when the patient
is no longer able to stand the journey to the watering places, and are beneficial
in high arterial tension. They are made by charging the water in a bath from
a tank of carbonic-acid gas. The duration of the bath should be from eight to
twenty minutes, after which the patient should rest for an hour. By this means,
the pulse is slowed and the pressure considerably diminished.
Alcohol should not be allowed, or else should be given only in very small
quantities in the form of light wines, such as a glass of Bordeaux, or Zinfandel
from California, alone or mixed with plain water or mineral w-aters. Beer
and champagne and the stronger wines are very injurious, as they either irri-
tate or cause fermentation, thus interfering with digestion. Whisky with
water, well diluted, is allowed by some on the plea of improvement of the pa-
tient's nutrition. Alcoholics are less harmful in chronic parenchymatous than
in the interstitial form of nephritis.
TREATMENT OF NEPHRITIS 435
CoffeCy tea and tobacco are cardiac stimulants and for this reason should not
be allowed, as they tend to overwork the heart and wear it out. Walking
patients with a mild degree of nephritis do frequently indulge in all these
stimulants, but those with cardiac and vascular changes should be more
cautious.
Meat can be allowed to nephritics in a certain amoimt once a day. White
meats are usually recommended, as they contain slightly less extractives and
proteins. Veal, pork, lamb and poultry are considered the best, although opin-
ions regarding them vary. I do not attach much importance to the color of
the meat, and allow beef and mutton with the same frequency as the white
meats. Meat should be taken at the midday meal, which should be the principal
meal of the day. They are best prepared boiled, broiled or roasted.
Fish can be taken prepared in the same way. Fish is not as difficult to
digest as meat. It is classed by some among the white meats. Once a day is
also sufficient for fish and it should not be taken at the same meal as the meat,
except in half quantities of each.
Eggs are considered as undesirable food by some and approved by others. In
many patients, an egg will increase the amount of albumin in the urine, whereas
in other cases it has no effect upon it. Eggs should be boiled, poached or
shirred. One egg a day is sufficient for a nephritic and is best taken in the
morning.
Vegetables are quite freely allowed in chronic nephritis, although physi-
cians differ in their choice. The allowed list contains rice, lentils, peas, green
beans, asparagus, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots and turnips. Personally, I do
not allow asparagus and tomatoes, which are on the list because they do not
contain much protein matter. I prefer rice, green peas and green beans.
Farinaceous foods are also allowed, as bread, properly toasted, and the
cereals, hominy, farina and wheatena. Fats, carbohydrates and fruits are con-
sidered by many as valuable tissue builders in these cases, and can be taken in
moderation if they are well tolerated. Grapes and apples are probably the best
fruits for nephritics.
From this list it will be seen that the variety is sufficient but that care must
be taken not to eat too much, for overeating is one of the causes of chronic
nephritis as well as being one of the chief factors in hurrying the death of the
patient who is suffering from this trouble. Condiments, as all pickled and
smoked foods, spices, pepper, paprika, catsups, mustard, radishes, horseradish
and garlic should be interdicted.
Hygiene and Mode of Life, — Persons with chronic nephritis must live
strictly according to the rules of hygiene. Excessive exercise and exertion
should be avoided, as giving rise to an overproduction of waste to be excreted
by the kidney. Rest is essential during acute exacerbations and in the presence
of impending uremia. Chronic nephritics are not fit for excessive mental work,
436 NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
as this is apt to produce indigestion, which indirectly means extra work for the
kidney.
The function of the bowels and the skin should be regulated and the patient
should avoid extremes of cold and wet.
Symptomatic Treatment. — This is addressed to the symptoms as they
arise in the different types of chronic nephritis.
In early cases of chronic parenchymatous nephritis, before cardiac valvular
changes have had time to develop, the arterial tension is sometimes so low, that
digitalis, caffein and spartein are often used on account of their effect in
strengthening and regulating the heart action.
Beginning Edemas, — ^W^hen a patient with chronic parenchymatous nephri-
tis complains of lumbar pain, while his eyelids appear puffed up and edematous,
his urine should be examined and, if evidences of an acute exacerbation are
present, he should be put to bed and treated the same as for an attack of acute
nephritis.
General edema is threatened when the urine becomes scanty and of a high
specific gravity, containing a considerable amount of albumin and casts. A
purge of jalap powder or elaterium should be given and diuretic remedies are
indicated, selecting those which act upon the glomeruli and promote excretion
without irritating the tubules, such as the theobromin preparations. In such
cases, the following diuretics should be givnen until the symptoms have been
relieved, when they should be discontinued. Diuretin (salicylate of sodium
theobromin) does not irritate the kidney, rarely causes disagreeable symptoms
and is a diuretic that I consider mo«t reliable. In the course of the dav, from
CO to 120 grains (4 to 8 grams) may be given in divided doses in capsules or
solution or hypodermically. Theocin, a synthetic alkaloid of theobromin, has also
been found to act as a very reliable diuretic, more so than theobromin itself or
caffein, increasing both the excretion of water and solids from the kidney, and
useful for the control of dropsy. It is prescribed in small doses, frequently
repeated, so as to avoid gastric irritation. Up to 8 grains daily may be given
(0.5 to 0.75 gram) the effect being usually most evident on the second or third
day after the administration of the drug. Diuresis cannot, however, be main-
tained by means of this drug, as the system soon becomes accustomed to its use.
Agurin, a preparation consisting of theobromin-sodium and sodium acetate, is
prescribed in cases of renal dropsy in the form of a powder, to be taken in dilute
solution or in capsules, in doses of from 5 to 15 grains three to six times daily.
Another very useful remedy in oliguria (scanty urine) is potassium acetate, in
5 to 15 grain doses, every three hours.
Apo<'ynum, Canadian hemp, assists the elimination of fluid that has accumu-
lated in chronic Bright's disease and may be given in doses of 5 to 15 minims
(0.3 to 1.0 c.c.) of the fluid extract.
If the threatening edema is not relieved bv diuretics and other methods of
AMYLOID KIDNEY
437
treatment already outlined and the edema extends to the lower extremities and
serous cavities, as it frequently does in the later stages of parenchymatous
nephritis, internal medication should be assisted by physical measures, such as
hot baths, followed by packs to promote sweating and thereby favor the elimina-
tion of toxins. It is a noteworthy fact, however, pointed out by Landouzy, that
100 liters of sweat would be required as an equivalent of 1,500 grams of urine.
Hence, the kidney nnist always be relied upon as the safest channel of drain-
age for the impurities of the organism.
In the general dropsy of chronic nephritis, aspiration of the body cavities
affords not only a local relief, but the general condition improves, the uremic
symptoms are lessened and the diuresis is increased. This is probably due to
uremic poisons in the blood leaving the body with the trans-
udating fluid.
The use of Southey's tubes (Fig. 279) have been recom-
mended for the drainage of edematous areas, including the
extremities, to relieve the tension of the overd is tended tis-
sues. They are made of metal from 3 to 9 cm. long with a
lumen of 1:| to 3 mm., resembling trocars, but })erf orated on
the sides. Two or more of these tubes are pushed into the
subcutaneous tissue, the stilet withdrawn and a rubber tube
attached, leading into a receptacle for drainage. They are
left in from twelve to twenty-four hours. The puncture
continues to leak for some time after the removal of
the tubes. In this way, two quarts of fluid a day will
sometimes escape. During the time that operations by
renal decapsulation were being performed for the treat-
ment of chronic nephritis, the incision in the loin, made
in patients suffering from chronic parenchymatous ne-
phritis, sometimes did not close, but acted as a drain
and large quantities of edematous fluid leaked through the loin continu-
ously. Some of the patients operated, who were apparently very stout,
haying thick abdominal walls, rapidly appeared emaciated after the opera-
tion.
Fig. 279, — Southey's
Tubes. (To be
obtained from Tie-
man.)
AMYLOID KIDNEY
Amyloid kidney is a condition of amyloid degeneration in that organ, which
usually accompanies amyloid changes in other viscera, such as the spleen and
the liver. Amyloid kidney was first described by Rokitansky, in 1842, but the
term was introduced bv Virchow, in 1855.
Etiology. — Amyloid degeneration of the kidneys is due to any chronic in-
fectious disease which gives rise to a cachexia. Of these, the principal ones
are tuberculosis, chronic suppuration and syphilis, but the condition has
438 NONSUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
also been observed in chronic malaria, in leprosy and in arthritis deformans.
Experimentally, amyloid degeneration has been produced by the injection of
the bacilli or the toxins of bacillus pyocyaneus.
Pathology. — At autopsy, the amyloid kidney resembles very closely the
large white kidneys of chronic nephritis with dropsy (chronic parenchymatous
nephritis), so that the conditions are often mistaken for each other. If the
surface of the cut kidney is treated with tincture of iodin, the degenerated por-
tions will turn a mahogany brown, while the unaffected portions will remain
yellow. If sulphuric acid is then applied, the degenerated zones turn blue.
On gross examination, the amyloid kidney is large, pale, firm and non-
elastic, waxy in consistence. Its capsule is smooth and easily detached. On
section, the tissue is colorless, often glistening, the cortex swollen and yellowish
white, the medullary portion dark.
On microscopical examination, amyloid tissue assumes peculiar coloring
with anilin dyes. Thus, with methyl or gentian violet, the amyloid tissue
stains pink; with methyl green, the kidney stains a green color except the
amyloid portions, which stain violet. The organ should not be fixed in alcohol
previous to staining, inasmuch as alcohol dissolves the amyloid substance.
The lesions under the microscope are usually well scattered through the
kidney, including the blood vessels, the connective tissue and the epithelia. The
blood vessels are the most frequent seat of degeneration, the glomerular capil-
laries showing amyloid degeneration early in the disease; next, the capil-
laries of the cortex and last the straight vessels of the medulla. All these
arterial channels become gradually obliterated by the amyloid changes. Occa-
sionally, the interstitial tissue is also affected by the amyloid changes. The
tubular epithelia themselves, however, are usually free from these changes,
although they may 1x3 the seat of fatty degeneration.
As the result of the amyloid changes in the arteries and connective tissue,
the tubular structures gradually undergo the same changes as are seen in chronic
nephritis.
Symptoms. — There are always the symptoms of amyloid degeneration of
other organs. The kidney is but slowly affected and the disease develops in-
sidiously.
The chief phenomena are in the urine. A frequent but inconstant symp-
tom is the polyuria, which may amount to from 2 to G liters in twenty-four
hours. The urine is clear, light colored, with low specific gravity, and con-
tains nothing of importance in the sediment. When there are abundant diar-
rheas, the polyuria may be absent and the same is true sometimes in the last
stages of the disease, when there is heart failure.
The amount of albumin is usually considerable, increasing gradually until
it reaches 20 or 30 grams daily. According to Senator, this albuminuria con-
sists in great part of globulin. The urea, chlorids, phosphates, etc., are some-
AMYLOID KIDNEY 439
what diminished in amount. Hyaline and granular casts are. sometimes found
in the sediment, owing to the presence of a nephritis. But there are never
casts having an amyloid reaction.
Amyloid kidney does not give rise to edemas or to uremic symptoms. When
these are present, they are due to the accompanying nephritis.
Diagnosis. — The diagnosis is made by the presence of a polyuria, with a
large amount of albumin in cachectic patients suffering from tuberculosis
or syphilis or some chronic suppurative condition, particularly if there
is a hypertrophy of the liver and the spleen to strengthen the diagnosis.
The diagnosis from interstitial nephritis is made by the absence of uremic
symptoms, of high arterial tension and of cardiac hypertrophy, also because
the urine is paler and there is a smaller amount of albumin in interstitial
nephritis.
Treatment. — The treatment of amyloid nephritis consists in the main-
tenance of a mixed diet of milk and vegetables, the administration of iodids in
syphilitics and the general care of the primary condition in tuberculosis, etc.
When a complicating nephritis exists, it should be treated according to the
manner indicated in the chapter on Chronic Nephritis.
CHAPTER XXIV
UREMIA
Uremia (oipov, urine, alfui, blood) is a toxic condition due to the accumu-
lation or retention in the blood of urine, urinary constituents or excrement itious
substances usually thrown off by the kidneys. It gives rise to a more or less
complex grouj) of symptoms, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, convulsions,
coma, visual disturbance, a urinary odor to the breath and sometimes hemiplegia.
Etiology. — A variety of theories as to the cause of uremia, each based on
more or less experimental evidence, will here be mentioned for their historical
interest. The condition that is spoken of as uremia was first made known
through the work of Bright on nephritis, but the term itself was first used by
Piorry, after Wilson had brought forward the theory that the symptoms w^ere
due to a retention of urea in the blood (1833).
The principal theories of uremia may be tabulated as follows:
(1) MECHANICAL (Traubc, 1861). — Uremia is due to cerebral edema.
(2) toxic: monotoxic theories.
(a) Due to the retention of urea in the blood. (Wilson, 1833.)
(b) Due to the formation of ammonium carbonate in the blood by micro-
coccus urea. (Frerichs, 1851.)
(c) Due to fermentation of ammonium carbonate in the stomach and intes-
tines from urea, and the absorption of the former into the blood. (Treitz;
confirmed by Landois and Pavloff.)
(d) Due to the accumulation of kreatin, kreatinin, uric acid, etc., as result
of changes in metabolism. (Schottin; Voit; Chalvet.)
(e) Due to intoxication by the retention of urinary coloring matters.
(Thudicum.)
(/) Due to intoxication with potassium salts. (Feltz and Ritter. Injec-
tion of K. salts in proportion occurring in urine was fatal in animals.)
(g) Due to retention of chlorids causing edema of the brain, etc. (Widal
and Javal.)
(3) toxic: polytoxic theory. (Bouchard.)
Not a single toxic substance, but a number of various poisons retained in the
blood cause uremia.
Practically all the research work done in uremia since 1881 is based upon
440
ETIOLOGY 441
the theory of Bouchard. His definition of the symptom complex is that uremia
is an intoxication by poisons, either introduced from without or formed in the
body, which are normally eliminated by the kidneys in the urine, but in certain
conditions are retained, owing to renal impermeability. According to this in-
vestigator, forty-seven per cent of the poisonous effects of the urinary con-
stituents are due to potassium salts ; urea, ammonium carbonate, the extractives,
the coloring matters, etc., may each play their part in the intoxication. Five
distinct poisons, the chemical nature of which is not known, were isolated by
Bouchard from the urine.
A series of experimental studies on the permeability of the kidney have been
published since, especially in France, and some recent investigators doubt the
importance of renal imj^ermeability in the production of uremia (Bernard).
Insufficiency of the internal secretion of the kidneys and the liver, with failing
compensation of the heart and increasing arterial tension, are believed by them
to be sufficient etiological factors, without any renal imjx»rmeability. The
significance of toxic retention and renal impermeability is held by other
observers, who explain the occasional absence of toxic substances from the
blood in uremia by their absorption on the part of the tissues. (Castaigne,
Achard.)
The retention of chlorids in the body has also been pointed out as a factor
in the mechanism of uremia. (Widal and Javal, Bohne.) According to
Castaigne, uremia is due to the retention in the body of multiple toxins from
various sources and the retention of chlorids, both being the result of renal
impermeability, without which no uremic poisoning can take place.
The occurrence of uremia is dependent upon (1) the presence of a renal
disease, either acute or chronic nephritis, pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis, cystic
kidney or renal abscess; (2) upon the presence of renal obstruction, such as
calculus in the ureter, ureteral stricture or pressure U|)on the duct, in the blad-
der or somewhere along its course.
Patients suffering from an acute affection of the kidney producing anuria,
such as acute nephritis or an acute exacerbation of chronic nephritis, are liable
to an acute attack of uremia. In the absence of predisposing factors, patients
with chronic disease of the kidney may remain free from uremic manifesta-
tions for years. The causes that favor or immediately induce the appearance
of the uremic symptom complex may be summed up as follows :
(1) Increase in the work of the kidneys, due to overeating or drinking.
(2) Intercurrent acute nephritis, exposure to cold, wet, fatigue, any cause
producing congestion of the kidneys.
(3) Complicating extrarenal intoxications: Influenza (in old age) and
other acute infectious diseases occurring in chronic nephritis.
(4) Arrest or diminution of toxin elimination, by treatment or conditions
which arrest sweating, defecation, vomiting and urination.
442 UREMIA
Symptoms. — The symptoms of uremia vary according to the character,
strength and degree of the intoxication, as well as the predisposition and re-
sistance of certain organs or groups of organs. Clinically, there are two vari-
eties of acute and chronic uremia. Acute uremia may occur in acute nephritis,
or in the course of chronic lesions of the kidney, and may be the first indication
of the presence of renal disease.
Acute Ueemia. — The hyperacute form is characterized by a sudden attack,
without premonitory symptoms, of faintness, vertigo and coma, which is fol-
lowed by death within a short time. As a rule, such patients for months or
years have been suffering from chronic uremia, but the true nature of their ill-
ness has remained unrecognized to the end.
The acute form also comes on suddenly, but is preceded by premonitory
symptoms, such as headache, vomiting, oliguria or anuria, or disturbances of
vision and hearing (contraction of the pupil, double vision, partial or total
blindness, noises in the ears, sudden deafness). There may have been also slight
delirium and a tendency to aphasia.
The acute attack is characterized by convulsions, delirium, somnolence and
coma. There may also be intense dyspnea, asthmatic breathing or Cheyne-
Stokes respiration, or the dominant symptom may be vomiting and diarrhea.
Paralyses have been reported in this connection, especially by French
writers.
Latent or Mild Uremia (Lecorche and Talamon's Attenuated Uremia). —
There are cases of chronic disease of the kidneys in which the uremia is so mild
and is accompanied by so few typical symptoms, that it is apt to be mistaken
for some less serious trouble. Only when the urine is repeatedly examined and
the case studied thoroughly, may we make out the uremic origin of the mild
symptoms complained of by the patient.
This mild form of chronic uremia may persist for a long time without be-
coming aggravated, or it may be the precursor of the more severe type known
to the French writers as " grande uremie.^^
Headache is the leading symptom in many such cases of mild uremia. It
may for a long time be the only symptom present, and may vary greatly in
intensity. Next to headache, there are a variety of muscular and neuralgic pains
which frequently accompany mild uremias. Uremic intoxication may give rise
to a neuritis like that of alcohol and lead, and one form of such a neuritis is
that of the cardiac plexus known as angina pectoris. Facial and other neural-
gias may also occur in mild uremia.
A variety of aches in the muscles and the joints, and cramplike contrac-
tions of the sole of the foot, are also complained of. The patients behave like
rheumatics and are frequently given salicylates erroneously. Numbness, prick-
ing sensations in various parts of the body, including the common phenomenon
of " dead finger./' may also occur. (Dieulafoy.)
SYMPTOMS 443
Finally, the mild form may be accompanied by disturbances of vision and
hearing, of which we shall speak further on, and occasionally there are attacks
of asthma without any organic cause, due to toxic influence.
Cheonic Uremia. — In the chronic form, the symptoms are usually rather
indefinite. Headaches, neuralgias, respiratory disturbances, attacks of asthma
or disturbances of vision or hearing, come on at irregular intervals, provoked
usually by exposure to cold, fatigue, or excesses in eating or drinking. Gradu-
ally these attacks become more frequent, and the final stage is heralded by a
period during which vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetHe are prominent.
The patient loses weight, becomes weak and anemic, and gradually grows som-
nolent, apathetic and semicomatose. Death comes on either in deeper coma
and exhaustion, or preceded by an acute exacerbation of the symptoms, with
convulsions, coma and paralysis.
Gboups of Symptoms. — Having thus sketched the clinical evolution of
the principal forms of uremia, we should now consider more in detail the
individual groups of symptoms observed in this condition. Many signs of
uremia occur in other conditions and it is for this reason that the diagnosis
of uremia is not easy to make. In each case, a careful study of the mass
of symptoms is needed. The clinical picture, however, can usually be sub-
divided into various groups or classes of symptoms, one or more being repre-
sented in the case studied :
(1) NERVOUS SYMPTOMS.
Headaches.
Neuralgias.
Disturbances of cutaneous sensation, e. g., tingling, formication,
" dead finger."
Restlessness, confusion of ideas, partial aphasia, somnolence, disturbed
sleep, apathy, depression, convulsions, delirium, coma, paralyses.
(2) CARDIO-RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS.
Dyspnea.
Uremic asthma.
Cheyne-Stokes breathing.
Bronchitis, pleurisy, pulmonary edema, hydrothorax.
Heart symptoms, due to affection of the heart which may coexist. Usu-
ally cardiac hypertrophy and increased arterial tension.
(3) GASTRO-INTESTINAL SYMPTOMS.
(a) Mouth and Pharynx:
Dryness, thirst, difficulty in swallowing.
Stomatitis (catarrhal or ulcerative).
Salivation.
444 UKEMIA
(6) Stomach:
Anorexia, dyspepsia.
Nausea or vomiting.
(c) Intestines:
Diarrhea (serous or dysenteric), constipation.
(4) SKIN SYMPTOMS.
Pruritus.
Erythema papulosum and maculosum.
Urticaria, purpura.
Hyperidrosis.
(5) EYE SYMPTOMS.
Miosis (contracted pupils), mydriasis.
Disturbances of vision, double vision, amaurosis.
Optic neuritis.
(6) EAR SYMPTOMS.
Tinnitus (ringing) or other noises in the ear.
Deafness (sudden).
(7) URINARY SYMPTOMS.
Oliguria or anuria in acute form.
Quantity normal or increased in chronic* forms (but quality suffers).
Urea diminished.
Albumin usual (not invariably present).
Functional efficiency of kidneys low (cryoscopy, phloridzin test, etc.).
(8) GENERAL SYMPTOMS.
Emaciation, atrophy of muscles, edema.
Pulse slow, high tension.
Temperature subnormal or febrile.
Nervous Symptoms. — Some of these are characteristic of the prodromal
period. The uremic headache is one of the early symptoms, and is usually very
obstinate, sometimes occurring in the form known as migraine. Headache, ac-
companied by apathy and stupor, may also be present during the attack itself.
A variety of neuralgias often depend upon incipient uremia. These include
particularly occipital neuralgias and angina pectoris. Pains in the limbs and
joints and disturbances of sensibility may also occur as prodromal signs.
During the attacks of uremia, the serious nervous symptoms may be divided
into the signs of excitement and those of depression. The former include con-
vulsions which may assume the type of eclampsia or epilepsy, general or par-
tial clonic contractions, which are the usual types. These convulsions present
nothing specially characteristic, and the differential diagnosis from epilepsy,
SYMPTOMS 445
etc., must be made from delirium, coma and the other symptoms above
mentioned.
Delirium is another symptom of this group. The patient may suffer from
confusion of ideas, mutter incoherent sentences, and have illusions and hallu-
cinations. In other patients, the delirium seems to be more specific in char-
acter— they rave about one subject, often persecution, or they become moody
and melancholy and may attempt suicide.
Coma is one of the most typical symptoms of the uremic attack. In the
acute form, it comes on rapidly, in the chronic form more gradually, but in
both the same features prevail as a rule. It is accompanied by anuria or oli-
guria, a subnormal temperature, a slow pulse, slow, irregular breathing (Cheyne-
Stokes). The muscles are completely flaccid, the face is pale, the pupils con-
tracted and consciousness is entirely lost.
Paralyses have been obsers^ed in a large number of cases of uremia, espe-
cially those due to chronic nephritis. They vary in intensity, and disappear
if the patient recovers. The aflFected muscles, usually those of one arm, are
always perfectly flaccid. Occasionally aphasia has been observed in these
cases.
Respiratory Symptoms. — The dyspnea of uremia may be either toxic or
pulmonary. The toxic form occurs after exertion and overeating. It is easily
cured by simply adopting a milk diet. Typical asthmatic symptoms accompany
the dyspnea. The patient is unable to lie down in bed, and complains of constant
oppression on his chest, breathes crapidly and emits sibilant rales. The attacks
come on at night, without asphyxia.
In another type of cases, there is actual asphyxia associated with the dysp-
nea, and the patient may die during the attack.
Cheyne-Stokes breathing is an abnormal type of respiration not characteris-
tic of uremia, but present during the attacks, in the comatose stage. The
extent and rapidity of the respiratory movements are gradually lessened, until
the patient's breathing is entirely arrested for several seconds ; it is then resumed
again at a gradually increasing rate and depth. It is always a serious symp-
tom, pointing to deep involvement of the cerebrum.
Bronchitis, pulmonary edema and hydrothorax may accompany uremia and
give rise to pulmonary dyspnea. Pulmonary edema is often a fatal complication
of uremia.
Gastro-intestinal Symptoms, — In acute uremia, vomiting is a frequent
and important symptom, but the chronic uremic state may show many more
signs on the part of the gastro-intestinal tract, including all those mentioned in
the table. The toxic agents causing uremia are evidently, at least in part, elimi-
nated through the mucosa of the gastro-intestinal tract, instead of through the
insufficient kidneys, and accordingly the entire tube from mouth to rectum may
be affected. Dryness of the tongue and throat and thirst are frequent pre-
446 UREMIA
monitory symptoms of a uremic attack. Stomatitis is rare, but must be looked
out for.
The vomiting at first occurs after meals; later it is more frequent and
occurs independently of eating. The vomited matter contains urea and am-
monium carbonate and is alkaline in reaction. Under these circumstances, vom-
iting is a grave sign, showing that the toxemia is general and profound, and the
renal insufficiency very marked, so that the organism has recourse to emesis
to rid itself of the accumulated poisons.
Usually, the diarrhea is of the ordinary catarrhal or muco-serous type, fre-
quent fetid fluid stools being the chief symptom. There are cases, however,
in which intestinal ulceration leads to a dysenteric diarrhea. Alternate consti-
pation and diarrhea are often present.
Eye Symptoms. — The ocular symptoms of uremia should be carefully dis-
tinguished from those of chronic nephritis. The former are not accompanied
by ophthalmoscopic changes ; the visual disturbances are of sudden onset and
transitory in character (double vision, hemiopia, hemeralopia, amblyopia and
amaurosis). At the height of a seizure, the pupils are dilated and do not react
to light or only feebly so, whereas a chronic uremic poisoning not an attack
produces a contraction of the pupil. Edema of the optic sheath has been noted
in cases where the pupils fail to react. The presence of an albuminuric retinitis
is shown by the ophthalmoscope. Amaurosis, always bilateral, may be the only
symptom of uremia in certain exceptional cases, and in conjunction with head-
ache is often the forerunner of an attack.
Urinary Sym^ptom^. — The urinary symptoms of uremia vary according to
the original cause of this condition in a given case. The quantity of urine ex-
creted is greatly diminished (oliguria), or there is total absence of urinary se-
cretion (anuria) in acute forms, due to acute parenchymatous nephritis, to an
acute exacerbation of a chronic parenchymatous nephritis, or to acute obstruc-
tion of the urinary tract.
In chronic interstitial nephritis, on the other hand, there is an increased
amount of urine (polyuria) of low specific gravity. The amount of urea is
generally diminished considerably, the daily excretion becoming less and less
in the fatal cases until it reaches zero at death. Usually there is some albumin,
but this may be absent. The functional efficiency of the kidney as tested by the
cryoscope, the phloridzin teat and other means is very much impaired, especially
in uremias due to interstitial nephritis.
Among the clinical urinary symptoms, nothing characteristic of uremia can
be noted. There may be frequency of urination, retention with overflow, in-
continence and a musty odor of dribbling urine soaking into the bedclothes.
These symptoms depend upon the primary condition of the urinary organs, in-
ducing uremia, the presence of renal or vesical infection, urinary obstruc-
tion, etc.
DIAGNOSIS 447
In the comatose condition of uremia, retention of the urine may occur from
inability to feel the impulse to urinate. In such cases, the urine either dribbles
away as the bladder overflows, or, if the coma is not so profound, the patient
voids the entire contents of the bladder involuntarily at intervals. Of course,
this does not refer to the urinary retention due to obstruction which may and
frequently does appear with uremia, especially uremia as it comes to the
knowledge of the surgeon. (Compare sections on Incontinence and Retention.)
General Symptoms. — Acute uremia may occur in apparently perfectly
healthy persons. Chronic uremia, with its attendant renal insufficiency and
gastro-intestinal troubles, leads to pallor, emaciation, cachexia and weakness of
the muscles, which become atrophied. Edemas may be present, especially in
patients with cardiac complications and cirrhosis of the liver.
The pulse of uremia is characteristically slow and of high tension. This is
the result of the intoxication and of the condition of the arteries in chronic
nephritis. High-tension pulse in a nephritic is, indeed, considered by some as
a sign of impending uremia, although fatal uremias may be accompanied by a
comparatively low arterial tension.
The temperature during the attack tends to become subnormal as the symp-
toms increase in gravity. Fever may, however, be present if there is an infec-
tion of the kidney or any other organ, and also in some of the acute cases, due
to acute nephritis.
Diagnosis. — A correct interpretation of a given symptom as a sign of uri-
nary intoxication is not always easy. A symptom may be looked upon as uremic
in origin, (a) when it is associated with other signs pointing to uremia; (b)
when it occurs without any organic basis of disease in the organ with which
the symptom is associated (e. g., the stomach and the intestine) ; (c) when it is
associated with renal disease, alone or in combination with lesions of the lower
genito-urinary tract. A careful examination of the urinary organs and of the
urine is essential for a diagnosis of uremia.
If there is no residual urine in the bladder, no obstruction to the discharge
of urine, no oliguria or anuria, and if a fresh specimen and a twenty-four-hours'
specimen of urine are found to indicate normal function of the kidney, the
symptom thought to be uremic in origin must be ascribed to some other cause.
On the other hand, uremia is diagnosticated by the presence of the symp-
toms or groups of symptoms above described, when the urine shows a deficient
renal function.
For the purpose of obtaining an estimate of the kidney function, we resort
to the methods of functional diagnosis described in detail in the chapter on
Examination of the Kidney. Of these, the most valuable in the diagnosis of
uremia are the determination of the specific gravity, of the total solids ex-
creted, of the percentage of urea of the total nitrogen in the urine and the
measurement of the freezing points of the urine and of the blood (cryoscopy).
448 UREMIA
The retention of toxic substances in the blood and the deficiency of elimina-
tion of these substances by the kidneys are expressed in uremia by (1) a low-
ered specific gravity; (2) a diminished amount of total solids excreted in twen-
ty-four hours; (3) a low percentage of urea and of nitrogen; (4) a lowered
freezing point of the blood, owing to its greater concentration; and (5) a raised
freezing point of the urine (nearer zero, owing to the lowered concentration).
Differential Diagnosis of an Attack of Uremia. — Uremic unconsciousness
coming on suddenly, as in chronic interstitial nephritis, may simulate (1) cere-
bral hemorrhage, (2) meningitis, (3) epilepsy and (4) certain intoxications.
(1) Cerebral IIemorrhage. — In apoplexy, which is so commonly asso-
ciated with kidney disease and arteriosclerosis, the sudden loss of consciousness
may simulate a uremic attack ; but the mode of onset as well as the existence of
complete hemiplegia, with the eyes turned toward the lesion and away from
the paralyzed side, suggest cerebral hemorrhage. The distinction is extremely
difficult, if not impossible in certain cases.
(2) Meningitis. — Meningitis, in which there is deep coma, with rise of
temperature, a furred tongue and no localizing symptoms, is also easily con-
founded with uremia; but the mode of onset, the rigidity of the neck, inco-
herence or mild delirium, photophobia and pronounced fever, point to a lesion
of the brain.
(3) Epilepsy. — The fulminating or eclamptic type of uremia is very sug-
gestive of epilepsy. The principal distinctive feature between uremia and
epilepsy is that uremic attacks are usually preceded by headache, vertigo and
nausea, and occur without an injury to the tongue. The onset of an epileptic
attack is sudden, with tonic and then clonic convulsions, beginning generally
with biting of the tongue. A history of former seizures is sometimes obtain-
able. The urine during and after a paroxysm of epilepsy may contain albu-
min. When the convulsions are uremic, albumin and casts may both be present
Edema, especially under the eyes, would point to uremia. The ophthal-
moscopic examination of a uremic patient would show degenerative changes in
the retina.
(4) Intoxications. — Uremic coma may be mistaken for poisoning by
opium or alcohol. In opium poisoning the pupils are contracted, whereas, in
an attack of uremia, they are dilated. According to the type of uremia, the
pupils may be either widely dilated, of medium size or contracted, but in a so-
called attack of uremia, when a diagnosis is most important, they are dilated,
the contracted pupil being characteristic of chronic cases. The examination of
the ocular fundus with the ophthalmoscope, to determine the presence or ab-
sence of albuminuric retinitis, is a valuable diagnostic adjuvant The urine
should be drawn off and examined in all suspected cases.
In the differential diagnosis of uremia from alcoholism (state of drunken-
ness), an alcoholic odor of the breath sometimes is a most important point In
PROGNOSIS 449
alcoholic intoxication, the pupils are somewhat dilated, but not as markedly as
in uremia. The condition of the heart and arteries must also be taken into
account in cases of elderly individuals who may be suffering from arterioscle-
rosis. The delirium in alcoholism is not accompanied by convulsions, and the
coma is not so deep as in uremic poisoning. It may for a time be impossible
to determine whether the condition is due to uremia or to profound alcoholism,
as one of the principal causes in precipitating an attack of uremia in a nephritic
is overindulgence in alcohol. In many of these doubtful cases, uremia can be
identified by the history given by the family, the age of the patient and the
marked arterial tension. The presence of dropsy in some cases is a valuable
indication of the nephritic origin of uremic symptoms.
Uremic coma must also be differentiated from diabetic coma. The examina-
tion of the urine would show tlie presence of sugar and further tests with the
tincture of the chlorid of iron would show the Burgundy-red reaction of
acetone.
Acute Prolonged Uremia. — The differentiation of uremia from certain
infectious diseases is sometimes difficult. The uremia may persist for weeks
or months, the patient lying in a condition of torpor or even imconsciousness
and slight fever, with a heavily coated and also, perhaps, dry tongue, a rapid
feeble pulse and muscular twitchings. This state naturally suggests the ex-
istence of one of the infectious diseases, such as typhoid fever or acute miliary
tuberculosis.
There is no absolute rule applicable to the differential signs. The table
(page 450) which I have written out is appended siuiply as an aid in doubtful
cases.
Prognosis. — Uremia, once diagnosticated, should always be a source of
anxiety to the attendants of the patient, because there is an element of uncer-
tainty in the manner in which the intoxication will affect a given case. A
peculiarity of uremia, which should not be overlooked in making a prognosis,
is that the degree of actual intoxication and the severity of the symptoms do
not ahvays correspond with the gravity of the lesions in the renal apparatus.
In some patients, the subjective and even the objective symptoms may be quite
severe, while the renal function is very fair; whereas, others exhibit remark-
ably few and mild symptoms wuth very much impaired renal functions.
The type of uremia has no very pronounced bearing on the prognosis. The
mild latent form may exist for years, but eventually the grave form develops.
The chronic form toward the end may become more and more severe, the at-
tacks increasing in frequency, until one of them ends in death. The acute form
may either subside and, if its cause be removed, leave the patient in good
condition, or it may end fatally, or it may develop into the chronic form.
The cause of death may be one of the following: (1) Death in coma, some-
times following convulsions ; (2) edema of the lungs; (3) asthenia.
450
UREMIA
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TREATMENT OF UREMIA
451
A case which occurred in one of my hospital services was in a boy aged
twenty-one years, who had total suppression of urine and lived for eight days
after the removal of a large tuberculous kidney. At no time during the post-
operative eight days did he show any signs of uremia and was conscious almost
to the end. Death occurred from asthenia. The autopsy revealed the absence
of a second kidnev.
Treatment of Uremia. — When convulsions are frequent, the face red and
cyanotic, the pulse full, venesection is, in my judgment, the most effective
remedy. The causes of the benefit derived from venesection are probably four :
(1) Withdrawal of a part of the poisons circulating in the blood; (2) lowering
Fig. 280.— Bleeding the Patient in Uremia. (See also Figs. 258, 259, 260.)
of the blood pressure; (3) dilution of the blood, i.e., lessening the viscosity,
and hence a reduction of the work of the heart and of friction along the vessels ;
and (4) the lowering of temperature (Fig. 280). It is usually followed by an
intravenous injection of a corresponding quantity of normal salt solution. (See
Intravenous Injections of Saline Solution in chapter on the Use of Water in
Urolog}'.)
The subject of the lessening of the viscosity of the blood brings us next to
the employment and effect of inhalations. By this easy means, agents that
enter tlie blood rapidly may be given, with a notable effect u|)on the convulsions
w^hen present. Chloroform is among the first, a few whiffs lessening the motor
symptoms in a marked manner.
For the dyspnea, iodid of ethyl may be inhaled with relief, from a small
vial held in the hand, or ten to twenty minims on a handkerchief. The internal
administration of morphin and heroin markedly relieves the dyspnea and the
convulsions. When the convulsions are marked by high tension, the vaso-di-
lators, glonoin or spirits of nitroglycerin (2 to 5 drops every three to four
hours), amyl nitrite (IH, v from a crushed cai)sule), cautiously inhaled, is
452 UREMIA
sometimes employed, and must be regarded with favor under the proper
conditions.
Ammonia, a remedy too little used, exerts a direct liquefying action upon
the blood, reducing its molecular concentration, and contributing to the oxida-
tion of other nitrogenous compounds. The aromatic spirits of ammonia (thirty
to sixty minims in water) are serviceable, stimulating the movements of the
stomach and intestines. In the most pressing cases, ammonia can be injected
directly into a vein of the leg.
In an acute attack of uremia, there often are symptoms of approaching
weakness of the heart, a small pulse, so small at times as to be imperceptible, and
very faint respiration. Under these circumstances, the aromatic spirits of
ammonia are very useful, and it may be well to support the he^rt with injec-
tions of digitoxin, ^hs grain ; camphor, 1^ grain in oil ; caffein sodium salicyl-
ate, i to 2 grains; and ether, foss or more in cold water. After venesection,
isotonic injections of warm saline solution into the veins or into the loose cel-
lular tissue of the flanks, groin and axilla, are given.
In all cases of acute uremia, an effort should be made not to overtreat the
patient by too violent purging, which is very exhausting and often not as effi-
cacious as the milder methods above mentioned, or the simple diuretics and
dieting. As to the convulsions, there are no better remedies, if swallowing is
possible, than the bromids.
The treatment of chronic uremia is considered imder Chronic Nephritis.
CHAPTER XXV
CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
(Pyelitis^ Pyelo-nephritis, Pyonephrosis, Perinephritic Abscess, Nephritic Ab-
scess and Suppurative Nephritis)
During the last two decades, there have been rapid changes in our views of
the pathology and bacteriology of the kidney, due principally to the exhaustive
investigation of the French school.
Notwithstanding, however, that much light has been thrown upon the causes
of these diseases, the variety and manner of infection, their scope and line of
march, the clinician is still constantly at a loss to know in any case before him
whether one of these aflfections exists alone, or whether two or more are com-
bined. The diseases of this variety, however, that have come under my per-
sonal observation, were usually combined, instead of existing as one single, well-
defined disorder.
I may here say, in a general way, that I consider the diseases closely asso-
ciated with one another in their line of march to be : Pyelitis — an inflammation
of the pelvis of the kidney; pyelo-nephritis — a pyelitis plus nephritis; pya
nephrosis — a pyelitis plus a nephritis, together with enlargement of the pelvic
cavity due either to destruction of renal tissue by abscess, or to dilation of the
pelvis from obstructions lower down the canal, or to both these causes ; and peri-
nephritic abscess — a collection of pus about the kidney. Abscess of the kidney
and suppurative nephritis occurring independently of the above group, will be
considered later. They are comparatively rare.
As the scope of this work is clinical, T will endeavor to consider these dis-
eases from a clinical standpoint, whatever may be their etiology. I will, there-
fore, include in this consideration tuberculosis and calculus, as they have been
in my practice such frequent predisposing causes of renal suppuration.
PYELITIS
Etiology. — The causes of these suppurative diseases of the kidney are prac-
tically the same, whether the inflammation begins in the pelvis and extends to
the parenchyma, or whether it begins in the parenchyma and extends into the
pelvis. They are predisposing and active causes. The former include, in the
453
454 CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDXEY
first place, debilitated conditions of the body which favor suppuration; infec-
tious diseases ; any factor leading to congestion, as traumatism from direct con-
tusion ; the irritation of drugs, exposure to cold or wet and displacement of the
kidney due to great mobility.
Other predisposing causes are found in all conditions which interfere with
the urinary flow or congest or irritate the kidney ; in the first instance — urethral
strictures ; enlarged prostate ; vesical stone or tumor ; ureteral stone, tuberculosis
or stricture; or outside pressure upon the ureter due to adhesions or growths:
and in the second instance — a stone; tumor; tuberculosis of the kidney or its
pelvis ; or abnormal renal mobility.
In tuberculosis with suppuration, the pelvis may be involved in an ascend-
ing process from the bladder or in a descending process from the kidney tis-
sues, usually the latter. The tubercles developing in the renal pelvis may break
down and suppurate at the same time that a similar process is going on in the
kidney proper.
Usually pyelitis is a part of a pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis, and, in most
cases in wdiich the predisposing cause of the pyelitis is not removed or relieved,
the disease secondarily affects the kidney, at least in its medullary portion :
w^hereas, on the other hand, in the great majority of cases in which Uie suj)-
purative process begins in the parenchyma, the inflammation in turn extends to
the pelvis.
The active causes of these suppurative conditions are the various pus-produc-
ing germs, the most common of which are the colon bacillus, staphylococcus,
streptococcus, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus pyocyaneus. The gonococcus is a pus
producer, but it is rarely the active microorganism giving rise to the renal su}>-
puration. The tubercle bacillus is not considered as a pus producer, but is
productive of lesions that are favorable for other infections.
The infectious agents that produce renal suppuration may reach the organ
either through the blood (hematogenous infection) or through the lymph
(lymphogenous infection), or they may reach the organ by extension of the
suppuration from neighboring structures (infection by contiguity), and finally
the infection may travel upward from some lower portion of the genito-
urinary tract, as the urethra or bladder (ascending infection, or infection by
contimiity.
The ureteral, lymphogenous and hematogenous r<mtes of these infections
have been carefully investigated by Albarran and others of the Xecker sch<M)l,
who have concluded that the circulatory is tlie most common. Pus-producing
microorganisms in the blood current circulating through the kidney or its jxdvis
are not likely to give rise to suppuration without the presence of congestion due
to some of the predisposing causes just mentioned ; but if congestion is present,
the germs, having passed through the circulation and entered the urinary tract,
find the pelvis a soil adapted for their settlement and growth.
PYELITIS 455
We have, therefore, covered the causes of this group of diseases in a general
way, and those of pyelitis in particular.
Pathology. — Pyelitis usually begins with a simple catarrhal condition of
the mucous membrane of the pelvis, with congestion of the superficial capil-
laries and an excess of mucus. As infection takes place, the mucous membrane
takes on the appearance of a turbid gelatinous lining, which is rapidly fol-
lowed by a purulent exudate and thickening of the wall. The thickening and
roughness of the pelvic wall are more marked in tubercular cases and the ulcera-
tions are of a more active type. There is also great thickening at times in cal-
culous pyelitis, as well as erosions and capillary hemorrhage.
When the pyelitis is due to an ascending infection, there is a greater dilata-
tion of the pelvis, its surface is smoother and thinner and the capillary conges-
tion is less. The amount of urine and pus is considerable and the admixture
thinner than in the descending cases. Capillary congestion, engorgement, ero-
sions and ulcerations are also less marked. It must be remembered that urinary
retention takes place in varying degrees when there is obstruction due to tuber-
cular lesions or calculus, but that the retention is greater when there is obstruc-
tion due to interference with the urinary flow in the ureter proper.
When the pyelitis advances to such a degree that there is retention of urine
and pus in the renal pelvis, the parenchyma is also generally involved and the
trouble becomes a pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis.
Symptoms. — The symptoms of pyelitis are few and at times absent when it
exists alone and not associated with calculus, tumor, tuberculosis or abnormal
renal mobility. There is sometimes slight frequency of urination, due to a
polyuria, or there may be a vague pain or a heavy feeling in one or both loins.
The pain is more intense and colicky when the pyelitis is due to calculus or to
movable kidney. Hematuria is rare in pyelitis unless there is a growth or stone
present, when it is common; whereas, in tuberculosis it is still less frequent.
Pyuria exists, but is of a mild degree when the pelvis is alone involved ; but
when a cystitis also is present, the pyuria is more marked, owing to the addition
of the pus produced in the bladder to that coming from the pelvis and ureter.
Marked frequency of urination is due to an associated cystitis, probably tuber-
cular. Attacks of nausea, vomiting, chills, fever and sweating are generally
due to movable kidney or renal calculus, with attacks of retention and absorption
of pus. Febrile attacks also point to an extension of the inflammation to the
kidney substance and we must, therefore, always be on our guard against such
an involvement.
Examination. — In palpating the kidney in jnelitis, a slight tenderness may
be experienced by the patient. There is usually no rise of temperature. There
is no enlargement of the organ unless a complication is present, such as retention
of urine and pus in the pelvis, or an extension to the kidney parenchyma.
The urinary examination shows in the chronic cases, such as are usually ob-
456 CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
served, a urine of low specific gravity, soirtewhat increased in amount, contain-
ing considerable pus, serum and nuclear albumin, pelvic epithelia and a few
blood cells and hyaline and granular casts. In case the disease is due to tuber-
culosis, the bacilli may be found in the urine; while if due to stone, crystals
may be found in masses of pus and mucus, and the specific gravity is higher.
Diagnosis. — In the differentiation of pyelitis and cystitis, there are some
rather interesting points. In chronic cystitis, the daily amoimt of urine and
urea are always normal, unless the patient has been given a large amount of
water or diuretics. The reaction is generally alkaline, or if not, it soon be-
comes so, unless due to the colon or tubercle bacillus. The amount of albumin
does not exceed that caused by the pus and blood. There is a muco-purulent
sediment whjch coagulates quickly. Microscopically, pus and a large number
of bladder epithelial cells are foimd in the urine. The large amount of epi-
thelium that is present is striking, rather than any particular type. There is
no renal pain, nor tenderness on pressure over the kidney.
In chronic pyelitis, there is polyuria, the sediment is more diffuse and does
not coagulate, or certainly not so quickly. The urine is usually acid in reaction
and contains but few epithelial cells. The importance of the colon bacillus is
not sufficiently appreciated; it is very frequent and its recognition is not diffi-
cult. A cystoscopic examination will always give information concerning the
condition of the bladder.
Prognosis. — The prognosis of pyelitis depends entirely upon its cause and
the presence of associated lesions. If the cause is removed, the patient should
recover. This may require some time, or it may never take place, in which lat-
ter instance the pyelitis would probably slowly extend up into the kidney and
develop into a pyclo-nephritis or a pyonephrosis. In many cases, the kidney is
involved together with its pelvis, but the condition is not recognized.
PYELO-NEPHRITIS
Etiology. — The etiology of pyelo-nephritis is the same as that of pyelitis,
as it is either an extension from the pelvis uj) the straight tubules of the kidney,
which is especially the case in obstructive conditions ; or from above downward,
as in tuberculosis, which almost always begins in the renal parenchyma and
descends to the pelvis. In saying that suppurative nephritis is secondary to
a suppurative pyelitis, I do not necessarily mer.n that the infection must come
from below up through the ureter and pelvis, as there may be a congestion or
nonsuppurative nephritis that develops during a pyelitis which later becomes
a septic nephritis, due to microorganisms brought to the kidney through the cir-
culation and then entering the urinary tract.
The involvement of the kidney in pyelo-nephritis was formerly believed to
be invariably due to an ascending infection, especially after traumatism of the
PYELO-NEPHRITIS 457
urethra, prostate or bla<l(ler in passing instruments for the sake of examination
or trealinent of a jiationt. It is evident, however, that in tlie event of erosiona
due to traumatism in passing an instrument, absorption of the pus may occur
from that part of the urinary tract where the lesion is situated, and the infec-
tion travel through the circulation to the kidney. In fact, in eases in which the
pretlisposing causes to pyelo-nephritis exist, either as obstruction or irritation
from whatsoever cause, pus-protlucing germs, taken into the circulation from
any suppurative focus in the interior or on the exterior of the body, can be
carried through the cirailation to the ki<hiey and cause pyelo-nephritis.
Pathology. — The disease is usually bilateral, when due to obstruction in
the bladder, prostate, or urethra, but the kidneys are generally not equally in-
volved ; whereas, in cases due to obstruction of a single ureter or renal pelvis,
the trouble is unilateral. As far as the renal pelvis is concerned, the
jmthology of pyelo-nephritis is similar to that of pyelitis. In the kidney,
however, the process is usually tliat of a diffuse nephritis plus pus. In other
words, the jiarenchyma of
the organ, consisting of the
tubules and the glomeruli,
is involved to a greater or
less extent, and the inter-
stitial tissue as well. The
kidney is enlarged in most
cases, the size de|X'nding up-
on the amount of inflamma-
tion, abscess formation and
exudate about the abscesses
and their cavities, and also
on the dilatation of the pel-
vis. The changes in the
parenchyma are for the most
part mo<l crate, altliough there
may be areas where it is very
much involved. In certain
localities, there are greater
inflanunatOrv thickenings of
the parenchyiiia tlian in oth-
ers, and here abscesses arc
more liable to develop, which
usually break into the jwlvis
of the organ.
Numerous abscesses may lie found in the kidney in pyelo-nephritis, varying
in size from that of a pea to a marble. They are more frequent in cases of
Fid. 281.— Ptei
458 CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
tuberculosis, in which cases the disease is often very acute. Abscesses are also
frequent in some cases due to stricture and enlarged prostate. It must not be
thought, however, that, in stricture and enlarged prostate, the pyelo-nephritis is
not as acute as in tuberculosis, for in these conditions one or more abscesses mav
be even larger than those in tubercular infection of the kidney (Fig. 281).
Large abscesses also occur in calculous pyelo-nephritis.
Having made a section through the convexity, the pelvis is seen to be thick-
ened and congested in areas; there may be some erosions or superficial ulcera-
tions, and the surface is covered with pus, the same as has been described under
Pyelitis. The pyramids of the kidney are streaked yellow and red. The yel-
low streaks may also be seen radiating from the pyramids into the cortex, which
constitute a feature of suppurative pyelo-nephritis. The cortex and medul-
lary portion are indurated in places and one or more abscesses may be seen
there.
On squeezing the kidney, pus and urine may be expressed from the collect-
ing tubules into the calices. Large areas of. kidney tissue are sometimes found
to be completely destroyed, occasionally an entire pole in advanced cases.
The microscopic lesions of suppurative pyelo-nephritis are, in the order of
their sequence, an exudation of leucocytes into the renal tubules and around the
glomeruli; a diffuse purulent infiltration of the parenchyma with gradual
destruction of the epithelium ; an increase in the connective tissue of the stroma,
which takes part in the process of destruction ; and finally, infiltration and
gradual destruction of the connective tissue in places, resulting in the formation
of cavities filled with pus. The suppurative process may involve the adipose
capsule and may be complicated with perinephritis.
Symptoms. — In many cases of mild pyelo-nephritis, there may be no sub-
jective symptoms, except a feeling of weakness, malaise and a dull pain or
heavy sensation in the loin; while in more marked or more advanced cases,
the symptom complex is a combination of the signs of uremia and septicemia.
Some of the symptoms in chronic cases are referable to the gastro-intestinal tract.
An acute attack usually sets in abruptly with chills. Pain is complained of in
many cases of pyelo-nephritis and, while usually of a dull character, may, in
the presence of a stone or undue mobility, be very severe, or associated with
colics.
Colics also occur in tuberculosis, but these are of a milder character. When
there are abscesses, however, the pain may be very acute and the muscular
rigidity marked. The most marked pain, independent of colic, that I have
ever seen in pyelo-nephritis, was in a case of tubercular kidney with abscess
formation. The patients usually have some elevation of temperature. If the
drainage is good, the temperature may be very slight — 99° or 99.5° F. — but
when pus is forming or has formed and there is obstruction to its drainage, the
patient may have chills, a rise of temperature to 105° or 100° F., sweating
PYELO-NEPHRITIS 459
and symptoms of the most acute sepsis. The highest temperatures that I have
seen have been in connection with stricture, prostatic hyj^ertrophy and tubercu-
losis. When the abscess has broken into the pelvis and discharged through the
ureter, as is usually the case, the temperature falls again, and if present, it
continues in such a mild degree that it may not be noticed by the patient. An
abscess in pyelo-nephritis may break through the capsule of the kidney, giving
rise to a perinephritic abscess, which we will consider later.
The general symptoms of chronic pyelo-nephritis may be summarized as
mildly uremic and se])tic, associated with cachexia, which gradually supervenes,
as in all slow suppurative diseases.
Examination. — Palpation generally shows a kidney which is tender on pres-
sure and enlarged to a varying degree. Sometimes marked muscular rigidity is
present. The temperature and pulse are usually but slightly elevated, except
when abscess formation or interference with drainage takes place, when it be-
comes so high as to endanger the life of the patient. In such cases, a chill may
precede the rise of temperature. The fever is often compared with malaria,
and many such patients enter the hospital Avith this diagnosis.
The urinary examination shows a turbid urine, yellow, amber and often
the color of lemonade or starch water, of a specific gravity from 1.005 to 1.025,
usually below normal. Sero-albumin and nucleo-albmuin are present ; the urea
and chlorids are diminished. The microscopical examination shows many pus
cells and pus in masses; a few red blood cells; sometimes crystals; epithelia
from the pelvis and renal tubules; hyaline, granular, epithelial and pus casts.
Pus casts are pathognomonic of a pus kidney. The finding of blood and crys-
tals in the urine points to the presence of stone. The urine should also be
examined for tubercle bacilli, and, if negative, guinea pigs should be inocu-
lated. All patients, on whom the diagnosis of pyelo-nephritis has been made,
should be radiographed as a matter of routine, and a diagnosis can never be
considered complete unless this examination has been made.
Having examined the urine and haviwg determined that pyelo-nephritis ex-
ists, it is necessary to make a thorough examination of the j)atient, as indicated
in the chapter on Examination of the Kidney and also in the chapter on the
Kxauiination of the Patient, to determine if there is urethral stricture, an en-
larged iTostate, any abnormality of the bladder or ureter. The urine from each
kidney should be taken and examined to discover if the other kidney is healthy
or not, and its functional activity shoultl be determined in case an operation is
c(msidered.
In cases of pyelo-nephritis in which the predisposing cause is an impedi-
ment due to stricture or prostatic hypertrophy, the inflammation may be the
same on both sides, although it may vary in severity. In cases of pyelo-nephritis
due to calculus or tuberculosis, either in the ureter or kidney, the disease is much
more apt to be imilateral.
CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
PYONEPHROSIS
Pyonephrosis is a suppurative eomlitioii of tlie kidney that follows a pyelitis
or pyelo-nephritis. It is a pyelitis witli an enlargement of the pelvic cavity,
plus suppurative and atrophic changes in the sulstance of the kidney.
Etiology.— Pyouephros is may follow a pyelitis, in which case there is usu-
ally some interference with tlie emptying of the pelvis, generally due to a renal
calculus or to some obstruction or inflammation lower down in the urinary
tract, the ureters, bladder, prostate (Fig. 2S2) or urethra.
THE Kidneys and Theik Pelves.
Observe the kinked ureters.
Pyonephrosis may exist from the first as a pyelitis, in wliieli case the pelvic
cavity gradually dilates and the kidney substance is atrophied, or it may be
secondary to a uronephrosis (hydronephrosis), which has become infectetl. In
any case, as the pelvis increases in size, the parenchyma of the kidney is pressed
upon aud a diffuse, destructive, chronic nephritis, duo to pressure, results, which
is associated with suppurative clianges in the renal substance,
Pyonephrosis may also result from a pyelo-iiepbritis, after part of the paren-
chyma of the organ has been destroyed by the suppurative process, owing to the
formation and breaking down of the abscesses. Among the frequent causes men-
tioned in pyelitis and pjclo-nepbritis as bringing on pyonephrosis, are stone and
tuberculosis. A typical case of pyonephrosis developing from pyelo-nepi iritis with
destruction of the kidney by abscesses may he seen resulting from tuberculosis.
PYONEPHROSIS 461
Pathology. — The size of the kidney is generally increased and its color is
lighter than normal. If a vertical incision is made throngh the kidney and its
pelvis at the convexity, the pelvis will he seen to be dilated to a varying degree,
with irregular arches extending npward toward tlie capsule, corresponding to the
calices, which coniinnnicatc with the renal pelvis and with one another {Fig.
283). Oirening into these arches, cavities may lie seen that are the results of
abscesses. The kidney snhstance in more advanced eases is irregularly atrophied
and in conjnnction with the renal capsule, sometimes resend)les a shell divided
into large arches by hands corresponding to the e<ilunins of liortini. There may
be thick pus; or urine, detritus and pns mixed — of a white color in the pelvis.
The inner wall of the sac is thickened and nuighened, iin<! erosions may lie seen.
The thickening is particularly marked in cases in which a calculus has been the
cause of the trouble. In tubercular cases also the walls are rough and infil-
trated in a varying degree. Areas of thickening are foun<l also in the ureters
in tuberculosis, strictnring them and causing the obstrnetion that brings about
the pyonephrosis.
Symptoms. — Pain is not so marked as in pyelo-nephritis. It is of variable
severity and sometimes altogether absent. The pain is generally most acute
in cases of renal ealcuhis or muvahle kidney, in whii-h the ureter becomes blocked
462 CHRONIC SUPPUKATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
or kinked and the organ is suddenly distended with pus and urine. It may also
radiate down the ureter in stone eases. The patient has considerable distress
and often nausea and vomiting when the kidney is distended. There is marked
pyuria when the organ is draining well, and slight or no fever ; but when the
drainage is blocked, there may be a chill and a rise of temperature to 103^ or
104° F. which drops as soon as the drainage is reestablished. It is most com-
mon in calculous cases.
Examination. — Examination usually shows a large kidney, palpable to a
varying degree and best detected by ballottement. This is especially the case
when the pelvis is distended with pus. Large pyonephrotic kidneys often can-
not be outlined, however, as their walls collapse when pressure is made. Ten-
derness is not as common as in pyelo-nephritis, but it is present when the sac is
very much distended.
The urine is lighter in color than in pyelo-nephritis, often having a milky,
starchy, or lemonade color. It is of lower specific gravity, and contains albumin,
a diminished amount of urea and chlorids, granular, epithelial, pus and mixed
casts, pelvic and renal epithelia, a few red blood cells, many pus cells and pus in
masses. In tubercular cases, the bacilli are found, and in cases due to calculus,
crystals may be found.
The urine varies in amount and appearance when the disease is on one
side and due to stone. It is turbid when secreted from both kidnevs, but may
be clear and scant when coming from a healthy kidney during an attack of
retention in the pelvis of the diseased organ.
Pyonephrosis is a more chronic process than is pyelo-nephritis. It sometimes
happens that we have an acute })yelo-nephritis on one side and a chronic pyo-
nephrosis on the other. In this case, there may be no pain on the side of the
pyonephrosis, even when the organ is nearly destroyed. On the side of the
acute pyelo-nephritis, there may be a large amount of functionating renal tis-
sue, and nearly all the elimination may take place from that organ ; and yet
muscular rigidity, pain and tenderness are present and all subjective symptoms
point to it as the principally affected kidney. Catheterization of the ureters
shows the difference between the two organs, as the urine coming from the ])yo-
nephrotic side on which there are no sjmiptoms would show a considerable
amount of thin fluid resembling pus and water mixed, containing but a small
amount of solids ; whereas, on the side on which the acute symptoms are present,
the urine might be comparatively normal in color and would contain a greater
amount of solids, as well as the products of inflammation.
Diagnosis. — The diagnosis of pyonephrosis depends on finding a urine hav-
ing the turbid or starch-water appearance, and finding that it contains albumin,
pus, renal epithelia and various kinds of casts, including pus casts. Then, on
catheterizing the ureters, it will be seen that the elements of kidney disease
found in the general urine can be accounted for by the urine coming from the
TEEATMENT 463
suspected kidney. A considerable amount of urine from the diseased kidney
may run out as soon as the catheter is introduced into its pelvis, perhaps half
an ounce or more, which, on examination, will be found to consist principally
of a clear fluid with but a small amount of solids, albumin, considerable pus and
other pathological kidney elements.
In both pyelitis and pyelo-nephritis, the urine is generally of a higher
specific gravity than in pyonephrosis and would contain more solids. Pyuria
is more marked in pyonephrosis than in either pyelitis or pyelo-nephritis.
The diagnosis of the cause of the pyonephrosis is more difficult and includes
all the various steps that have been included in tlie chapter on Examination of
the Kidney.
Treatment of Pyelitis, Pyelo-nephritis and Pyonephrosis
In case of pyelitis, as soon as the diagnosis has l^i^en made and even before
the cause has been determined, it is advisable to have the patient drink a con-
siderable amount of water, say two quarts a day, to flush the kidneys, and to give
three times a day an internal urinary antise])tic, such as urotropin, 10 grains;
benzoate of soda, 15 grains; benzoic acid, 15 grains; salol, 5 grains, or other
urinary antiseptics. Lavage and injections of the renal pelvis by means of
ureteral catheters have been practiced for many years and have been advo-
cated especially in cases of gonorrheal pyelitis, which condition has been ex-
tremely rare in my practice. For several years, lavage and injections of the
pelvis through the ureteral catheters have been employed quite extensively by us
in the cystoscopic room of the clinic, and several thousand lavages and injec-
tions have been made. Most of those cases had but slight symptoms and dis-
continued their visits on account of the inconvenience the treatment occasioned
them. In one case of gonorrheal pyelitis, due to gonorrheal infection, the pelvic
lavage and injections with solution of nitrate of silver and its derivatives were
kept up constantly for two years, but the gonococei were still present at the
last examination and the patient was no better ; if anything, he was worse. So
far, covering a period of nine years that cases of pyelitis have been treated by
lavage of the renal pelvis, there is not a history of a single case that has been
cured by this method. The solutions used were a silver nitrate, 1 : 4,000 to
1 : 2,000 or milder, alone or combined with boracic acid ; protargol, one half to
two per cent in strength; argyrol, ten- to twonty-five-per-cent solution; and
1 : 5,000 solution of formalin. But few patients seem to have been relieved by
such treatment. Some of these patients have had injections of the renal pelvis
more than a hundred times and did not improve. Injections of silver solution
and protargol seem to have been the most effective, and doubtless many who have
been treated at the clinic recovered later.
Pyelitis without a predisposing cause is an extremely rare condition, if
it ever exists, and patients suffering from it should never be subjected to such
464 CHRONIC SUPPUEATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
local treatment until the physician has discovered the cause and considors
pelvic injections indicated. Otherwise, he might inject the pelvis of a tuber-
cular kidney, in which case the passing of a catheter might aggravate the con-
dition and also provoke tnhercular lesions in the ureter through catheter
traumatism.
The surgical treatment of chronic pyelliii^ consists in tlie removal of the
cause. Sometimes, in pyelitis due to obstruction w^hich may exist anywhere
from the cavity of the pelvis itself to the external urethral meatus, it may l)e
easy to locate the cause. These obstructions are usually urethral stricture,
prostatic hypertrophy, vesical tumor, stone in the ureter, or pressure by grcnvths
or adhesions outside of the ureter ; or stone or growth in the pelvis of the kidney.
In such cases, the obstruction should be overcome as follows : Urethral strictures
should be dilated or cut ; hyj^ertrophic prostates should be subjected to catheter
life or prostatectomy ; vesical calculi should be crushed or removed by supra-
pubic cystotomy; vesical tumors should be excised through a suprapubic in-
cision or fulgurated ; stone in the ureter should be removed by ureterotomy ;.
ureteral stricture should be dilated or ureterorrhaphy or plastic operations per-
formed ; adhesions about the ureter should be broken up and the canal stretched
out ; growths pressing upon the ureter should be removed ; a renal calculus
should be removed by nephrolithotomy; obstruction in the pelvic wall should
be treated by plastic operations ; while in cases of tumor of the pelvis, the entire
organ should be removed (nephrectomy). (See chapters on Operative Surgery
of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter.)
The treatment of pyelo-nephritis is either palliative, expectant, or radical,
depending u]K)n the symptoms. In case a patient has a chill, followed by a fever,
and examination shows tenderness and perhaps a noticeable enlargement of one
kidney, it does not necessarily mean that this kidney will develop an abscess that
will require immediate operation, for the symptoms often subside with rest in
bed, milk diet, diuresis and urotropin. It is also advisable to cup the patient
over the kidney, to keep the bowels open and to give quinin, three grains, three
times a day. If the temperature continues high and assumes a septic curve, a
nephrotomy should be performed and the kidney drained, although probably, if
no operation were performed, the abscess would rupture into the renal pelvis.
If the nephrotomy shows the kidney to be extensively diseased and a condition
of chronic sepsis which is injuring the patient's health continues after the opera-
tion, a secondary nei)hrectomy should be performed, provided the other kidney
is sufficiently healthy to carry on the renal function. A tubercular kidney in
a state of p^'elo-nephritis should always be removed in case the other kidney is
capable of carrying on the work. In calculus pyelo-nephritis, nephrolithotomy
should be performed, nej)hrectomy being reserved for those cases in which the
renal tissue is almost entirelv destroved.
A pyelo-nephritis of any variety may break dowTi and empty into the pelvis
TREATMENT 465
until the kidney tissue is extensively destroyed, causing an extensive reno-
jx4vic cavity, pyoneplirosis ; or an abscess may break through the capsula
propria, giving rise to a perinephritic abscess.
Cases of pyelo-nephritis not due to obstruction, tumor, or calculus, sometimes,
under favorable conditions, undergo a change for the better in any stage of the
disease, the involved areas break down and are cast off in the urine, or else they
develop into fibrous tissue. This occurs in tubercular cases oftener than is gen-
erally supposed. In cases due to obstruction and stone, however, the obstacles
must be removed before the destructive process in the kidney is arrested.
In the treatment of pyonephrosis, it may be said that a pyonephrotic kidney
can always be removed if the other kidney is able to keep up the work of elim-
ination necessary, and it is recommended, if the kidney tissue is very much
destroyed. In cases of nephrolithiasis and pyonephrosis, I prefer to remove the
stone by nephrotomy and drain the kidney with the object of seeing if the fis-
tula, which usually follows, will close, and if some functionating renal tissue
will remain; and then in case the kidney is found later to have no power of
elimination, to perform a secondary nephrectomy. Pyonephrotic kidneys occur
in renal tuberculosis as well as do pyelo-nephritic and should be removed if the
other kidney is sufficiently healthy. Pyonephrotic kidneys due to any trouble
may be entirely destroyed and remain as atrophic, nonfunctionating shells, or
masses of fibrous tissue. Calculous pyonephrosis may act in the same way after
removal of the stone by nephrotomy. A pyonephrotic kidney may undergo
rupture, giving rise to a perinephritic abscess. In one case of perinephritic
abscess, I found a renal calculus lying outside the kidney, which was but a mass
of fibrous tissue surroimded by suppuration.
When the patient is in such poor general condition that any operation is con-
traindicated, the treatment must be expectant or palliative and it is then the
same as the conservative treatment of pyelitis and pyelo-nephritis.
Personally, I am inclined to believe that the literature of suppurative dis-
eases of the kidney is still governed by that of the past and will be greatly
clianged in the next few years. I think that formerly many cases of pyelo-
nephritis and pyonephrosis were called j)yelitis; also that many cases of pyelitis
with but few symptoms of pain, or else pain of a dull character, were due to
stone. Many other cases were probably due to tuberculosis, in which not much
renal enlargement was found and the tubercle bacilli were not discovered. As
the date of the literature of pyelitis dates back much farther than that of such
up-to-date methods of renal diagnosis, as radiography in renal calculus and the
detection of the tubercle bacilli by the microscojK? and by the injection of guinea
pigs, it is easy to see how many cases of these suppurative diseases of the type
mentioned in the literature might have been due to these causes. Again with
the tliorough training in surgery that the students of the medical scliools now
have, the obstructive lesions of the urinary tract, which are the principal causes
466 CHRONIC SUPPUKATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
of these troubles, will be better understood and attended to before the renal sup-
puration has taken place.
More study of these diseases should be made by those interested in renal
surgery to make this involved subject more comprehensive to the practitioner.
PERINEPHRITIC ABSCESS
A perinephritic abscess is a collection of pus about the kidney, usually situ-
ated between that organ and the posterior abdominal wall. It is unilateral
in about ninety-nine per cent of the cases and is more common on the right
side.
Etiology. — Generally, cases are called primary which originate in the peri-
nephritic tissues per se, and secondary when due to the extension of infection
from the kidneys or other organs or tissues. Primary abscess has been at-
tributed to traumatism, blows, exertion and congestion from heat or cold. Per-
sonally, I do not believe that any one of these primary causes is sufficient to
produce a perinephritic abscess, except when the traumatism opens the peri-
nephritic tissue and carries in infection, as in the case of a stab or gunshot
wound. I believe, however, that the blows and exertion are the active cause
of the trouble when a suppurative focus is present in the kidney or some other
organ or tissue. I think that a better classification would be, primary, when
due to a suppurative process in the kidney, and secondary, when due to a sup-
purative process elsewhere.
I further believe that seventy-five per cent of the cases originate in the kid-
ney. In an address that I delivered before the Chicago Medical Association in
1905, I stated that I believed that nearly all cases were due to renal disease and
that those secondary to disease of other organs are rare and not, properly speak-
ing, perinephritic abscesses. These deductions were based on a study of fifteen
consecutive cases, in which renal suppuration existed in fourteen, I will here
quote the statistics of the cases: —
Renal calculus 4
Renal tuberculosis 4
Pyonephrosis 3
Pyelo-nephritis 2
Rupture of kidney 1
Empyema 1
Since then, I have had five more cases that I can recall, three of which were
due to tuberculosis, one to necrosis of the rib and the other one I could not
account for. This would change the statistics in my last twenty consecutive
cases, which I will consider under the names of the diseases: —
PERINEPHRITIC ABSCESS 467
' Calculous 3
Tuberculous 5
Obstructive 3
Total 11
Pyonephrosis
" Calculous 1
Tuberculous 2
Obstructive 2
Total 6
Pyelo-nephritis
Rupture of kidney 1
Empyema 1
Necrosis of rib 1
Unknown cause, probably suppurative retroperito-
neal gland 1
Total 4
Full total 20
This makes the statistics eighty-five per cent due to renal trouble, which
diflFers from the statistics of former writers and depends on a careful analysis of
catheterized specimens of urine taken from each kidney, as well as an inspection
of the kidney at the time of the first operation or shortly afterwards.
Cases of secondary perinephritic abscess result from the extension of a sup-
purative process from other organs or tissues, either in the abdominal, pelvic or
the thoracic cavity. When secondary to disease of an organ in the abdomino-
pelvic cavity, if the organ at the site of the suppuration is not covered by peri-
toneum, the pus can extend or burrow beneath or behind the peritoneum until
it reaches the perirenal tissues. If the organ at the site of the suppuration is
covered by peritoneum, the apposing surfaces of visceral and parietal peritoneum
must first adhere before the suppurative process can pierce the two layers and
reach the perirenal fossa.
Among the conditions in the abdomino-pelvic cavity which may give rise
to perinephritic abscess, the following may be mentioned : Abscess of the liver,
suppurative cholecystitis, abscess of the spleen or pancreas, typhoid fever, ap-
pendicitis, ulcerative colitis, operations or diseases of the rectum, impaction of
feces with ulceration, prostatic abscess, diseases or injuries of or operations on
the urethra, the spermatic cord or the testes, diseases of or operations on the
uterus and adnexa. Xext follow the conditions in the thoracic cavity that may
give rise to perinephritic abscess, which are abscess of the lungs and empyema.
In these cases, the suppurative process extends through the pleura and dia-
phragm into the perirenal space. The disease is more common than is generally
supposed.
468 CHEONIC SUPPITRATIVE DISEASES OF THE KTDNElf
Symptoms and Diagnosis. — The diagnosis of perinephritic abscess per se
is not usually difficult; but tlie discovery of the sources is often not only diffi-
cult but impossible. The onset of the trouble is the same as that of any other
deep-seated abscess : septic fever, sweating, perhaps, ushered in with a chill or
chilly sensation. The gra<le of fever varies in different cases, depending upon
the amount of leakage into the perirenal space and the character of the infec-
tion. The other general symptoms are loss of appetite, strength and weight,
headache, coated tongue, nausea, flatulence and constipation. The local symp-
toms begin with a feeling of fullness, or a diill deep-seated pain in the space
under the twelfth rib, which becomes worse on deep inspiration. Pain in any
other region than the loin in such cases may mean a referred pain, or that the
abscess has burrowed away from the loin behind the peritoneum to other parts,
or that the region in which the pain is most marked is the source of the abscess.
The pain may at times be paroxysmal in character and may be attributed to
various directions as the hypogastriura, groin, testis or even to the knee, owing
to the wide distribution of the lumbar plexus. This occurs principally in eases
that are due to renal calculus.
Examination. — The temperature may run from 99° to 100° F. or from
103° to 105° F., the usual grade being from 99° to 102° F. The pulse in peri-
nephritic abscess is often rapid at first, full and hard, while later it will be
found to be small, rapid and weak, as the sepsis increases. The skin is usually
hot and dry, or covered
with profuse perspiration.
The posilion of the pa-
tient is often quite charac-
teristic. When he lies on
his back, the thigh on that
side will not extend beyond
the angle of 160° to 180°.
In walking, he shows more
or less stiffness and inclines
the body to the affected side.
Some cases, however, fail to
show any of these signs.
There is tenderness on
Fio. 284. — ButOE IN Pbrinbphbitic Abroebs in Lett Side ■ il i - ii
ofLoiN. Front viow. (Authors case.) pressure in the loin, as well
as In the abdomen. In
some cases, there is a tiunor or swelling noted on one side on inspection, the
lumbar hollow being replaced by a slight bulge of the tissues under the ribs.
This difference is chiefly noted when the patient is silting or standing and may
be overlookeil when he is recumbent. Gradually the ilco-costal cur\-e is obliter-
ated, as in Figs. 284 and 285. The lumbar tumor often does not appear until
PERTNEPHRITIC ABSCESS
460
weeks after the onset of the suppuration. Such a slow process is usHally asso-
ciated with a case of tubercular kidney in which the capsula propria and the
external cajisiile have be-
come adherent, and tlie ab-
scess is walled off as it ex-
tends. The sudden rupture
of a large abscess of tlie
kidney into the perirenal
space, in a case in which
there has been no or but a
filight walling-off process,
often results in a very acute
onset and a rapid develop-
ment of pus and tumor.
On palpation a diffuse
tumor is felt principally in
the back part, which does
not have the outline of a
kidney and cannot be bal-
lotted.
There is sometimes dull-
ness on percussion, espe-
cially if the abscess is su-
perficial. On the right aide,
the dullness is continuous
with that of the liver be-
hind, while on the left, it
is continuous with that of
the spleen. Fluctuation is
sometimes present early in
the course of the disease;
more often - it appears
later, but usually not at all.
Redness of the surface is
rarely noticed, as the ab-
scess is below the deep fascias, I have liad one case in which three quarts
of pus were present and yet there were neither redness nor fluctuation.
The last steps of the diagnosis depend on a puncture or an incision.
Dia^osis for the Source of the Ahsoess. — Having made a diagnosis of peri-
nephritic abscess, an attempt should be made in every case to discover the source
of the suppuration. In the first place a careful history should be taken to find
out from what diseases the patient has suffered recently, whether he or she has
470 CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDXET
had any iiijun' of the abdoniinal or tlioraeic cavity, or wlietber an operation has
been performed in these regions. If such is found to he the case, the point of
the injlamtnation, jnjnry or oi>eration is tlie one which should he looked to as
tlie source of the abscess.
If there is no such lilstory, a svdtouiatic exaiuinatiou sliould be resorted to.
The urine should be carefully examined for evidence of kidney diwasc. If pus
• « f'luud iu tlie urine, we should
ivor t(j determine ■whether it
s from the kidney, and if so,
jhould determine by ureteral
terization whether it conies
tlie kidney of the affected side.
lUst be reiuenibered, however,
a j)erinephritie abscess may be
dary to an abscess of tJie kid-
even if no ]ms is found in the
, as in rig. 2.SG, which re-
i from a trbercuhir cortical
abscess. It did not commu-
nicate with the jiclvis. Gen-
erally, however, there is a
suppurative process connected
with the kidney pelvis, and
pus will be found in the urine
(Figs. :iS7 and 288).
If we caimot satisfy onr-
i that the source of the trouble
the kidney, we should make a
ugh and systematic e.\amina-
uf tlie organs in the abdoniino-
ic.vio and thoracic cavities. In niak-
FiQ. 286^Pc«te™ob Sub^acb or L-rr Kidnet ;, „ j examination, we sliould have
IH A ( A8E OF PeHINEPHWTIC AbsCESH. ShoWB ^ '
opening of a cortical tuberoulaj' abBc<!Bs which ill niiud the various conditions that
communicated with the perinepbritic cellular ■ ■ . ■ i -.- i
ti»ue». (Author-«oa»e.) '""y g»™ "se to i>erinephritic ab-
scess, mentioned under Causes.
It must bo remembered that, when we find a perinephritic abscess that has
existed for some time, and there is pus in some other neighboring localities, it
is diffienlt to say whether the pus came from the otJier point and settled in the
perirenal space, or extended from the perirenal apace to these localities, or
simply acciimnlate<l in this space aa a depot while traveling from one point to
another.
It should also he borne in mind that, after o|iening the abscess and washing
PERINEPHRITIC ABSCESS 471
it out, the finger should palpate carefully the entire region for openings, how-
ever small, in the surface of the kidney or adjacent structures, or for sinuses
running up to more distant tissues. All such openings should be probed and
examined with an electric light thrown into the cavity. In the case of the
Fio. 287, — Posterior Soh?acb or TosMCOLOCS Fio. 288. — LoNorrnniNAL Skctiok of Same Kid-
K:dmb¥ in a Case of Pbrihbphiutic Abscess. ney, bhowino Contbactbii Pblvw now not
The organ was 4 inches long. Note the opeo- Much Larokr Than the Ureter. The renal
inc on its surface. (Author's case.) fistula extends from the pelvis to the point where
it has broken through the capsule of the kidney
as a periaephiitic abscess. (Author's case.)
tubcTfular cortical abscess, just referred to, the tij) of the finger could just be
inserted inio the abscess cavity in Ihe kidney. There was no pus in the urine.
The patient developed shortly after this a tuberculous knee, requiring ex-
cision, and thus confirming the clinical diagnosis of a preceding tuberculous
abscess.
The GoniBe of the Abscess. — The course of the abscess varies. In the first
place, it may be absorbed after being walled off by connective tissue. I have
had oue such case in which all the symptoms gradually subsided. Again, it
may extend through Petit's triangle and rupture externally. Very few
abscesses rupture externally or into the intestinal or urinary tract; but the
patients die of a slow sepsis unless operated upon. The abscess may break into
the pleural cavity or lungs, in which latter case it is coughed up and the pa-
tient may recover, although usually he dies of sepsis unless the pleural cavity
and the perinephritie space are both opened. Rupture into the peritoneal cav-
ity is followed by septic peritonitis and death.
472
CHROJSriC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
When the abscess burrows along the psoas, it gives the symptoms of psoas
abscess. The tumor is felt as a fluctuating mass at or below Poupart's ligament,
and mav extend down the
thigh. Fig. 289 shows the
point of bulging of a peri-
nephritic abscess just above
Poupart's ligament and the
point (A) at which it was
opened in the inner side of
the thigh. It may extend
to the pelvis and break
into the gut or urinary
tract, or through the sacro-
sciatic foramen into the sci-
atic region, beneath the glu-
teal muscles or on the back
of the thigh. When peri-
nephritic abscesses break
externally, it is usually in
the loin; next in frequency,
the pleura and bronchi ; and
after this, the intestine.
Treatment of Perinephritic Abscess. — As soon as the diagnosis of peri-
nephritic abscess is ascertained, a lumbar incision should be made into the
perirenal space to allow the escape of pus, after which the cavity is washed out
with salt solution and then with peroxid and again with salt solution. The
abscess cavity should then be explored with the finger. It is often surprising
to note how extensive such a cavity may be, the fingers going up to the dia-
phragm and down into the iliac fossa, or even into the pelvis. In cases in which
a pyonephrotic kidney has ruptured, the fingers may find themselves in the
pelvis of the kidney. It is very difficult for anyone, \vho has not an experi-
enced touch, to open a lumbar abscess and ascertain the exact source of the pus.
For this reason, the kidney should always be palpated carefully to see if there
is an opening into it, or if the organ feels pathological. If an opening is foimd,
the finger should be inserted, and in case it enters the pelvis, the cavity should
be palpated to discover if calculi are present. In that case, they should be
removed. If there is an opening in the kidney that will not admit the finger,
a cigarette drain should be inserted down to it and the incision closed, wdth the
idea of opening it again in a few days, when the patient is better able to stand
the operation, or when the tissues have again resumed their normal relations.
In some cases, the kidney is so pushed to one side that it cannot be located at
the time of the first operation and it will be necessary to explore it later.
Fig. 289. — ^A Bulging of Pus in the Groin and an Opening
IN THE Thigh Made to Drain a Perinephritic Abscess
THAT Had Burrowed Down from the Renal Fossa.
(Author's case.)
ABSCESS OF THE KIDNEY 473
During these seeoiiilary, cx|)l<>ratory oixrations, the kidney can be more
carefully examinetl and an explorattiry or drainage nephrotomy performed, or
a nephrectomy, as decided upon by existing conditions. lu four cases in which
a ]>t'rine|)hritie abscess was dne to a calenhis, in one case the calcnlna had been
discharged from the kidney with the pus when it riiptiirod. (Sec chapter on
Renal Calcidna.) In an-
other case, the stone was felt
protniding from the kid-
ney like a spnr and was
pulled out (Fig. 200). In
still another, there was a
small sinus in the kidney
and the stone was not dis-
covered until an explora-
tory nephrotomy had been
performed. In anotlier in-
stance, I could not find
the stone at nephrotomy
and it was not until later
after a nephrectomy had
been performed that the cal-
culus was discovered in a
pocket. In all my opera-
tions on tnbercnloiis kid-
neys, with one except iim,
the opening into the kidney
communicated directly with
the pelvis.
In the case in which the
abscess bnrrowe<l down be-
neath Ponpart's ligament, it
was oitened in the inner part F'*'- 290, — a Sharp-pol-itbd r*i.cni.rB that Wab Fouhd
£ -L ^U- L / T'- ,.,... ^ SnCKINO TUROUUH THE WaLL OF THE KlDNBI IN 4 CaBB
Ot ttie tlllgtl (see J-lg. 28U). of Pehinephri™. (Author'a case.)
ABSCESS OF THE KIDNEY
There are several forms of abscess of the kidney: (1) Those associated with
ronal tuberculosis; (2) those associated with stone; (0) those associated with
obstruction of the urinary flow in the pelvis of the kidney or in the urinary
tract below it, conpled with an existing infection in the urinary tract; (4) those
in which the abscesses form in the kidney substance, independent of infection
of the renal pelvis, that is, it may or may not be infected.
f
474 CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
Groups 1, 2 and 3 have been discussed in the foregoing part of the chapter
under Pyelitis, Pyelo-nephritis and Pyonephrosis, and we have recognized the
fact that the course of the affection may be ascending or descending and that
the predisposing cause is generally some obstruction or irritation in the renal
pelvis or below, that favors congestion in the kidney, and a diminished resist-
ance. If an abscess develops in the kidney substance jiroper, the infection may
be derived from any part of the body ; but it is usually due to infection in the
lower urinary tract.
Group 4, in which abscesses form in the renal substance independent of in-
fection in the renal pelvis, is the condition that will now be considered. In
these cases, however, the same causes that favor renal suppuration exist ; namely,
some obstruction in the renal ])elvis or below, that interferes with the flow of
urine and causes renal congestion and consequent diminished resistance on the
part of the kidney. An existing nonsuppurative nephritis, together with a
diminished resistance, may also provide this predisi)osition.
These abscesses may then be considered primary, and, if their contents are
discharged into the |)elvis of the kidney, the condition of the pelvis favoring an
infection, a pyelo-nephritis may result ; or a pyonej)hrosis in case there is a
large amount of destruction.
I will consider these abscesses of the kidney in Croup 4 as primary abscesses.
There are two varieties: The miliary (disseminated) and the circumscribed.
They are of a hematogenous origin and pyemic in character, originating as sep-
tic infarcts.
The miliary abscesses may invade the entire kidney cortex or only a part of
it; although, when they invade the entire kidney substance, they are much
more marked in certain areas than in others.
The circumscribed abscesses may result from the breaking down of one or
more areas of the miliary tyi)e into one large-sized abscess or into several ; or
they may develop as localized abscesses independent of the miliary type.
Etiology. — The predisposing causes of such kidney abscesses are, as already
mentioned, anything that tends to produce congestion or to diminish the re-
sistance of the kidney parenchyma, such as urethral stricture ; prostatic hyper-
trophy, stone or tuberculosis of the prostate; stone or tumor of the bladder;
stone, tumor, tuberculosis or kinking of the ureter; stone, tumor or dilatation
of the pelvis of the kidney, with urinary retention; and stone, tumor, patho-
logical mobility of the kidney and also parenchymatous or interstitial nephritis,
or congestion due to infectious diseases.
The active cause is the introduction of pyogenic germs : The colon bacillus,
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, etc. These may come from
any focus of suppuration in the body and cause diffuse miliary abscesses of the
kidneys, resembling those of miliary abscesses in the lungs in septic pneumonia,
that is, of a pyemic type. Such pus-producing germs enter the kidney and
ABSCESS OF THE KIDNEY 475
lodge in the fine capillaries, forming innumerable small septic areas. They
may come from api>endicular abscesses, carbuncles, septic metritis or endome-
tritis, septic endocarditis, septic phlebitis or many other septic conditions located
anywhere in the system. The infectious diseases, by lodgment of the specific
germs in the substance of the kidney, also provide an active infection in these
eases,
Typicul (lissemiiiated abscesses, varying from a pin point to a large jwa,
may also develop in very large nnnibcrs in patients who have a suppurative con-
dition of the lower genital tract, bladder, prostate or urethra.
Pathology. — TJio ki.Inev i:* rtwolleu and incrcii^id in weight. In the dis-
seminated form, the reiiiiival of the capsule exposes, in the ported, ninubers f>f
protruding abstvsses fre<pi('iitly Biirri)unded by a hemorrhagic zone.
Individual abscesses generally do not exceed the size of a pea. Fig. 201
shows the cortex of the kidney to be riddled with abscesses varying in size from
476 CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
a pin point to a pea. When grouped, which often is the ease, the masses thus
formed may occupy a much larger area, the size of a filbert (a circiunscribed
abscess). On incision of the abscesses (Figs. 292 and 293), a greenish-yellow
pus exudes, in which, on microscopic examination, the pyogenic agent can be
demonstrated. On section through the convexity of the kidney, the groups of
cortical abscesses are found to occupy a wedge-shaped area, the apex directed
toward the pelvis. The medulla is generally congested and traversed by per-
pendicular yellow lines w^hich are continuous above with the wedge-shaped foci
in the cortex. Microscopic examination shows areas of necrosis surrounded
by dense, round-celled and polynuclear leucocytic infiltration; the tubules are
filled with pus and bacteria and not infrequently also the intracapsular spaces
and the Malpighian bodies. Circumscribed abscesses may reach a large size
involving both the cortex and the medulla and may break into the renal pelvis
or externally through the cap'sule, giving rise to a perinephritic abscess.
Symptoms. — The symptoms of miliary abscess of the kidney are mixed
of sepsis and later uremia: Cliills, fever, sweating, temperature from 100° to
105° F., pulse 90 to 120, headache, pain more or less marked in the loin, pros-
tration, loss of appetite, perhaps nausea and vomiting, and later apathy, stupor,
delirium, constituting a typhoid state, and occasionally convulsions.
Examination. — Upon examination, we find tenderness and perhaps mus-
cular rigidity over one or both kidneys. The urine is scanty and shows at first
a trace of albumin, a few pus cells, renal epithelia and occasional red blood
cells and later casts. The blood shows no indications of typhoid fever or
malaria, but signs of sepsis, e. g., a leucocytosis of from 10,000 to 30,000.
Ureteral catheterization will usuallv show that the albumin and cells come from
the kidney that is painful. These kidneys are often found to be enlarged on
palpation. Brewer has shown that this type of disseminated miliary abscess is
usually located in one kidney at the onset.
Treatment of Primary Abscess of the Kidney. — From my experience in the
treatment of renal abscesses occurring when no infection of the renal pelvis is
present, I should say that it is exceedingly difficult to tell the type of abscess
in the kidney — whether it be disseminated or circumscribed, until the organ
has been exposed. Also that it makes but little difference whether or not the
renal pelvis is diseased. Presumably, however, the disease at the start is usu-
ally disseminated. The clinical observations of Brew^er, that these disseminated
abscesses usually occur in one organ at the beginning and the more favorable
results that he had with nei)lirectomy than with nephrotomy in these early cases,
would tend to show that it is important to make an early diagnosis and to per-
form an early nephrectomy. I think, therefore, that in operating on an acute
case of short duration, if considerable kidney area is involved by pyemic ab-
scesses, large or small, nephrectomy is preferable, if the other kidney is healthy.
If, in operating on a case of some duration, we find circumscribed abscescos
ABSCESS OF THE KIDXEY
U) B J C
iiit ei
is I aa
I'M
llU-
ii
478 CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY
present instead of the uiultii)le miliary type when considerable healthy renal
tissue is present, it is a question whether a nephrotomy or a nephrectomy is in-
dicated. I believe, that in such a case it is advisable to perform a nephrotomy,
establish very thorough drainage and do a secondary nephrectomy later if the
patient does not improve.
• In the case of the patient with chronic parenchymatous nephritis and a num-
ber of large circumscribed abscesses on one side and a kidney with interstitial
nephritis on the other, whose kidneys I am here showing (Figs. 292 and 293),
the patient entered the hospital at 4 p.m. in a septic and uremic condition as
an emergency case. A small amount of albumen, blood and pus cells were
found to come from the enlarged and tender kidney. Nephrotomy was per-
formed a few hours after entering, with a fatal result.
ACUTE SUPPURATIVE NEPHRITIS
Acute suppurative nephritis is said to be a rare condition, but I believe
that there are many more such cases than is generally supposed, and that they
are usually mistaken for other diseases. It is not a true surgical condition.
The term acute suppurative nephritis refers to a condition of acute intersti-
tial inflammation in which numerous small purulent foci are scattered through
the congested areas of the kidney substance. It is usually hematogenous in ori-
gin, though it may result from infection through the lymphatics or extension of
inflammatory processes from the urinary tract. The etiologic factors are the
Bacterium coli, paratyphoid and proteus bacilli, Friedlander's pneumobacillus
and the pyogenic cocci, which lodge in the lymph spaces and smaller vessels,
both of the glomeruli and intertubular tissue. The invaded portions soon
l)ecome diffusely infiltrated with round and polynuclear cells which also enter
the lumen of the tubules, subsequently reaching the urine in the form of free
pus and pus casts. Considerable areas of the kidney substance may be involved,
the renal epithelia often undergoing fatty metamorphosis and desquamating. If
the process is not very active, the destructive changes may be slight, recovery
occurring, after absorption of the pus, by regeneration of ei)ithelium or cicatrix
formation. If the inflammation is severe, cellular infiltration may be so intense
as to cause liquefaction and abscess. The pus may be either absorbed or dis-
charged into the tubules, the abscess later healing by cicatrization. Rarely, the
process becomes chronic, resulting in the formation of a large pus sac.
The symptoms of acute suppurative nephritis are often very slight and d:>
not point to a disease of the kidney, except when the urinary examination is
made. Occasionally, the patient complains of a slight uncomfortable feeling in
the back or loins, bnt this is not always the case. The patient may complain
also of weakness, loss of weight, strength and appetite and sometimes of head-
ache. There is acceleration of the pulse and increased temperature. The tern-
ACUTE SUPPUEATIVE NEPHEITIS 479
l>erature may range from i)U° to 10.*}^ F. or higher, varying from night to morn-
ing as in typhoid, and the pulse runs from 70 to 100 and even to 120. The
patient seems dull, apathetic and drowsy, and other symptoms of a general
toxemia or a combination of sepsis and uremia are present.
Examination may reveal tenderness over the kidneys, and sometimes en-
largement.
The urine is high colored, turbid, of high specific gravity ; it contains albu-
min, a large amount of pus, granular and pus casts, the latter sometimes being
very numerous. Urea is diminished.
The clinical picture is that of a patient suffering from typhoid fever or in a
typhoid state. The disease was bilateral in the cases that I have had under
observation, the involvement of both kidneys being in about the same degree.
The patients were delirious part of the time.
I advised operation, but the patients refused, and, after remaining in the
hospital for some time, they were able to sit up and walk about, and were re-
moved to their homes. They recovered slowly and were able to resume their
former occupations. The treatment was principally urotropin, ten grains,
t.i.d. ; milk and Vichy diet ; saline laxatives.
The diagnosis depended on the urinary examination, clinical symptoms and
ureteral catheterization.
Bilateral nephrotomy with drainage was recommended. Nephrotomy is
indicated when abscesses form in one or both of these kidneys, as the condition
then becomes a surgical one: a single nephrotomy if there are abscesses on but
one side and a double nephrotomy if on both sides. Suppurative nephritis as
cescribed in this chapter is, as far as 1 can learn, always bilateral.
CHAPTER XXVI
TUMORS OF THE KIDNEY
ViRCHOW, in 1863, first described the difference pathologically between sar-
coma and carcinoma. Fifteen years later, Monti described the difference be-
tween the two clinically in his article on " Sarcoma of the Kidneys in Chil-
dren."
Klister, in estimating the relative frequency of these tumors in regard to age,
compiled a table which shows that renal tumors occurred with equal frequency
between the ages of one and five years and fifty and sixty years. Xext in fre-
quency, tumors were found between the ages of forty and fifty years. They
were more common in men than in women. Of 601 cases, 348 occurred in
men; the right side was more often affected than the left, while both sides
were involved in only twenty per cent of the cases.
Morris compiled a table of 154 cases from the literature, in which he found
63 sarcomas, 41 carcinomas, 21 cystic degenerations, 11 hydatids, 10 adenomas,
2 myomas, 3 papillomas, 2 lipomas and 1 dermoid cyst. It will thus be seen
that, according to these statistics, sarcoma and carcinoma make up two thirds
of renal tumors.
Among the tumors of the parenchyma, adenomas, carcinomas and sarcomas
are malignant; whereas lipomas, fibromas, myxomas, angiomas and others are
nonmalignant. In some cases of sarcoma and carcinoma, there are almost no
symptoms for years and perhaps the whole of the patient's life is free from
suffering ; while in some of the rapidly growing lipomas and fibromas and other
tumors, life is ended in a few months.
NONMALIGNANT TUMORS
Nonmalignant tumors are of very rare occurrence in the kidney and their
importance is proportionately small. Their presence may pass unrecognized
for a certain length of time, especially when the growth is of small size. Their
benign character cannot be positively established until the kidney has been ex-
posed, the nodule incised and a part of it examined under the microscope, if
necessary. The treatment may be conservative (partial nephrectomy) in the
rare cases where the tumor is positively known to be benign in character, and
480
MALIGNANT TUMORS 481
where only a circumscribed portion of the kidney is involved; or radical (total
nephrectomy), whenever the microscope shows even the slightest suggestion of
malignancy.
The following benign growths have been found in the kidney :
(1) Lipoma, (2) fibroma, (3) myxoma, (4) angioma, (5) adenoma.
1. Lipoma. — Lipomas of the kidney may be of two kinds: (a) Fatty new
growths formed by a metamorphosis of the renal interstitial tissue, and (6)
lipomas growing from the capsule. The fonner are small, grayish-yellow, lobu-
lated, rounded growths found in the cortex and almost always contain nonstriated
nmscular fibers. According to Virchow, they rise from the connective-tissue
stroma of the organ and must be carefully distinguished from the circumscribed
fatty degeneration of the renal parenchyma. Both kinds may be due, however,
to fetal inclusions. Degeneration into sarcomas has been observed.
2. Fibroma. — Fibromas are found in the kidney as small, hard, usually
multiple, encapsulated, fibrous masses in the medulla or cortex. In rare cases,
they attain a considerable size and are subcapsular, giving rise to cystic forma-
tions.
3. Mjrxoma. — The benign myxoma is exceedingly rare in the kidney, but
myxosarcoma is more common. These growths contain masses of mucoid cells,
which have substituted areas of the sarcomatous tissue and are grouped in a fine
fibrous stroma.
4. Angioma. — True vascular growths of the kidney are of exceptional occur-
rence. They are usually of small size and lie beneath the capsule of the kidney,
presenting the form of scarlet or purplish clusters.
5. Adenoma. — Adenoma of the kidney occurs in two varieties, .the small and
the large, which latter is usually malignant. The highly vascularized form es-
pecially has a marked tendency to malignancy. The structure of adenomatous
growths simulates the structure of normal tubules, presenting the appearance of
separate or multiple nodules with distinct outlines. Small benign adenomas are
small nodules occurring in kidneys affected with chronic nephritis, where they
appear as prominent reddish-gray nodes under the capsule, varying in size from
the head of a pin to a hickory nut. They are generally circumscribed, encapsu-
lated, and may dip into the cortex. Their clinical significance is not important,
and they simply occur in chronic nephritis, as is shown at autopsy.
MALIGNANT TUMORS
Etiology. — Little is known about the etiology of malignant tumors of the
kidney. We have already considered the ages at which they generally occur.
They are more common in males than in females. Traumatism has been consid-
ered as a predisposing cause by some. Hypernephroma is a tumor originating
from the adrenal tissue, developing either in the suprarenal gland, or more com-
482 TUMORS OF THE KIDNEY
laonly as an ectopic growth withiu tbe kidney. It is practically limited to this
organ, but occasionally occurs in other parts of the body, as the bones, lungs,
liver, uterus and ovary. This variety of renal tumor is in a claas by itself,
and may not be considered a true renal tumor, as it cannot be classified under
either epithelial or connective-tissue neoplasms. It is, nevertheless, a tumor
of the kidney, and should be classified as such, even if its pathology is different
from that of malignant neoplasms.
Pathology. — Qknebal Considebations. — !^^alignant tumors may be pri-
mary or secondary. Tbe characteristic of the primary growths is their rapid
increase in size, their tendency to metastasis, and their inclination to become
generalized and to prodncc cachexia. They may be single or multiple.
Special Considekations. — Malignant Adenoma. — The malignant variety
of adenoma is usually of the papillary type, whereas tlie alveolar type is more
common in benign adenomas. The growths api>ear as soft, white friable nodules,
verying in size from a pea to a small orange. They are situated in the cortex of
the kidney beneath the capsule, which they lift up. They often have a thick
capsule of their own with septa and may contain the results of hemorrhagic or
cystic degeneration. Malignant adenoma develops from the epithelia of the
renal tubules and gives rise to the same symptoms as cancerous neoplasms. A
transition form is represented by the adeno-carcinomas.
Man. age Bixty. It was
Carcinoma. — Carcinoma varies both in size and appearance. The tumor
is more or less well defined and encapsulated, although the growth occasionally
MALIGNANT TUMORS
infiltrates the renal parenchyma, causing enlargement of the organ as well.
The size varies between a hickory nut and a melon, generally with a nodular
surface (Fig. 294), On section, the growths appear as yellowish-white masses,
divided into lobes and nodnles by fibrous septa arising from the capsule. Hem-
orrhagic and cystic areas are present in some caHes. The tumor spreads by con-
tinuity, giving rise to adhesions in the surrounding strucfnres. The fatty capsule
is quite adherent to
the growth, which
tends to spread for-
ward, pushing the
intestines in front of
it. Metastasis takes
])lace through the
lymphatic system
and the veins. The
liver, lungs, glands
of the hiliim and re-
troperitoneal glands
are often involved.
The tumor is of the
epithelial type and
has a marked fen-
<lency to undergo de-
generative changes.
Sarcoma. — Sar-
coma is the most fre-
quent type of renal
tumor and is of con-
nective-tissue origin,
that is, derived from
the stroma of the or-
gan. These growths
usually appear on
one side, generally
the left, and are
most common in children, females bcinf^ more froquendy affected. Senator
reports 58 cases, 35 of wliieli occurred in children under six years of ago.
The tumors are usually iuiliedded in the kidney substance and are often cir-
cumscribed and inclosed in a well-defined capsule. Sometimes tbey are diffused
through the kidney, or they may be surrounded by a thin layer of parenchyma
(Fig. 295). On section, they ap]H.'ar lohulated and vary greatly in size, scinie-
times reaching enormous proportions. They may spread to the ureters anil renal
Pio. 295. — Sarcoma of the Kidnev. The tumor at the time of the
operation waa very iarge. of a fraidlc and triable texture, and the
hemorrhage waa alarming. It was very lorKe. (Author's case.)
484 TUMORS OF THE KIDNEY
vessels, the retroperitoneal glands, the lungs, the liver and other tissues. Sar-
comas may be of any variety, small and large, round-celled, giant-celled, spindle-
celled, and melano-sarcomas. Mixed growths, like adeno-sarcoma, myosarcoma
and other forms, have also been found. The presence in such mixed growths
of striated muscle fibers and of cartilage cells has been explained as embryonic
inclusions of neighboring tissues, or the result of sarcomatous degeneration of
a dermoid at some stage of its development.
Rhabdomyoma. — This extremely malignant growth was first identified by
Rokitansky in 1848, and later on received the special attention of Eberth (1872)
and Cohnheim (1875). Its occurrence is practically limited to the period be-
tween the first and third year of infancy. The tumor is characterized by the
presence of long slender cells, with more or less well-marked transverse striation,
which have been explained as the result of fetal inclusion.
Hypernephroma, — The true character and origin of these tumors was shown
by Grawitz (1883) who first differentiated them from lipomatous growths of
the kidney and pointed out their heterotopic evolution upon the basis of aberrant
fragments of supra-renal tissue structures resembling those of suprarenal neo-
plasms. His arguments were opposed by Ludeck who considered these tumors
as adenomas or adeno-sarcomas, and by Hildebrand who considered them as
endotheliomas. Grawitz proposed the name of struma lipomatodes aberranta?
renis. It was changed to hypernephroma by Lubarsch in 1896. The growth
(Figs. 296 and 297) is practically limited to the kidney, where it rises from the
portion of the suprarenal body, variable in size, which during embryonic life has
remained under the capsule of the kidney or v/ithin the medullary substance. It
is considered by some authors as the most common form of malignant disease of
the kidney. According to Albarran and Imbarth, seventeen per cent of kidney tu-
mors were found to be hypernephroma. The average age of patients is about fifty.
The histology of hypernephroma is very variable, and depends upon the
size of the neoplasm, as well as the metamorphosis it has undergone. A small
tumor, as a rule, presents the picture of the cortical substance of the normal
suprarenal body. Fatty infiltration of the cells is common, and drops of fat are
often quite plainly visible. This accounts for the yellow color of the tumor,
which for this reason was formerly supposed to be a lipoma. Malignant hyper-
nephroma either possesses the structure just described or it duplicates the pic-
ture of alveolar neoplasms or of sarcoma, as a result of the exuberant cellular
proliferations. These tumor cells differ from normal cells by their elongated
polygonal shape.
The malignant character of hypernephroma is shown by the presence of
necrosis and the fatty or colloid degeneration locally, together with the resulting
destruction of the surrounding tissues and organs, the penetration into the veins,
and the formation of metastases along the venous circulation. This marked
tendency to fatty degeneration and retrogressive changes is especially character-
MALIGNANT TUMORS 485
istic of hypernephroma. The tumor usually occupies the upper pole of the
kidney. It ie generally small, about the size of a pea, and only in an advanced
period of life (usually forty-five) reaches a size sufiicieiit for recognition. It is
more commonly found in men.
Fra, 296.
Fio. 297.
Fio. 296. — Htpirhbphhoua, Ottbidb View. The kidney was HH inches loog.
Fio. 297. — UiPEBKcrBBOiu, View on Section. (Author's caae.)
486 TUMORS OF THE KIDNEY
Metastasis of hypernephroma of the kidney has been observed in practically
every organ and tissue of the body. The bones, lungs and the liver seem to be
the seat of predilection for secondary growths of this character. The venous
circulation constitutes the open avenue for the occurrence of metastatic hyper-
nephroma. Less frequently, metastasis occurs through the lymphatic circula-
tion. In metastatic hypernephroma, the glands of the lymphatic system are
either entirely free from secondary growths, or an infection of the retroperito-
neal glands is present.
Symptoms. — It is convenient to consider the symptoms of these malignant
tumors without reference to their variety, inasmuch as it is generally impossible
to make a clinical distinction between them. Symptoms may be absent for
months or years, but when they begin to appear, they usually progress rapidly,
and the patient dies in from one to three years of cachexia, asthenia, uremia,
intestinal obstruction, or peritonitis. The symptoms are hematuria, enlarge-
ment, pain, changes in the urine and symptoms of pressure on other organs.
Hematuria is the most important syin])toni and occurs in from fifty to eighty
per cent of the cases, varying in the time of its appearance, its duration and
frequency. It occurs without apparent cause, probably due to the fragility of
the renal blood vessels induced by the neoplastic changes, while in the later stages
it is probably the result of congestion or ulceration into the renal calices or
tubules. The bleeding generally becomes more profuse and more frequent as the
disease advances, and it is more abundant than in any other class of renal dis-
ease. The urine is uniformly reddened, and ureteral clots of a worm shape are
frequently present. Considerable blood may at times be found microscopically
when the urine is not reddened.
Tumefaciion in the loin is not always felt, as the growth may be too small
or situated too high up in the kidney to be well palpated. When it can be felt,
however, it moves with respiration, has an irregular feel, can easily be ballotted
and can often be better felt when the patient is lying on the healthy side with
the thighs somewhat flexed.
The pain of renal tumors is of little diagnostic value. It is not always
present and varies considerably in duration and character. It may be
acute and spasmodic, but is more usually a dull persistent ache, causing a
sense of discomfort in the loin. Tenderness is present in proportion to the
pain.
The urine shows the inflammatory state and functional impairment of the
kidney. Albumin is often present and the amount of urea lessened, while the
specific gravity varies. Pus is found in infected cases. The most important
point in connection with the urine in these cases is the presence of characteristic
cells of the growth in the microscopic sediment. These cells are irregular in
shape, atypical in character, not like the ordinary epithelia of the geni to-urinary
tract, and sometimes show fatty degeneration. Blood cells and casts are often
MALIGNANT TUMORS 487
present when the urine shows no visible signs of hematuria. The corpuscles are
sometimes pale and devoid of hemoglobin.
Pressure symptoms are due to pressure of the growth upon the adjoining
tissues, giving rise to various disturbances. When it is exerted on the nerve
plexuses, such as the spermatic and ovarian plexus, sensations of pain are felt in
the groin and the testes, or the uterus and ovaries. When the gastric and
splanchnic plexuses are involved, abdominal distress is also present. Pressure
upon the vena cava causes edema of the lower extremity, whereas pressure on
the renal vein on the left side often gives rise to an enormous varicocele. Ca-
chexia is a late symptom.
The symptoms of hypernephroma are practically the same as those of the
malignant tumors of the kidney just considered. The evolution of the tumor
is very gradual and it is very characteristic of this form of renal neoplasm
that it usually does not give rit^e to any symptom before the fiftieth year, except-
ing occasional attacks of dragging pains and sensations of pressure. The first
reliable symptom is a characteristic hematuria, which appears spontaneously
and ceases just as suddenly. In the average case of hypernephroma, spontaneous
hematuria occurs for the first time about five or six years after the first pain is
experienced. Generally, the hematuria is preceded by an obscure sensation of
pressure and the patient readily points out the affected side in the majority of
cases. The hematuria has the same characteristics as that of the other malig-
nant tumors of the kidney. Pain is present at some stage of the trouble in
eighty per cent of all cases and shows all degrees from a dull diffuse backache to
severe renal colic. It may be the first symptom noticed and sometimes remains
the only one. Tenderness on pressure is frequently present, especially over the
site of the growth. The tumor usually does not give rise to any trouble until it
begins to press upon the neighboring organs, or to produce dragging sensations
on account of its increasing weight. Its growth is far from uniform and years
may pass before it noticeably increases in size. It may then start another rapid
growth, giving rise to severe hemorrhage. In most cases, the tumor is a late
symptom. It is interesting to note that cases have been described in which twenty
to thirty years lay between the first evidence of pain and the discovery of the
growth. It may reach the size of a cocoanut or a small pumpkin. It is quite
freely movable. The bronze discoloration of the skin, characteristic of Addi-
son's disease, has only been occasionally noticed, even in advanced stages of this
condition. The course of the trouble is irregular ; it may remain practically
latent for a number of years, and active proliferation may be set up at any
time by abnormal conditions of the organism, such as general disease or
traumatism.
Diagnosis. — This includes detection of the presence of the tumor, sec-
ondary metastatic deposits, and the variety of the growth. It is necessary to dif-
ferentiate the condition from renal tuberculosis, stone, movable kidney, hydro-
488 TUMORS OF THE KIDNEY
nephrosis, pyonephrosis, abdominal tumors, bladder tumors and hematuria from
other causes.
Tubercular kidney generally gives rise to a similar hematuria, but this is not
so abundant ; also to a tumefaction that resembles it greatly, but in tuberculosis
the development of a swelling is more rapid. The bladder and genital tract
in tuberculosis are often involved, as well as are other tissues of the bodv.
The urine contains tubercle bacilli, it is more often purulent, and is free from
tumor cells. A febrile condition is often present, and there is a response to the
guinea-pig injection.
Kenal calculus gives rise to hematuria, but it is usually due to exercise,
is more intermittent, of shorter duration and the pain is of greater severity.
The urine shows more crystals, is more liable to have pus present and contains
no tumor cells, while the presence of stone is generally shown by radiography.
There is no cachexia.
A tumor of the bladder gives rise to hematuria, in which case the blood is
not so well mixed with the urine, and the clots are irregular and not of the worm-
like character found in renal cases. The urine contains tumor cells, but the
other products of irritation and inflammation found are from the bladder and
not from the kidney. The presence of tumor is shown by the cystoscope, whereas
no evidence of renal growth is furnished by ureteral catheterization.
Hydronephrosis rarely causes hematuria. On ureteral catheterization, ob-
stacles may be found in the ureter ; but if the catheter passes to the kidney, a
quantity of retained urine will be obtained, with a low specific gravity and con-
taining urea.
Pyonephrosis does not occasion hematuria, unless due to stone or tuber-
culosis. It is more frequently painful. It may be accompanied by fever,
either continuous or periodical. There may be an obstacle in the ureter, pros-
tate or urethra on catheterization; and a retention of fluid containing pus is
usually found in the kidney on ureteral catheterization.
Other abdominal tumors are differentiated by a negative examination of the
urinary organs. If we feel a tumor in the position which might be occupied
by the kidney and find normal urine, no stricture, no enlargement of the pros-
tate, a healthy bladder, no urinary retention, free ureters, no retention in the
pelvis of the kidney, we can assume that the disease is extrarenal and inde-
pendent of the kidney.
Perinephritic abscess may at times be confused with renal tumor. If this
is due to renal trouble, there are usually evidences of such trouble in the urine.
The condition from which it arises is generally a renal tuberculosis or a cal-
culus, which we would be able to determine by the findings already mentioned.
The tumor, moreover, is not well rounded, it cannot be ballotted and constitu-
tional symptoms are present.
Tumors of the liver are generally characterized by a dullness extending
MALIGNANT TUMORS 489
from the liver downward onto the enlargement, unless they come from the
middle or posterior part of the organ, when they are difficult to differentiate
from a renal tumor. They cannot, however, be so well ballotted. Besides
this, the urine is normal, except, perhaps, when there is an increased amount
of bile.
Gall-bladder tumors are not common and of smaller size ; the urine is nor-
mal, while the stools are liable to be of a characteristic claylike color.
Splenic tumors are dull on percussion, extending downward and inward ;
the border of the tumor is usually sharper, whereas hematuria and renal ele-
ments are absent. Large ovarian cysts and tumors, as well as those from the
uterus, grow from below upward, instead of from above downward like renal
tumors. They can be detected in both vaginal and abdominal palpation.
There are other varieties of renal hematuria resembling that of tumor,
which are painless, occur independent of exertion and are associated with an
abundant loss of blood. They are spoken of as essential hematurias and are
usually due to a chronic unilateral nephritis. The kidney, however, cannot
be felt.
In hypernephroma, the chief diagnostic difficulties consist in the chronic
and practically painless evolution of the tumor, together with its usual location
at the upi^er pole of the kidney. Palpation is sometimes easier when the pa-
tient is placed on the healthy side with the thighs partially flexed. During the
patient's respiratory movements, the examining hand must endeavor to reach
up as high as possible in the diaphragm. In this way, the organ may fre-
quently be grasped and outlined, unless the abdominal wall is very muscular
or fat. Exploratory incision in the lumbar region is advisable when the disease
is suspected.
Prognosis. — Unless operated upon, malignant renal tumors are usually fatal
within four years after their detection. Relapses are very frequent, usually
coming on within six months, but sometimes not for a number of years.
It is difficult to predict the outcome in any given case of hypernephroma,
on account of its peculiar erratic and irregular course. It may remain latent
as long as the patient lives ; but when the malignancy asserts itself, the disease
is progressive and generally terminates fatally in less than three years. Death
has been observed as early as six weeks after the onset of the acute symptoms.
Surgical prognosis is far from favorable. The immediate mortality after opera-
tion may reach fifty per cent. On the other hand, patients may live for a few
months or a few vears.
Treatment (Nephrectomy), — In children, the transperitoneal route is
elected by some, because it gives better access to the growth ; the lumbar route
is preferable in adults. Albarran states that the mortality is twenty-two per cent
in adults, and twenty-five per cent in children. These statistics include twenty-
two operations upon adults, three of whom were in good condition more than four
490 TUMORS OF THE KIDKET
years after the operation. He knows of only seven nephrectomies in children,
with the patient surviving the operation three years or longer.
The treatment of hypernephroma is similar to tliat of other malignant
growths of the kidney, and consists in nephrectomy, as soon as the other kidney
has been shown by a cystoscopic and ureteral catbeterizatioQ, with chemical and
microscopical examination of the urine, to be sufficiently healthy to carry on
the renal function.
Fio. 298. — Papilloma of the Renal Pelvis.
The presence of metastases is a contraindication to operation. The growth
is usually removed by lumhar incision, which may be extended, if necessary, hy
dissecting the eleventh and twelfth ribs. The fatty capsule also should be re-
moved. Laparotomy is advocated by some operators. Profuse hemorrhage
from the large blood vessels in the capsule or from the soft and injiired tissues
frequently causes alarming symptoms, so that every precaution should be ex-
PERIRENAL TUMORS 491
ercised to meet severe complications by means of saline infudons and other
methods.
TUMORS OF THE PELVIS OF THE KTONEY
There are about forty-five cases of tumors of the pelvis of the kidney on rec-
ord (Albarran, Ann, des mah des org, genito-urin., 1900, p. 701). These
tumors may originate in the kidney and subsequently invade the pelvis, or they
may arise in the pelvis itself. The most common forms of the last class are sim-
ple papilloma and epithelioma (Morris, loc, cit,, II, I). Fig. 298 shows a
papilloma of the pelvis. Carcinoma, myxoma, myxosarcoma, lymphatic endo-
thelioma, myosarcoma and rhabdomyoma have also been found originating in
the pelvis.
The growths often extend into the ureter. In these cases, there will be
foimd symptoms of urinary obstruction, with all their consequences — such as
hydronephrosis and suppurative diseases.
The diagnosis between pelvic and renal new growths cannot be made, as
a rule, unless the ureteral catheter dislodges portions of a villous growth
(papilloma) from the pelvis, or the urine contains such structures in abundance,
as shown by the microscope.
The prognosis of malignant tumors of the renal pelvis is just as unfavor-
able as that of the same growths in the kidney. The prognosis of benign tumors
(papilloma) of the pelvis is not favorable, on account of the danger of trans-
formation into epithelioma.
Nephrectomy at an early stage is the only mode of treatment to be depended
upon in these cases. Although the immediate results of surgical interference
are favorable, a recurrence or a transformation to malignancy of a benign
growth, in the ureter or elsewhere, is probable, and the danger persists for years
after the removal of the diseased kidney.
PERIRENAL TUMORS
This class of neoplasm occurs in the fibrous or the fatty capsule. Albarran
collected thirty-one cases of this kind from the literature, and states that the
symptoms did not vary from those of the corresponding tumors of the kidney
proper. Lipomas, fibro-lipomas and sarcomas are the most common varieties.
Barring sarcoma, all these growths are characterized by their very gradual
development.
CHAPTER XXVII
CYSTS OF THE KIDNEY
Renal cysts are comparatively rare. They are on the border line between
medicine and surgery, in that some are associated with nephritis and require
medical treatment only, while others are in need of surgical interference.
We have the following varieties of cysts of the kidney :
(1) Nephritic cysts (cysts of sclerosed kidneys).
(2) Serous cysts.
(3) Agglomerate cysts (polycystic kidney).
(4) Hydatid cysts.
(1) Cysts Due to Interstitial Nephritis. — Cysts due to interstitial nephri-
tis are very small, ranging in size from a pinhead to a small pea. They are
usually multiple, and constitute a medical rather than a surgical condition.
These nephritic cysts are due to compression of some urinary tubules by the
new growth of connective tissue, and to the dilation of the tubules behind the
constriction. The existence of these cysts should be borne in mind when operat-
ing on the kidney, and they should not be confused with cystic degeneration of
the organ.
(2) Large Serous Cysts. — Large serous cysts are usually single, and as a
rule found in but one kidney ; if multiple, they do not occur in great numbers,
probably not more than four or five in one organ (Fig. 299). They vary in
size from an egg to that of a child's head. They have a moderately thin wall,
with a smooth exterior, while the adjoining renal substance is sometimes hol-
lowed out by their pressure.
They are filled with yellow liquid of variable consistence, which generally
has a high proportion of albumin and of urea, with a variable admixture of
phosphates. The cystic fluid sometimes contains cholesterin crystals and leu-
cin balls, more rarely uric acid.
The cyst wall is made up of connective tissue lined with cuboid or flattened
epithelial cells. In the immediate surroundings of the cyst, the kidney tissue
presents sclerotic changes.
Diagnosis. — Serous cysts of the kidney do not give rise to a clearly defined
set of symptoms and therefore are difficult to diagnosticate. The two signs
492
LARGE SEROUS CTSTS 493
usually present are alight pain and a swelling in the abdomen on the affected
aide. The tumor is found to be in the region of the kidney and is slightly
tender on pressure. It is often stated that fluctuation is present in the tumor,
but I think that the tension is too great usually to permit of such findings.
Fla. 299. — Labqb Sebocs Ctst or the Kidnei. Sice 7yi by 8 inches. (Author's i^nfic.)
Serous cysts of the kidney are sometimes confounded witli ovarian cysts,
but diiler from the latter in their form of growth, which is from above down-
ward instead of from below upward, and also in the absence of signs on vaginal
palpation. Sometimes one of these kidneys is fomid in the pelvic cavity in
case it has become displaced tliere and is retained by adhesions, as was the case
shown in this chapter. Ureteral catheterization is the safest method of distin-
guishing these cysts from hydronephrosis or iiyoncphrosis, as in the latter cases
if the instrument can be passed into the renal pelvis, then the tumor will quickly
disappear.
Theatment. — The nsual treatment of such cysts is incision and drainage,
after which they are liable to recur. It is better, therefore, to dissect away the
494 CYSTS OF THE KIDNEY
cyst wall in cases in wbich adhesions are not too great, or else to bring the in-
cised sac out of the wound. To do the latter, insert a catheter in it and inject
with tincture of iodin or some other fluid to cause an adhesive inflammation be-
tween its walls. Kesection of that part of the kidney from which tlie cyst
originates (jmrtial nephrectomy) has been successfully performed by D'Antona,
Recamier and Albarran in five cases, but does not appeal to me as a desirable
procedure. Neplireetomy ia justified in cases in which the kidney is exten-
sively destroyed as it frequently is through pressure of the cyst. The cystic
kidney (Fig. 299) was removed at operation.
(3) Agglomerate Cysts (Polycystic Kidney). — The whole kidney may be
involved by a conglomeration of cysts. They may be congenital or may develop
Fla. 300. Two Labob Polycystic Kidneys in the Same Inthvidd^l.
5H inches, weight 56 ouncea ; the Bmaller, 9}i by S inches, weight 48
by P. P. O'Hanlon. (City Hospital case. Author's ciJIcclion.)
in adults. The condition is almost always bilateral. The kidney may attain
an enormous size and may resemble a bunch of grapes, weighing five or six
pounds or more. The cysts are trauHlucent, opalescent, thin-walled, of the si:^!'
of a grape or smaller and some are tinged with red, brown or green. They may
AGGLOMERATE CYSTS 495
be packed closely, communicating with one another or they may be separated
by eepta of fibrous or renal tissue. They are filled with a clear fluid of a gelat-
inous consistence, containing crystals of choleaterin, leiicin, albumin, urea an:d
phosphates (Figs. 300 and 301).
Fio. 301.— Thb LABoaB Kidkbt in Pio. 300. on Sbctioii. (Author's collectbo.)
Ca'dses, — Xumerous theories have been advanced as to the mode of forma-
tion of these cysts, but the disease seems to be of the same origin in infants
and in adults. Virchow believed that this degeneration was due to a stenosis
■ of the papilla; occurring in the fetus as the result of intra-uteriue nephritis,
while others believe that the disease is a tnie process of new growth, i. e,, that
there is first an adenoma and that later this tumor degenerates into cysts. Fi-
nally, some authors believe that the cystic degeneration of the kidney is due to
congenital malformation, consisting in a nonimion of the excretory and the
convoluted tubules.
Symptoms. — The symptoms are those of chronic nephritis. There are oc-
casionally pains in the kidneys, and these organs are found enlarged on both
sides. The pain is a vague one with a sense of weight in the loin which rarely
496 CYSTS OF THE KIDNEY
becomes acute, colicky. Although the general shape of the organ is maintained,
the irregular outline of the cysts can plainly be felt in thin subjects, the cysts
appearing to the touch like an irregular, embossed padding of the kidney.
There is usually polyuria and low specific gravity, diminished urea, albumin
and sometimes blood in the urine.
As the disease progresses and the excretory function of the kidney dimin-
ishes, the patient generally begins to show uremic symptoms and the course of
the disease becomes the same as that of any nephritis where renal function is
impaired. The patient may live for years with gradually degenerating kidneys.
The dangers threatening such patients are anuria and the infection of the cystic
kidney.
Diagnosis. — Agglomerate cysts of the kidney may be confounded with a
malignant tumor, but such tumors are rarely bilateral and pimcture would fail
to produce any fluid. The condition is sometimes mistaken for hydronephrosis,
but this is also usually unilateral and does not contain a fluid with so much
albumin or colloid material as determined by ureteral catheterization, besides
which the wall of a hydronephrotic kidney is smooth.
Treatment. — The treatment is symptomatic and otherwise the same as in
a case of chronic nephritis, the aim being not to bring any undue strain upon
incapacitated kidneys. Operative interference is not called for and the removal
of one of the kidneys would be unwise and would simply lessen the already de-
ficient area of secreting renal substance by at least fifty per cent Anuria and
death would be likely to follow under these conditions, as the opposite organ is
usually in about the same stage of degeneration.
Sieber collected sixty-one cases of cystic kidney in adults, where nephrec-
tomy was performed with a kno\\Ti outcome, including twenty deaths. Fully one
half of the patients died from uremia or anuria, on account of simultaneous
cystic degeneration of the other kidney. The only excuse, then, for nephrec-
tomy in a cystic kidney would be the occurrence of suppuration or malignancy
in one of the organs. If the diagnosis is uncertain, an exploratory incision
may be performed, but, on finding the kidney cystic, it should be left alone
unless movable, in which case it can be fixed in place.
(4) Hydatid Cysts. — Hydatid cysts of the kidney are rare and according
to Houzel there were but 115 cases in 2,111 of echinococcus disease. The left
kidney is more often affected than the right. The cyst is rounded, elastic, situ-
ated deeply in the kidney or projecting from its surface. Hydatid cysts may
be single or multiple and may finally destroy the whole kidney.
In hydatid cysts of the kidney there is usually very little acute pain, al-
though sometimes it is most distressing, but generally a dull dragging feeling.
The kidney is enlarged and can usually be outlined in the lumbar region. The
cyst frequently bursts into the pelvis of the kidney when the characteristic
hydatid substances and booklets are found in the urine. In such cases, the cystic
HYDATID CYSTS 497
cavity may become infected, giving rise to a pyoiiephrosia and the eoiiseqneiit
symptoms of a renal infection. Hydatid cysts ate rarely confoinidetl with solid
tumors of the kidney, although they may be mistaken. for certain, pathological
conditions of the organ.
Hydronephrosis may be distinguished by ureteral catheterization, and aspi-
ration will differentiate hydatid from other renal cysts through the fluid con-
taining^ the characteristic booklets.
Aspiration is not advisable for diagnostic purposes in renal eases unless the
kidney has £rst been exposed by a lumbar incision.
Treatment. — The cyst siiould be evacuated, and as much as possible of the
cyst wall should be cut away and the free edges sewn into the abdominal wound.
Sometimes all the cyst wall can be cut away, excepting the part in or on
the kidney, in which case that portion of the wall can be treated by an applica-
498 CYSTS OF THE KIDNEY
tion of pure carbolic acid followed by alcohol which will destroy the secreting
cyst surface and not injure the kidney tissue. I have operated on one of these
cases which was treated in this way (Fig. 302).
The patient was a housewife, aged twenty. Three years ago she had an
attack of severe pain in the right lumbar region and groin, lasting for three
days, during which time there was hematuria. One month ago she had an
attack of very acute pain in the same locality. Her urine was bloody and was
voided with diflSculty. The severity of the pain gradually diminished, but
there has remained more or less pain on that side since the attack. On the first
visit her temperature was 98.4° to 100° F., pulse 92 to 130. The right kidney
was enlarged and tender, extending over to the median line. Cystoscopy showed
the bladder to be normal. The ureters were catheterized. The urine from the
left side was secreted normally, and was found normal on examination. The
urine from the right side flowed more slowly, was very pale and contained a
trace of albumin, a few blood and pus cells, a few hyaline casts, renal epithelia,
uric acid and triple-phosphate crystals. No exact conclusion was arrived at
regarding the case, and an exploratory incision was made. The kidney was
found to be very much enlarged ; the upper pole was enlarged and adherent to
the diaphragm, the lower pole was smaller and twisted. A cyst with a thick
white sac, three and a half inches in length and two and a half in width,
was seen springing from the anterior surface of the kidney and the pelvis. This
was opened, and a considerable amount of amber fluid and a number of small
white daughter cysts escaped. The outer surface of the sac was dissected away,
and the remainder treated with carbolic acid and alcohol. During the first
week after the operation, the temperature ranged from 100° to 104° F., puke
136, due to ether pneumonia, then went to normal, and the patient left the hos-
pital with the wound healed.
CHAPTER XXVIII
NEPHROLITHIASIS
Xephrolithiarts means stone in the kidney. All these stones are origi-
nally of a small size, hut on account of certain conditions under which they form
in the kidney, or on account of the locality, some remain in the organ, while
others are washed dowTi the urinary tract and are voided in the urine. Al-
though this chapter treats of stone in the kidney proper, it will also discuss
stone in its passage through the ureter, giving rise to renal colic and anuria.
Etiology. — Renal calculus occurs more frequently in males than in females,
and may be found at any age. Statistics show that there are certain periods of
life during which stone is most frequently noticed, especially between the ages
of tw^enty to fifty. The order of frequency is first between twenty and thirty ;
second, between thirty and forty ; third, between forty and fifty ; fourth, between
fifteen and twenty ; fifth, between fifty and sixty. In children the condition is
comparatively rare. Uric-acid infarcts have, however, been found in the new-
born, and it is therefore possible that the calculus may begin to form at a very
early age. During my service in the St. John Guild Hospital for children, I
did not have a single case of renal calculus ; and but one case came under obser-
vation in the children's wards of the Columbus Hospital in fifteen years, not-
withstanding the fact that nearly all these children were Italians, among whom
urinary calculus is very frequent.
Country and race have some influence on the development of stone. Warm
countries seem to favor it as is shown by the frequency of renal calculus in
India. This depends greatly upon the' concentration of the urine due to the
active elimination of water through the skin.
Nephrolithiasis is said to be more frequent among the Anglo-Saxons than
the Latin races. I think, however, that such conclusions are due to the fact
that better statistics and more complete records on this subject have been pub-
lished in the Anglo-Saxon countries than elsewhere. Personally, I have found
calculus more common in this coimtry among the Italians than any other race,
and the history of medicine shows that in the past more provisions were made
for the relief of stone in the urinary tract in Italy than in any other country.
In the United States, renal calculus is comparatively rare, among the native-born
Americans.
499
500 NEPHROLITHIASIS
Tlie foniiation of calculus is also favored by overeating, especially nitrog-
enous and carbohydrate foods in excess, as well as by the free use of wines,
beers and liquors, in people who take but little exercise and therefore consume
an insufficient amount of oxygen. Heredity and constitutional factors, such as
uricacidemia, oxaluria and phosphaturia, are also predisposing factors. A mov-
able kidney sometimes predisposes to the formation of stones.
The immediate eause of renal calculus is the deposit of the crystals in the
urine upon some object in a tubule of the kidney, or in its pelvis, that will act
as a nucleus. It usually takes place in the pelvis or one of its calices, and is
rare in a renal tubule. Among the objects that have been found in the central
parts of calculi and upon which the crystals have been deposited are foreign
bodies, blood clots, masses of mucus or pus, microc)rganisms and parasites.
Foreign bodies usually enter the kidney through traumatism^ such as a bul-
let, a fragment of bone, or a piece of the clothing; or surgieaUy, in the form of
ligatures, sutures, or gauze used during an operation. At present, it is also
possible that a nucleus may occur from the breaking off of the end of a ureteral
catheter. Blood clots may be due to any variety of traumatism, or to any form
of renal hematuria. (See chapter on Hematuria.)
The presence of mucus in the renal tubules or pelvis may be due to any
cause of a sufficiently irritative character to produce congestion, followed by
destruction of the epithelia, such as crystals in the urine; certain drugs, like
cantharides; or certain pathological products excreted in the urine during in-
fectious diseases. Pus is present in the renal pelvis in all inflammatory condi-
tions, due to pus-producing microorganisms, and can tlierefore frequently serve
as a nucleus for a renal stone.
Regarding the part that parasites and bacteria play in forming the nucler.s
of a calculus, opinions differ. Bilharzia hematobia has been found in the
central portions of calculi. Bacteria have been reix)rted in calculi by Gallippe,
Doyen and Fullerton, but it has not been generally accepted that they act as a
nucleus. I can only say that I believe it to be usually blood, pus or mucus,
singly or combined, and that these act as the cement so often spoken of as a
necessity to hold the urinary crystals together.
Varieties. — Two varieties of stone are the primary and seeondary. The pri-
mary stones are formed by the precipitation of substances excreted by the
kidney without any previous change in the parenchyma, the pelvis or the cal-
ices. Secondary stones are the result of pathological processes in these localities,
and are formed when certain salts are precipitated owing to* the decomposition
of the urine. Of course, a calculus may be originally primary, and by its pres-
ence so irritate the surrounding tissues that lesions develop which give rise to
secondary calculous deposits over the primary calculus.
Of the primary variety of calculi, we have those formed in acid or in alka-
line urine. The varieties developing in acid urine consist of one or more of
OCCURBENCE 501
the following substances: Uric acid, urates, calcium oxalates, cystin and xan-
thin. Those formed from alkaline urine consist of calcium carbonate, acid
phosphates of calcium, or basic phosphates of calcium.
Secondary calculi are precipitated from alkaline urine rendered so by aui-
moniacal decomposition, due to some local infection or inflammation. They
consist of phosphates, either of ammonium or of magnesium, or of both am-
monium and magnesium.
Occurrence. — The frequency with wliich the various calculi occur differs
according to locality. Oxalate of calcium calculus is said to occur more fre-
quently in Great Britain than eitlier the uric acid or the phosphatic variety and
produces the worst cases of ue])lirolilhiasis. In France and most of the Latin
countries as well as the Tnitcd States, tlie nrie-acid variety is more prevalent.
Fw. 303. — SOMB Larue rAwcLi Removed from a Ptonephhotic KidneT. The largptit dmnieter of
these rd<iili wan 4, 2,4, \'4, 1!^. aod l^i iochee, rwpectively. In the reproduction they are about
three quaiten of their actual siie. (Author's case.)
The number of calculi in a kidney varies from one to over two hundred, and
is greater in suppurative conditions of the organ. In size they vary from grains
of sand to masses weighing five ]>ounds. Trie-acid stones with secondary de-
(xwits are usually the largest, while oxalic calculi rarely exceed the size of a
nut. Fi^f, ;j03 shows some large-sized calculi removed from a case of pyo-
nephrosis.
502 NEPHROLITHIASIS
Stones are more often found in the right kidney than in the left, probably
because it is more frequently movable, while the frequency of stones occurring
in both kidneys is variously estimated at from five to fifty per cent From
my own observations I believe that from five to ten per cent is a liberal
estimate of the occurrence of bilateral nephrolithiasis as it occurs in this
country.
Pathology. — Primary calculi may give rise to aseptic or septic changes.
They irritate the pelvis of the kidney, causing congestion and later fibrous thick-
ening of its wall, an aseptic pyelitis, followed by secondary nephritis of an
aseptic type. In this combined aseptic pyelo-nephritis, the inflammatory
process begins in the renal parenchyma, later involving the interstitial frame-
Avork of the organ. It is always present in calculous kidneys, and other lesions
may become associated with the nephritis when tlie stones have reached a con-
siderable size and have remained in the organ for a long time, especially if they
cause obstruction of the ureter. The first of these secondary lesions is renal
atrophy. Sometimes the perirenal fat is increased sufficiently to form a large
lipomatous tumor containing the atrophied kidney, while in other cases the
mechanical obstruction by the stone gives rise to hydronephrosis.
The septic lesions of primary calculi are secondary to the aseptic changes.
The infection reaches the kidney by the hematogenous or the lymphogenous
route, or ascends directly from the bladder. The predisposing factors of septic
infection which exist in calculous kidney, are the traumatic effects of the stones,
the urinary retention which they may give rise to and the capillary congestion
of the organ.
The results of infection in calculous kidneys are pyelitis, pyelo-nephritis,
pyonephrosis and perinephritis.
The lesions of septic pyelitis are the same as those of the aseptic type plus
the presence of pus. Septic pyelo-nephritis results when the infection has
involved the parenchyma as well as the pelvis of the organ, in which case abscess
formation frequently occurs. It has been noticed, however, that when the
sclerotic process that is present in aseptic pyelo-nephritis is sufficiently ad-
vanced, the kidney itself seems better able to resist the invasion of bacteria.
In twenty-seven per cent of my series of cases, pyelo-nephritis was present.
Pyonephrosis takes place when the calculous obstruction has been sufficient to
cause retention of urine in the pelvis of the kidney, giving rise to pelvic dilata-
tion plus infection — Fig. 304 shows a case of acute renal retention and pyo-
nephrosis; also when the calculi have themselves increased in size to such an
extent as to press upon the parenchyma of the organ, and form cavities (Fig.
305) ; or when the parenchyma has been destroyed by abscesses in pyelo-
nephritis and cavities remain communicating with the pelvis. Pyonephrosis
occurred in seventeen per cent of the cases that I have observed. In these,
the fatty capsule was often thickened and the seat of fibrous changes.
PATHOLOGY 503
In pyelo-nepliritia and pyonephrosis, a true perinepliritia may develop and
adhesions may bind the kidney to the surrounding organs, a fact of importance
to be remembered when operating in such cases, as they may involve the duo-
denum, colon and even the vena cava. In case the capsule of the kidney rup-
tures, the pna may burrow in any direction, making a true perinephritio
abscess. I have had quite a number of such cases, tliat I have already discussed
in the chapter on Suppurative Diseases of the Kidney.
The opposite kidney often becomes the seat of compensatory hypertrophy,
in its effort to make up for the loss of functionating tissue in the diseased organ,
due to the atrophic changes in its parenchyma or to suppurative processes. A
secondary nephritis usually follows, not only on account of the extra amount of
work that is thrown upon the organ, but also on account of the irritation from
the acid urates, oxalates and phosphates it is obliged to eliminate. Calculi may
also form in the second kidney. It is likewise more prone to secondary in-
fection.
504 XEPHROLITHIASIS
Symptoms and Diagnosis. — In considering nephrolithiasis, we must bear in
mind that most patients have active subjective symptoms, but there arc manv in
wliom these are absent. In tliese eases, the stone remains in the kidney in such a
position that it dors not canse irritation or attacks of urinary retention. Bniee
Clark fonnd, in i;J of 24 autopsies on persons in whos*^ kidneys calculi were
present, that there had \xxu no symptoms whatever during life referable to
Fia. 305. — The Renal Pei.vih or a Ptonephhotic Kidnet Piu-bd wtib Fivi Htonbs of Labob
Size. There was also an altack o[ acute renal retention present in this cHse. and the affected kid-
ney contained over a pint of puB.
nephrolithiasis, I wish, therefore, to emphasize, at the beginning of the clintcul
part, that the symptoms are not always in proportion to the e.'^tcnt of the dis-
ease, and that I have often been surprised to find how few subjective symptoms
a patient has had when his kidney has Ixvn nearly destroyetl by a ealcnius.
In some eases, the e-xistence of renal stone ia not suspected becaiise the train
of symptoms is obscure, or for the reason that they point to other organs, as llie
bladder, the uterus, the ovaries, the testicles or to the gastro-intestinal traci.
In the majority of cases, however, the subjective symptoms are marked and
often most distressing.
Pais. — Pain occurs in most cases, and is situated in the lumbar region cor-
responding to the aifected side ot in that side of the abdomen. This had been
SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS 505
present in 92 i)er cent of my cases for a period varying from six days to twenty-
t\vo years, witli an average duration of four years. The right side is most fre-
quently affected, and in my own cases the relative frequency was 65 per cent
on the right side and 35 per cent on the left, while the pain was bilateral in
but 0 per cent. The abdominal pain may run down to the groin or the testis on
the affected side. It is of varying degrees of intensity, from a dull ache
to the excruciating, sharp, cutting pain of renal colic. It may be continuous,
but generally follows exercise or jolting, although cases have been reported when
it occurred at night.
It is renal colic that usually causes the patient to consult a physician, espe-
ciallv if it be associated with or followed bv hematuria. In mv own cases,
thirty-three ])cr cent complained of this symptom. Attacks of colic occur when
a freely movable stone begins to engage in the mouth of the ureter, or to descend
along the canal. The forces that propel a stone along the ureter in such cases
are said to be threefold, viz. : The pressure of pent-up urine behind it, the forcible
contraction of the ureter under the irritation ])roduced by a foreign body, and
the alternating iM)sitive and negative pressure of the act of vomiting which often
accompanies the attack of colic.
The clinical picture of a patient in the throes of renal colic is not easily
forgotten when once seen. The facial pallor, the cold sweat, the flexed thighs,
the bending of the body during the agony of the paroxysm, are sufficiently typi-
cal to direct our attention to the probability of a stone in the pelvis of the kid-
ney or passing through the ureter. The pain is acute, paroxysmal, has its
chief seat in the loin or in the side of the abdomen, and radiates along the ureter
toward the testicles or the labia majora, or into the thigh, according to the
course of the spermatic or ovarian plexuses and their communications.
The access of pain is frequently preceded by a chill, and complicated by
attacks of nausea and vomiting. The paroxysm usually lasts from two to three
hours, and, as a rule, terminates more or less abruptly, the patient feeling re-
lieved and falling asleep.
In milder cases, the pains are not so colicky or paroxysmal, and consist sim-
ply of slight pricking sensations along the course of the ureter, accompanied by a
feeling of slight nausea.
During an attack, the urine may be passed frequently. It may be clear, of
low specific gravity, in case the ureter or the uretero-pelvic opening is completely
obstructed by the calculus, as it then comes from the healthy kidney. If the
ureter is not completely obstructed, the urine may be tinged with blood ; or tur-
bid, in case the kidney is infected. The frequent desire to urinate depends
upon the locality of the calculus, as the nearer it is to the bladder, the greater is
the frequency.
Ureteral blood casts are sometimes passed in the urine during the attack, but
usually not until after the expulsion of the calculus.
506 NEPHROLITHIASIS
The cases in which the stone remains in the kidney or pelvis, without giving
rise to attacks of renal colic, are those that present the greatest difficulties in
diagnosis. Reflex or referred pains are often met with in nephrolithiasis, and
frequently mislead the diagnostician. They existed in twenty per cent of my
cases and were situated principally in the gToin, testicle and thigh. In such,
instances, the renal region may be free from pain. The pain may be seated in
the lumbar sensorv nerves, or in the sciatic nerve, as in lumbar sciatic neuritis.
The reflex pains of nephrolithiasis have been classified by Guyon as follows :
The reno-renal, reno-resical, reno-ovarian or reno-uterine and reno-testicular
reflex.
The reno-renal reflex is a sensation of pain in the kidney that is not sup-
posed to contain a stone, and is attributed to its reflex transmission from the
affected side, in other words, from one renal plexus to the other. Such a mani-
festation is, I believe, rare, and is based ui)ort the idea that the kidney which is
not thought to contain the stone is a healthy one. Recent investigation, espe-
cially since the development of ureteral catheterization, has shown that this other
kidney is generally not a normal one, in fact, that it is usually the seat of a
nephritis. The painful symptoms in this so-called healthy kidney can be ac-
counted for in various ways. The healthy organ may be the seat of an occasional
acute congestion when an extra amount of work is suddenly thrown upon it,
owing to the calculus in the diseased kidney engaging in its pelvis and thus
interfering with its function. The pain may also be more acute in the so-called
healthy organ when it is the seat of an inflammation that is much, less exten-
sive than that of the other organ although more acute in character ; again when
it contains a stone, not identified by radiography, which is rougher and conse-
quently more irritating; or when there is a stone present of a size just suflS-
cient to interfere with the urinary flow and to cause an acute distention of the
pelvis. The reno-renal reflex occurred in six per cent of my cases.
Regarding the reno-ureteral reflex, the reno-ovarian and reno-testicular re-
flexes, I will say that such pains are due to the pressure of the calculus on the
sensory nerve fibers of the spermatic and ovarian plexuses at the beginning of the
ureter in the pelvis, or lower down in case it is descending the 6anal, and are
consequently distributed to the organs suj>plied by these nerves.
The reno-vesical reflex can be explained in a similar way, although pain in
the bladder can also be due to a stone in the part of the ureter that is contained
in the bladder wall.
The gastro-intestinal reflex is a more genuine reflex, because in this case the
pains are reflected from the urinary to the gastro-intestinal tract through the
connection between the renal, spermatic, or ovarian plexuses on the one hand,
and the gastric or splanchnic plexuses on the other. This probably accounts for
the large number of patients who complain of dyspepsia, by which name they
describe an unpleasant feeling in any part of the abdomen, such as can be prch
SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS 507
duced by an indigestion, by pressure of the kidney on the adjoining organs, or
by a renal urinary retention. The woman with the large pyonephrotic kidney
containing numerous calculi (see Fig. 305) complained only of dyspepsia and
attacks of malaria.
Hematuria. — If the reason for consulting a physician for this disease is
not pain, then it is usually the presence of blood in the urine. This is one of
the most frequent symptoms of renal calculus, and was complained of in thirty-
seven per cent of my cases. The bleeding in these cases occurs in sufficient quan-
tity in the urine to be detected by the patient. It is aggravated by movements
and by prolonged standing, and lessened by rest in bed. It is due both to conges-
tion and to injury of the tissues caused by friction from the stone, or to conges-
tion of the wall of the i)elvis, in case it is distended by a stone blocking the
ureteral opening. Oxalic calculi arc the roughest and therefore especially liable
to cause hematuria. The urine and blood are freely mixed, giving the color of
porter, and in case clots are present, they are thin and elongated, of a wormlike
appearance (ureteral clots).
I have seen a number of interesting cases of hematuria due to renal stone,
occurring while playing ball, riding horseback, boxing and indulging in other
athletic sports. Hematuria in such cases follows pain in the affected side. In
the case of a grocer, the patient stated that when, in his work, he lifted objects
from the ground, esjx?cially barrels and baskets of groceries, blood would appear
in his urine. I had him come to my office for a cystoscopic examination
and put him through the same movements with pulley weights and dumb-bells
that he made when lifting in the store, to see if hematuria would be induced ;
but it was not, showing that hematuria cannot be brought on at will, or else
the patient's statements are not always truthful.
Pyuria. — Pyuria, strictly speaking, means that pus can be detected in the
urine on microscopical examination ; but clinically it means there is a suflBcient
amount of pus to make the urine appear opaque or turbid, and show a light
precipitate on standing. It usually occurs in the course of nephrolithiasis,
and the amount may be so abundant as to form twenty-five per cent or more
of the urine by volume. In many cases the urine has a milky color, while in
others it resembles lemonade. Pyuria occurred in over fifty per cent of the cases
under my observation.
General Examination. — Palpation, it is said, w^ll in certain cases reveal
the presence of stones, if they are of sufficient size. This may be true, and I
believe that a kidney that can be sufficiently well palpated to detect undue hard-
ness will probably prove to be either a calculous kidney or a malignant kidney.
I have noticed enlargement of the organ in thirty-three per cent of the cases of
renal calculus that I have examined, but have never felt the stone. It is often
possible to determine the presence of tenderness, the degree of mobility and size
of the organ by palpation, which are important points, as an inflamed kidney.
508 NEPHROLITHIASIS
especially if it contains a foreign body, is very apt to be enlarged and tender
and firmly attached by inflammatory adhesions.
The kidney is tender in nearly all cases in which it is enlarged, but it
cannot always be outlined. A normal kidney cannot usually be felt and is
not tender to the touch.
There are other symptoms that may occur in nephrolithiasis that may l>e
mentioned as digestive disturbance, such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal dis-
tress and poor appetite. These are usually due either to pressure or dragging on
the duodenum or colon, to an accompanying nephritis, or to a septic condition in
case of infection. Headaches are probably due to an associated nephritis or sep-
sis, as are weakness and loss of weight. Edema occasionally occurs when the
renal function is very much imi)aired.
Fever is quite common in nephrolithiasis after infection has taken plate.
This may be due to retention of pus in the pelvis of the kidney, after the stone
has engaged in the ureter in pyonephrosis ; or to a pyelo-nephritis, in case of the
presence of an abscess in the renal parenchyma ; or to a complicating jxjrine-
phritic abscess. It is usually due to attacks of pyonei)hrosis, in which cases the
symptoms closely resemble malaria and are accompanied by chills and sweating,
with a rapid pulse.
The Ubink. — The examination of the inur.e of j^atients suspected of nephro-
lithiasis should be performed by a skilled pathologist or bacteriologist ; the prac-
titioner should not be satisfied with his own examination.
The amount of urine is usually decreased. The reaction is generally mark-
edly acid, except in cases of phosphatic calculi or advancing pyonephrosis;
the specific gravity varies with the amount of diluents taken ; the color may be
darker than normal in early cases, and if hematuria be present, the urine has a
smoky-brown or portlike color. The urine shows a sediment varying in color
from white to dark brown or red ; in old and septic cases the color is usually
lighter, due to the absence of the coloring matter and solids and a large admix-
ture of pus. The examination usually shows the presence of albumin, and an
excess of uric acid and urates, phosphates or oxalates, as the case may be.
Microscopical findings depend upon the stage of irritation or inflammation
of the kidney and consist of blood, pus, epithelium from the tubules, the renal
pelvis or the ureter, casts (hyaline, granular, epithelial, blood, pus or mixed)
and bacteria. Often there are small concretions of crystals or masses of crystal-
line sediments, such as calcium oxalate, triple phosphates, uric acid and urates,
pointing to the nature of the stone in the organ.
When urine of this kind is found in a patient suffering from pains or colic
in the region of the kidney, the pains coming usually during the day after exer-
cise, one may strongly suspect stone in the kidney on the side on which the
pain is felt, especially if there are no tubercle bacilli in the urine or any signs of
tuberculosis in other organs. It is, therefore, important to examine the bladder
SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS 509
by cystoscopy to detenu iiie the condition of its walls, the presence or absence
of calculi, and to note the urine coming out of the respective ureters. Naturally,
this refers to an examination not occurring at the time of renal colic. The
bladder wall, in case no vesical calculi are present, and there is no obstruction to
the flow of urine by an enlarged prostate or stricture, would be in a healthy
condition. In case of renal infection, pus would be seen coming from the ureter
of the affected side indicating the presence of calculus and strengthening the
clinical findings.
It may be well to say a few words regarding the difference between aseptic
and septic nephrolithiasis. They differ principally as to the presence of pus
and pus casts. If we are confident that the kidney on one side is diseased and do
not know the condition of the other, we can feel reasonably sure that it is func-
tionating well if it is not enlarged or tender and if the twenty-four-hours' urine
is of sufficient quantity and contains the desired percentage of solids. In order
to be more certain of the condition of the two organs, we should examine tlie
urine obtained from each kidney by the ureteral catheter.
The urinary specimens obtained by ureteral catheterization, compared with
the general specimen, usually gives us a good idea of the kidney that is secreting
the good urine and its functionating power, as well as the degree of inflammation
and degeneration of the affected kidney. The appearance of the urine coming
through the catheter often tells us something of the pathological condition of the
kidney on that side. A light-colored, milky urine, of low specific gravity, is
generally a mixture of water and pus with a small quantity of solids, and indi-
cates pyonephrosis. Urine resembling lemonade generally points to a kidney
secreting a considerable amount of water and a small amount of solids, and,
if it contains considerable pus, also points to a pyonephrosis. In pyonephrosis,
a thin purulent urine of low specific gravity may escape quickly on the intro-
duction of a ureteral catheter, showing the pelvis to be considerably dilated.
When the kidney is greatly destroyed and secretes but little fluid, a thick and
often pure pus escapes. In one case, such a mass resembled closely a pebble
in the bladder hanging from the ureter.
By the urinary examination, cystoscopy, catheterization of the ureters and
cryoscopy, we would know that a practically destroyed septic kidney is present
on the side from which the pathological urine escapes, and that, if nephrolithi-
asis is present, the stone is on the septic side.
Ra^diography. — Radiography is the most important method that we have at
present for determining the presence of renal calculus, although it cannot always
be relied upon, as we often see a shadow in kidney pictures in cases where no
?tone is found at operation ; and wo also frequently see no shadow in cases in
which all the symptoms point to stone clinically, and in which an operation shows
a stone to be present. Nevertheless, when a clinical diagnosis of stone has been
made, and the X-ray finding corroborates it, we can feel quite positive that
510 NEPHROLITHIASIS
neplirolitliiaais is present. The X-ray revealed a stone in seventeen per cent of
the cases I observed, Init this cannot be considered accurate, for a niniiher were
not X-rajcd and a sliadow pointing to stone was revealed in certain cases id
which tlie o))eration jiroved ifs ahsence. Itadio^aphy not only shows the stones
hilt their number ami positions. Fig. 30(! shows a cluster of stones in tlie kid-
ney of one of my patients; Fig. 307 shows a clnstcr in each kidney.
I'nti] recently, many radioprapbists claimod that nric-acid stones could not
Ije seen, and some still holiove this to lie Irne, althnnph the majority of X-ray ex-
perts maintain that calculi of whatever composition can be detected under favor-
able conditions.
The most important factor in obtaining a satisfactory pictnre is to have the
bowel thoroughly empty when the patient is to lie radiographed. This is best
obtained by giving calomel the night iK'fore, followed hy a saline aperient in the
morning, at least three hours l»cfore Iho radiograph is taken. It is often ad-
visable to have a patient X-rayed on two or three different <K'casion3 in a ca,-*
in which the clinical findings point to stone and the X-ray findings are negative.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS 511
The exploratory incision is always justifiable in a ease of ehronic suppurat-
ing disease of one kiilney, to determine wlietlier a stone is present in the kidney
or not. If one is found, it should be removed and, in any case, tlie pelvis ex-
plored and drained. It would aeem that an ex])loratory nephrotomy would at
onee establish the diagnosis, but I will show by a case that I will mention under
treatment (Fig. 308) that this may fail, even when one feels that he has
been careful in the exploration.
Differential Diagnosis. — Stone in the kidney is more apt to be confounded
with tuberculosis or tumor of that organ than with any other renal disease.
The principal points of difFerentiatioD lie in the history. In favor of the cal-
culus there may be the presence of gout, rheumatism or lithemia in the indi-
Fio. 307. — A Clohteh of Stones in Both Kidneth. (Erdninii's rnsp.)
vidual or in the family, while tuberculosis may be suggested by a tuberculous
history on the part of the patient or the family. Tuberculosis of the kidney
usually comes on more rapidly and the patient is more cachectic ; the pain and
hematuria occur independently of exertion and often take place at night as well
as by day, wliilo, in cases of calculus, these symptoms occur almost alwaj-s dur-
512 NEPHROLITHIASIS
ing tlie day. In renal tuberculosis, there may be an involvement of the genito-
urinary tract elsewhere, as in the bladder, prostate or testis, and tubercle bacilli
will sooner or later be found in the urine, or after guinea-pig inoculation,
whereas radiography would be negative.
In cases of tumor of the kidney, the patient is usually of a more advanced
age, the pain is not as great and occurs independently of exertion. The malig-
nancy of the growth is expressed by the cachexia and loss of weight which ac-
companies these cases. In such patients, the hemorrhages are much more
abundant and not necessarily associated with exercise, moving or jolting. The
organ is usually clearly outlined ; the urine may contain characteristic tumor
fragments or cells, and is not apt to contain crystals. The pain is always in the
back and loins.
A movable kidney may also give rise to a dull ache in this region or even
to renal colic (Dietl's crises) ; hematuria is rarely present or is slight, pyuria
rarely develops and pyelitis, pyelo-nephritis and pyonephrosis are only excep-
tionally associated with it. The mobility can be discerned on examination, it
is generally not as large as a calculous kidney and the signs of renal destruction
are not so marked in the urine. I have had cases of movable kidney, however,
in which stone was present, requiring the double operation of nephrolithotomy
and nephropexy.
Bladder diseases caused by stone, tuberculosis or tumor, wuth or without an
associated cystitis, or bladder involvements due to stricture, prostatic hyper-
trophy or gonorrhea often have to be differentiated from nephrolithiasis. In
these cases, hematuria, pyuria or both may be present. A urethral and rectal
examination, associated with visual exploration of the bladder by means of an
examining cystoscope, will clear up the diagnosis, by showing gonorrhea, ure-
teral stricture or prostatic enlargement on the one hand; or vesical calculus,
tumor, or vesical tubercles or ulcers on the other. In the cases of nephrolithiasis
that I have studied, cystitis w^as present in twenty-three per cent of the cases,
and vesical calculus in two per cent.
Nephralgia is the most difficult condition to differentiate from renal cal-
culus. It is characterized by a pain of the neuralgic type in the renal region
on one side, which can be accounted for by any surgical condition of the kidney
as well as by a nephritis. The only method of arriving at a diagnosis is by ex-
cluding all pathological conditions in the kidney that can give rise to pain.
This is often impossible, and the probabilities are that many of the cases that
are considered nephralgia are really obscure forms of nephrolithiasis.
Certain forms of nephritis accompanied by pain and hematuria closely re-
semble renal calculus by the attacks of pain and bleeding. In these cases, the
urinary crystals and the signs of pyelitis are not so common, the signs of sup-
puration are rare, the kidney is not enlarged and radiography is negative.
Nephrolithiasis has been mistaken for malaria in many patients that have been
TREATMENT 513
sent to me, due without doubt to an occasional renal retention of pus when the
calculus blocked the ureter and the consequent giving rise to chills, fever and
sweating. A number of other abdominal conditions, such as cholelithiasis and
appendicitis, have been confounded with renal calculi. Gall-stone is suggested
by a history of gastro-intestinal disturbances, location of the tenderness in front,
the pain radiating backward and upward and negative findings in the urine.
It is practically impossible, at times, to differentiate between cholelithiasis and
nephrolithiasis when the patient is seen in an acute attack of colic.
Appendicitis can also be at times mistaken for nephrolithiasis, especially in
suppurative cases,. with or without renal retention, or in which there is calculus
in that part of the ureter passing beneath the cecum ; for in such cases, we will
be liable to have pain in the region of the appendix. In one case, all these
symptoms were present and the diagnosis of the house surgeon was appendicitis.
The patient was brought to the table for operation, an incision was made over
the tumor, the appendix was found to be slightly congested and the lower pole
of the kidney was found to be crowded up beneath the cecum and appendix
forming a distinct tumor. The patient had consented to an operation for ap-
pendicitis, and the appendix was removed. Upon investigating this case, I
found that pus had been found in the urine together with pus casts. The case
proved to be one of pyonephrosis, depending on a renal calculus, which was
subsequently removed.
Treatment. — The treatment of nephrolithiasis is both medical and surgical.
It depends upon the symptoms of the patient, and the aseptic or se[)tic nature
of the case.
Medical Treatment. — The medical treatment is symptomatic and palli-
ative. If the case is an aseptic one, treatment depends upon the size of the cal-
culus. One of such a large size that it is retained in the kidney and cannot
pass through the ureter is treated according to the symptoms that it presents.
If there is great pain, especially in the nature of a colic, morphin should
be given until the pain has subsided. When an attack of hematuria occurs, the
patient should be kept quiet and Basham's Mixture (mistura ferri et ammonice
acetatis) should be given in half-ounce doses, three times a day. In case the
hematuria is severe, fifteen drops of the fluid extract of ergot and fifteen drops
of the tincture of chlorid of iron should be given every three hours until it has
subsided. Personally, I have never as yet seen a case of renal calculus in which
the hemorrhage was sufficiently severe to warrant the use of ergot
Diet. — I would also give the patient a diet suitable for the accompanying
nephritis (see chapter on Xephritis), and would recommend operative inter-
ference. The diet in nephrolithiasis is very important. For the associated
nephritis it should be the same as in Bright's disease, but it should be modified
according to the crystals found in the urine. If oxalate of lime is present, then
the diet of oxaluria is given; if uric acid, then the diet of uricacidemia ; if
514 NEPHROLITHIASIS
phosphates, then the diet of phosphaturia. (See diets in the chapter on Dis-
eases of Metabolism.) During an attack of renal colic, a milk and Vichy diet
should be given in all cases.
If the calculus is a small one and passes into the ureter, causing colic in its
passage down to the bladder, I would also giv^ suflBcient morphin to alleviate
the pain. After it has passed and no more pain is present, I would treat the
patient on prophylactic or preventative lines; in which case, I would give the
diet indicated by the crystals found on urinary examination, such as one for
oxaluria, uricacidemia or phosphaturia. Diluents are also of great value. For
the uric-acid diathesis, the waters of Contrexeville in France, of Wildungen in
Germany and other alkaline diuretic waters should be given. In a case of
oxaluria, I would give carbonated alkaline waters, such as Apollinaris. Bitter
waters containing magnesia have also been recommended. For phosphaturia,
an acid treatment such as dilute nitro-muriatic acid, fifteen drops three times
daily, will be beneficial. Phosphorus, nux vomica and arsenic are useful medic-
inal agents, in these cases, and urotropin when bacteria appear in the urine.
In septic cases, the treatment is the same as in aseptic conditions plus the
treatment of suppuration. For surface suppuration, such as occurs in the pelvis
of the kidney and in the larger tubules that are not blocked, as well as in cases
in which there is some retention and alkaline decomposition in the renal pelvis,
urotropin ten to fifteen grains three times daily, benzoic acid, or some other
urinary antiseptic, should be given. In cases, however, in which there is acute
suppuration in the parenchyma of the kidney, such as occurs in pyelo-nephritis,
or an acute attack of retention in a pyonephrotic kidney with pus absorption,
quinin and whisky should be given. This applies also to a perinephritic abscess
complicating a suppuration of the kidney.
In other words, the same treatment as in any other septic case is followed,
it being remembered, however, that the kidney is involved and consequently
the parenchyma is damaged in a greater or less degree. In my opinion, quinin
and alcoholics are the best general remedies for fever due to sepsis, and I there-
fore recommend them during an attack, being careful, however, to avoid doses
that will not be well tolerated by these organs. I am in the habit of giving three
grains of quinin three times a day, and one ounce of whisky three or more timea
a day.
Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between tuberculosis of the kidney
and stone, especially when radiography is negative. In the event of the diag-
nosis being doubtful, and when it is a question whether stone or tuberculosis is
present, as often happens when the X-ray is negative and tubercle bacilli are
not found in the urine, I give the patient creosote until the question of tr.Lercii-
losis has been eliminated. (See chapter on Renal Tuberculosis.)
Operative Treatment. — This is the radical treatment for stone in the
kidney and should be employed in all cases in which a stone is retained in the
TREATMENT 5I5
organ, or in which one passes into the ureter and completely blocks it, giving
rise to a hydronephrosis, a pyonephrosis or anuria, in which last instance it be-
comes an emergency case.
The operations employed in the treatment of nephrolithiasis are: Pyelot-
omy, nephrotomy, primary nephrectomy, secondary nephrectomy and ureter-
otomy. In any case of nephrolithiasis, whether symptoms are present or not,
the diagnosis having been made, the stone should be removed. This applies to
both aseptic and septic cases. In clean cases with the clinical diagnosis of
stone, not confirmed by X-ray, in which other renal conditions have been ex-
cluded, an exploratory nephrotomy should be performed. This applies also to
septic cases, and should not be postponed in case the patient is losing weight and
strength.
In patients suffering from nephrolithiasis, we may say that if the function
of the diseased kidney is fair, as shown by examinations of specimens of urine
obtained by ureteral catheterization, the operation should be nephrotomy; but
in case the two specimens show that the function of the diseased kidney is
very much impaired and that the organ is a pus sac of no value and injuring
the health of the individual, a nephrectomy should be performed, provided that
the other kidney has sufficient functionating renal tissue to excrete urine of the
required amount and character. When there is a question of doubt before
the operation is performed, whether nephrectomy or nephrotomy should be
done, it is advisable to obtain the patient's permission to do whichever is con-
sidered better after cutting down upon and examining the organ. Sometimes
we operate to do a nephrotomy and find that the kidney is so damaged that it
should be removed, and that the patient's condition is such that a nephrectomy
could easily be borne; but we do not feel justified in removing the organ after
having told the patient that the operation was to be a nephrotomy. It is bet-
ter, then, having obtained the patient's consent to do what seems to us to be
advisable, to remove the kidney if, upon examining it, we find that it is simply
a pus sac. In such a case, if a nephrotomy were performed it would be ex-
tremely difficult for the wound to heal afterwards, and a urinary or suppura-
tive sinus from the kidney would remain that would injure the patient's health
and reduce the resistance to such a degree that a secondary nephrectomy would
not be so well borne.
After the kidney has been delivered, it should be examined by holding it in
one hand and palpating it carefully with the fingers of the other over its entire
surface. The ureter should then be palpated and the forefinger pushed up
along the ureter, invaginating into the hilimi with the object of palpating the
ealices.
In some cases, it is advisable to perform pyelotomy, that is, to make a small
incision in the posterior wall of the pelvis parallel with the course of the ureter,
in order that the ealices may be palpated and a stone, however small, detected.
516 NEPHROLITHIASIS
Very little hemorrhage attends such an operation, and a small stone, if present,
can easily be withdrawn by forceps.
Needling the kidney is of no value and has never given me any results. This
is especially unsatisfactory in cases of pyonephrosis with retention of pus.
Sometimes areas of induration are felt in a kidney that closely resemble
stone, but which prove on opening the kidney to be only dense nodules of
tissue.
Aspiration is of value in pyonephrotic and hydronephrotic kidneys, espe-
cially if the ileo-costal space is small, as, after having emptied the sac, it is
easier to deliver the kidney and the organ can also be more thoroughly pal-
pated. It is also of value in case a nephrectomy is contemplated, as it is much
easier to ligate the pedicle after withdrawing the retained pus and urine from
the kidney.
If aspiration is performed in these cases, it is well to connect the end of
the cannula with a soft-rubber tube and allow the pus to escape into a vessel out-
side of the operative field. The cavity can then be washed out with an anti-
septic solution after its contents have been withdrawn.
This method of visual examination and palpation of the kidney after its
delivery, together with the urinary analysis already made, will give us a fair
idea of whether the kidney is tolerably healthy or extremely diseased.
Aspiration of the kidney does not interfere with any operation that we may
be called upon to perform later.
Nephrotomy, incising the kidney through the parenchvma into its pelvis is,
of course, the operation par excellence for the removal of stone or for inspect-
ing the interior of the kidney, and I have operated thirty-one cases by this
method. The hemorrhage is often quite profuse, thus preventing the operator
from inspecting, as clearly as he would like, the pelvis and calices, notwith-
standing the fact that the vessels of the pedicle are compressed by an assistant
with his fingers, by padded clamps or by a rubber band.
After a nephrotomy in clean cases, I have closed the kidney and the abdomi-
nal wall as well, without drainage, and the recovery has been satisfactory. It
may be well to say, however, that recovery from oj)eration is not always assured
even in an aseptic case, and I well rememlx^r one case which I considered very
promising in which the patient died very quickly. It was that of a young man,
tall and athletic, on whom I operated some years ago and closed the external
wound after removing the stone and suturing the kidney, but the patient died
of uremia and sepsis in two days, notwithstanding the fact that the wound was
fully opened and drained on the following morning as soon as serious symptoms
appeared.
In a clean case of nephrotomy, the kidney should be closed and a wick or
cigarette drain should always be left in the wound from the convexity of the
kidney and allowed to remain for twenty-four hours, when it can be removed if
TREATMENT 517
there is no urinary leakage; but in ease the urine is leaking away, the drain
should remain in for a longer period.
In cases which are apparently clean, but in whose urine pus has been found
by the microscope, the kidney should be drained by a tube in its pelvis after
nephrotomy.
When a stone is removed from a movable kidney, as occasionally happens,
the kidney should be fixed to the abdominal wall after nephrotomy has been per-
formed.
In cases of pyelitis, pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis, there may be a purulent
discharge from the kidney through a sinus in the loin for several weeks, or per-
haps several months, unless further operation is resorted to. In favorable cases,
three weeks may be spoken of as the average time for a sinus to close, whether
it be urinary, purulent or both. Sometimes a sinus will close and the patient
will have an elevation of temperature, showing that pus has accumulated outside
of the kidney, in which case it will be necessary to reopen the wound. It is,
therefore, important to put a drainage tube down to the organ, and not to insert
it between the skin and the muscular walls. In one case, a perinephritic abscess
developed, the pus burrowing along the ureter and forming a tumor in the groin,
while in another it burrowed down below Poupart's ligament and had to be
opened in the thigh.
A nephrotomy does not always reveal the stone. In one case, aft«r opening
the kidney, carefully examining the pelvis and exploring it with a probe, I
drained the organ and treated it as usual ; but as the patient continued to run a
septic temperature and was losing ground, I performed nephrectomy and dis-
covered a calculus hidden behind a dense barrier of thick fibrous tissue, in a
space connecting both with the renal pelvis and the perirenal space by sinuses.
The pelvis had been palpated and probed, without success, before its removal,
but afterwards by bending the probe in a certain direction it could be passed
into the pocket where the calculus was concealed and from there into the renal
pelvis. Fig. 308 shows the stone lying in a pouch surrounded by a dense mass
of fibrous tissue held to one side by a hook.
Nephrostomy, that is, a nephrotomy plus the fastening of the walls of the
incised kidney to those of the abdominal incision is sometimes more satisfac-
tory, as the organ can be better drained and the dressing of the renal pelvis
is easier than when the organ slij)s up under the ribs as it usually does after
nephrotomy. In ten per cent of the cases operated on, I employed this method.
While drainage is better during the after treatment by this means, the kidney
remains lower down than normal after the operation and later on the ureteral
drainage into the bladder may not be so good as if the organ had been drained
from its normal position.
Nephrectomy or removal of the kidney, can be performed in cases of pyelo-
nephritis with numerous abscesses, or in cases of pyonephrosis in which the
518 NEPHKOLITHIASIS
organ is merely a pus sac containing stones, or when it is but a mass of
sclerosed tissue. I performed nephrectomy in twenty-one per cent of the
cases.
Secondary nephrectomy is the same as primary nephrectomy unless there
are very dense adhesions present, which is often the case if the operation is
delayed too long after the nephrotomy. A source of danger in pus cases is
the tearing of the peritoneum and infection of its cavity. I have unfortunately
torn through the peritoneum on three occasions, in two of which I sewed up
the membrane again, and in the other walled it off with a piece of gauze. In
none of the cases did oeritonitis occur.
Subcapsular nephrectomy is a safer operation in cases in which both the
capsula propria and the fatty capsule are thickened and adherent and the leaflets
of the perirenal fascia are also thickened ; for it is comparatively easy to remove
these combined capsules from the kidney, whereas to separate them from
one another often causes a considerable prolongation of the operation, and in-
duces shock, I know that many patients who are in a weakened condition die
from the extra exposure to which they are subjected when the usual nephrectomy
TREATMEHT 519
13 performed, whose livea might have been saved had a subcapsular operation
been performed.
Partial nephrectomy is generally a dangerous operation and or.e that I have
performed but once. In this case, a renal calculus had caused a pyonephrosis
with a destruction of the kidney; an abscess of
the organ developed, broke and discharged out-
side of the kidney, causing a perinephritic ab-
scess. The stone escaped with the pus and was
found lying outside of the kidney. In this case,
the kidney was practically destroyed and I at-
tempted to remove it, but found the adhesions to
the surrounding tissues so dense anteriorly and
along the pedicle, that I was afraid to remove
the entire organ lest I tear the vena cava. I ac-
cordingly removed half of it. The kidney was
80 fibrous that scarcely any blood was lost dur-
ing the operation. Pig. 309 shows a stone that F'«.309-AlUNALCALcrLt-8TE*T
^ C , . W*8 DiaCHAEOED THROUGH TBH
was discharged from the kidney into the renal Wall or the Kidnet, Givino
fossa when a kidney abscess discharged through ^™ '*(AuIo"b"'^0™ *"'
its capsule, giving rise to a perinephritic abscess.
The half of the kidney removed was a mass of fibrous tissue. The piece re-
maining was evidently nonfunctionating, as no permanent urinary sinus
remained in the loin.
The local treatment of the patient after the operation depends upon the
operation performed and the existing conditions. In a case of nephrectomy
in which a large pyonephrotic kidney has been removed without any infection
entering the renal fossa, the wound can be closed and the patient needs no
further local treatment unless some complication develops. But when a nephrec-
tomy immediately follows a nephrotomy, or in the case of a secondary nephrec-
tomy, a cigarette drain should be passed down to the pedicle of the stump, as
the wound has probably been infected by the leakage of pus during the nephrot-
omy operation.
Temperature and Pulse. — After dperatiop, the temperature and pulse range
as follows: On the day of operation, the temperature ranges from 98.6° to
100° F. and the pulse from 90 to 140; the temperature ranges from 98.6° to
99° F. in a mild case, and 100° F. or more in one with more severe symptoms.
On the first day after the operation, the temperature in mild cases ranges
from 98.2° to 100° F.; in others from 100° to 102° F. The pulse in mild
cases ranges from 90 to 106 ; in others from 100 to 130.
On the second day after the operation, the temperature in mild cases was
from 99° to 100° F. ; in others from 100° to 102° F. The pulse in mild cases
was from 85 to 100; in others from 100 to 130.
520 NEPHROLITHIASIS
On the third day, the temperature in mild cases was from 98.6° to 99.2® F. ;
in others from 103° to 106° F., usually fatal. The pulse in mild cases was
from 80 to 100 ; in others from 100 to 130 or even 160, usually fatal.
In favorable cases, the temperature and pulse become normal in from four
to six days ; first of all in clean nephrotomy cases, next in primary nephrectomy
cases in which the kidney is delivered without being opened. Cases of extensive
pyelo-nephritis and pyonephrosis are apt to run a long febrile course after ne-
phrotomy and sometimes do not reach normal for several weeks. The course
after secondary nephrectomy is indefinite, frequently requiring two weeks or
more for the reestablishment of normal pulse and temperature.
A temperature of 104° F. and a pulse of 130 on the second or third day
after an operation, whether it be nephrotomy or nephrectomy, is a very dan-
gerous symptom. A slight temperature after nephrotomy points to a slow
absorption of pus while the walls of the opening down to the kidney are closing
together to form a sinus. In case the temperature continues to go up slowly to-
gether with sweating, and perhaps chills, we must think of a general sepsis. If,
on the other hand, the temperature goes up suddenly and the drainage is found
to be insuflScient, it would point to a local accumulation of pus in the region
of the kidney.
The treatment of these cases is as follows: In the first instance, while the
drainage tube is in the kidney, the renal pelvis should be washed out daily with
a 1 : 4,000 solution of nitrate of silver, and later, when the tube is in the sinus
leading down to the kidney, this opening should be irrigated twice a day with
1 : 2,000 solution of bichlorid. In case of an abscess formation due to reten-
tion of pus in the w^ound, usually about the kidney, it is opened by blunt dis-
section, with the finger or otherwise, and afterwards washed out with peroxid
of hydrogen. In case of a general sepsis, a thorough local examination is made,
any pus pockets found are opened and the whole of the operative area is then
washed out twice daily with peroxid of hydrogen. The patient is treated in-
ternally with small doses of quinin three times a day, and whisky from a half
to one ounce as often as indicated. If the patient does not improve in this way,
the kidney should be removed by a secondary nephrectomy.
Urine after Operation. — ^After a nephrotomy, blood is voided in the urine
for from one to ten days. The urine voided varies in amount. Usually on the
first day after the operation one pint is voided and on the second day after from
one to one and one half pints or more, dependent upon the amount of water
taken and the activity of the kidneys.
After a nephrotomy, there are always changes in the urinary balance, that
is, the amount of urine voided and the amount leaking away from the renal
pelvis through a rubber drainage tube into a bottle by the bedside. In order
to observe this carefully, a chart can be kept, showing the gain on one side and
the loss on the other.
TREATMENT 521
Table Showing Changes in the Amount of Urine in Ounces Coming from the
Kidneys Voided after Nephrotomy
First 24 Hours Second 24 Hours Third 24 Hours
Voided 24 28 34
Drained 18 16 13
Fourth 24 Hours Fifth 24 Hours Sixth 24 Hours
Voided 37 40 44
Drained 11 9 8
Seventh 24 Hours
Voided 47
Drained 8
In case the amount of drainage diminishes to a certain degree and then
stops and remains at about that figure for some time, the decrease will be again
observed after inserting a^ ureteral catheter a demeure.
Sinuses and fistulas have been observed, after both nephrectomies and ne-
phrotomies. In nephrectomy, a suppurating sinus may remain imtil the ligature
has become either absorbed or thro^vn off. After nephrolithotomy, fistulas are
said to follow in six per cent of cases lasting for varying periods — ^weeks, months
or years. Such a percentage corresponds in the cases I have operated upon.
Mortality. — In fatal cases following nephrotomy, the patients usually die
of asthenia, sepsis or uremia. After a secondary nephrectomy is performed as
well as in primary nephrectomy, they may die on the table from hemorrhage;
or on the same day from shock; after a few days from anuria; or later from
uremia or asthenia.
One clean case already mentioned, operated upon by nephrotomy, in which
the renal pelvis was in good condition and the involved kidney but little dis-
eased, died in sixty hours after the operation, of uremia and sepsis. I had
closed the wound in this patient without drainage, but on the following day,
when his temperature went up, I opened it again, washed it out and inserted
drainage, although no pus was present. In most of the fatal cases of nephrot-
omy under my observation, there was a pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis in the
diseased organ and a nephritis in the other kidney as well. In nephrectomy,
the deaths were usually due to anuria when occurring shortly after the opera-
tion, to sepsis when the period was somewhat longer and to uremia when the
deaths occurred still later. All my nephrectomies were performed on patients
with septic kidneys.
Results of Operations, — ily own results have been 10 per cent mortality in
nephrotomies and 30 per cent in nephrectomies; mortality in partial nephrec-
522 NEPHROLITHIASIS
toray, none; in nephrostomy, none. Nearly all my operations have been in
pus eases, aseptic cases having been exceptionally rare.
The results vary greatly according to the presence or absence of septic com-
plications in the kidney, thus: (1) In aseptic cases the mortality after nephrot-
omy was less than 4 per cent; (2) in septic the mortality after nephrotomy
was 20 per cent, but has been as low as 10 per cent; (3) in septic cases (a)
primary nephrectomy gave a mortality of 33 per cent, which of late has been
reduced to 20 per cent, (6) secondary nephrectomy gave 23 per cent mortality.
In a number of cases of nephrolithiasis, a perinephritic abscess is present
when we first see the patient. In these cases, there is often a large amount of
pus, distorting the tissues, pushing the kidney out of place and preventing us
from examining it thoroughly. In all such cases, having made an incision,
evacuated the pus and washed out the cavity, the surgeon should insert a finger
and explore the cavity.
Sometimes the kidney can easily be brought to view, the opening explored
with the finger, or a nephrotomy performed at the time, thus allowing better
drainage. If, however, it is difficult to examine the kidney intelligently at this
time, the drainage should simply be extrarenal, the drainage tube being inserted
in the most dependent part of the abscess cavity. Then, after a few days,
nephrotomy can be performed.
A few years ago, I occasionally used to do a nephrotomy in such cases at
the time of evacuating the abscess.
Cases of calculous kidney giving rise to perinephritic abscess are usually
those in which the suppuration has destroyed the parenchyma as far as the
capsula propria, which it has stretched and thinned to such a degree that it
bursts easily. The pus escapes into the perinephritic tissue, whereas the stone
remains in the kidney. In one case, a sharp-pointed calculus was foimd pro-
truding three quarters of an inch beyond the surface of the kidney. A nephrot-
omy was performed, the stone was pulled out of the kidney through the incision
and the remainder of the kidney explored (Fig. 290). In another case, that
has already been mentioned under Partial Nephrectomy, the stone had been
discharged with the pus in the abscess cavity and lay outside of the kidney
(Fig. 309).
Calculous Anuria. — When anuria accompanied by pain suddenly develops
in a case of nephrolithiasis due to ureteral obstruction by a calculus, an anti-
spasmodic should be given, as morphin and atropin hypodermically, and a mix-
ture containing 15 grains of acetate of potash and 15 minus spts. etheris
nitrosi, every two hours, to see if the ureter can be flushed and the obstruction
removed. While this process of flushing is under way, it is well to cystoscope
the patient and to attempt to catheterize the ureters in order to locate the
obstruction. Sometimes the ureteral catheter will prove valuable by encoun-
tering a calculus and pushing it back into the pelvis or by controlling a ure-
CALCULOUS ANURLV 523
teral spasm. Where this procedure fails, however, and we have satisfied our*
selves concerning the condition of the kidneys and ureters, it is not advisable
to wait until uremic phenomena develop, if they have not already done so, be-
fore operating, as we know that uremia will set in unless the obstruction is
removed and that the operation is usually very effective. The method of choice
is nephrotomy, which is readily performed and promptly beneficial through
bleeding and removing renal and ureteral tension. The stone or stones may be
removed, if met with, by the finger introduced into the renal pelvis or the
upper ureter. A prolonged search, however, is not advisable, for the reason
that anesthesia is always dangerous in these patients whose kidneys have al-
ready ceased to functionate. It is sufficient, therefore, to pass the catheter
down the ureter in the hope of freeing the obstruction from above. The pres-
sure having been removed by the nephrotomy, the ureteral spasm ceases and
the stone may pass down into the bladder, and if not, an operation for its re-
moval can be performed later. These kidneys are usually very much distended
and the gush of blood and urine after the incision is very abundant. I have
operated in such a case five days after anuria had set in and when there was no
pain and almost no symptom of uremia. The other kidney is usually in-
capacitated.
The unilateral location of the colics, tenderness on pressure, increase in size
of the kidney and ureteral catheterization will serve to indicate the side to be
operated on. Where obstruction has been found on both sides, a double nephrot-
omy may be performed, or, in case this is forbidden by the general condition
of the patient, the incision is best made in the side which has been last affected.
There are probably many people who consider themselves healthy and yet
have but one functionating kidney, the other having been destroyed through a
blocking of the ureter by calculus or a tuberculous infiltration years before ; or
through a suppurative process that has destroyed the parenchyma. A kidney
can have been the seat of a small calculus that gave rise to suppuration and was
then passed down the ureter and voided in the urine ; after which the suppura-
tive process can have continued until the kidney has been destroyed, or the stone
may have remained in the kidney and the organ been destroyed through sup-
puration. The former explanation seems improbable and yet I believe it can
occur and will quote a case to strengthen my belief. The latter I know can
occur.
Illustrative Case. — The patient, a contractor, forty-eight years of age,
had not passed urine for five days, and a catheter passed into his bladder
twice daily had failed to find any fluid there. Five years prior to this time, he
had suffered from very severe pain in the right side, lasting for some time and
accompanied by fever ; he then passed two calculi, after which he felt perfectly
well and had considered himself so up to his present illness. When the pa-
tient came under observation, there were no uremic symptoms except slight
524 NEPHROLITHIASIS
drowsiness; he had a slight cough and a few sonorous rales. Pain had been
present during the first two days of the attack, but had disappeared. Cystoscopy
was performed and no urine was found in the bladder, ^o urine escaped on
introduction of a catheter into the pelvis of the right kidney; the left ureter
was obstructed just above the bladder wall.
Treatment — Left nephrotomy with drainage. Two days later the patient
began to pass urine by the urethra. The ureters were again catheterized, and the
right side was still found to be free, but no urine came away. The left side was
now unobstructed, the stone having been passed out, and the kidney was drain-
ing again through the ureter into the bladder.
CHAPTER XXIX
TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
Historical Data. — References to strumous and scrofulous kidney occur in
early medical literature, and Malpighi is known to have devoted considerable
time to the study of the suppurative processes caused by this condition. The
actual history of renal tuberculosis, however, is intimately connected with the ad-
vancing knowledge of tuberculosis in general, and is therefore relatively brief.
Klebs, in 1887, was the first to find bacteria constantly present in tuberculous
tissue, which produced similar lesions when inoculated into animals. Five
years later, the specific microorganism, the tubercle bacillus, was discovered by
Koch. This discovery was followed almost immediately by the demonstration
of the bacillus in the urine by Cohnheim.
The work of Koch and Cohnheim, together with other advances in surgical
pathology, have enabled us to gain a clear insight into the nature of renal tuber-
culosis, not only from clinical observation backed by postmortem findings, but
also through the experience gained by operating at various stages of the disease.
Tuberculosis of the genito-urinary organs is always secondary to the dis-
ease elsewhere, as in the glands, bones or lungs. A primary focus of tuber-
culosis is said to occur occasionally in the kidney: that is, before any other
organ or tissue is invaded. Such cases are, however, so open to question that it
is better for us to consider tuberculosis of the genito-urinary tract as a sec-
ondary manifestation to a condition elsewhere in the body. Therefore, when
I use the expression *^ primary tuberculosis of the kidney,'' I mean that the
disease is present in one kidney and not as yet in the other. It occurs pri-
marily in one kidney in about fifty per cent of cases. If, however, we use the
word " primarily " in the kidney, we will mean before it occurs elsewhere in
the body.
Tuberculosis occurs in the kidney more frequently than in any other organ
of the genito-urinary tract; in fact, about as often as in all the other organs
put together. According to Walker, in a series of 279 cases, the part of the
genito-urinary tract invaded first was the kidney in 184 cases, the epididymis
in 80, the prostate in 3, the Fallopian tube in 3, the seminal vesicles in 2 and
the uterus in 1 case.
It would appear from these observations that tuberculosis of the bladder
625
526 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
13 never a primary disease of the genito-urinary tract, but that it is usually
secondary to that of the kidney or epididymis ; in the first instance descending
along the ureter, and in the second invading the bladder through the prostate.
Halle and Motz, in one hundred of their own cases, found several in which
tuberculosis was present in the renal pelvis and ureter together with an involve-
ment of the kidney on that side and not of the bladder.
Tuberculosis of the kidney is of two forms : The acute or miliary, which is
a part of the general constitutional disease, and the chronic form, in which
there is a cheesy and suppurative degeneration of the organ, such as we are
accustomed to see surgically.
Tuberculosis of the ureter is always secondary to that of the kidney and not
to that of the bladder.
The most common age at which tuberculosis of the kidney occurs is be-
tween twenty and thirty. In autopsies performed at the Pathological Institute at
Prague on adult consumptives, 5.6 per cent were found to have renal tuberculosis.
Children are much more frequently attacked than was formerly supposed and
in 315 cases of tuberculosis 15.7 per cent had renal involvement. The miliary
form is more frequent in children and the chronic or caseous form in adults
(Rilliet and Barthez). Eight per cent of my cases were in patients fourteen
years of age or younger. This is rather a large percentage in a practice in
which nearly all the patients were adults.
Regarding the sex, authorities differ as to whether women or men are more
frequently affected. The latest statistics show that it is more common in
women. It is more frequent on the right side. In cases that I -have studied,
64 per cent occurred on the right side, 28 per cent on the left and 18 per cent
on both sides.
Etiology. — The predisposing causes of tuberculosis are, first: A weakened
condition of the system, which diminishes the resistance; and second, a con-
dition of the kidney favoring infection, such as a congestion from traumatism
or other causes, irritating products in the urine, renal stasis, inflammation of
the kidney, renal calculus or undue mobility of the organ. Tuberculosis in the
family also renders the patient more susceptible to tuberculosis in general or
the kidney in particular. A tuberculous family history was common in my
cases.
The active cause is the entrance of the tubercle bacillus into the organ. It
is said that tubercle bacilli can pass through a normal kidney, bladder and
urethra without giving rise to urinary tuberculosis, but that w^hen the germ
finds the proper conditions, such as have been mentioned under predisposing
causes, it will remain there and infect the organ.
It has been shown that the tubercle bacillus can reach the urine through the
hematogenous and lymphogenous route, or that it can pass upward from the
bladder. It is probable, however, that in nearly all cases the bacilli reach the
PATHOLOGY 527
kidney through the general circulation, and but rarely by the way of the ureter
or the lymphatic channels. The ascending theory of infection does not appeal
to me, as it is highly improbable that bacilli often work their way upward
against the descending current of urine, and I believe that such infection can
take place only when certain rare conditions are present.
In regard to the occurrence of primary tuberculosis, some observers state
that primary tuberculosis frequently occurs in one kidney; others claim that
tuberculosis is never primary in the kidney, but, always secondary to that in
some other part of the body. Such statements are difficult to understand. It
is safer to say that tuberculosis never occurs in one kidney primarily, that is,
before it does in any other organ or tissue. This is corroborated by many,
who say that there are only five cases of primary unilateral tuberculosis of the
kidney on record in which the autopsy showed no other tubercular lesion in
the body, and these are questionable.
It, therefore, seems to me that in a clinical consideration of the subject we
can sum up these various statements by saying that tubercle bacilli, from what-
ever source, passing through the renal circulation, by the blood or by the
lymphatics, may infect a congested kidney with tuberculosis ; that the infection
usually takes place in one kidney before it does in the other and that the other
kidney will probably not be involved if the diseased one is removed at a suffi-
ciently early date.
As we have already stated, tuberculosis occurs in one kidney in about
fifty per cent of the cases, and we generally find it confined to one kidney in
that percentage of cases presenting themselves for treatment. Such an opinion
is based principally on clinical findings and many surgeons claim a higher per-
centage of unilateral tuberculosis; but it must be remembered that we cannot
always tell whether the second kidney is clinically involved or not, as, during
the stage of invasion and development, tubercle bacilli are extremely hard to
find in the urine, which contains but few pathological products of the disease.
On the other hand, the postmortem examination in renal tuberculosis shows a
smaller percentage of unilateral disease, but here we must consider the fact
that in such cases the disease is much more advanced than when the surgeon
makes his clinical examination.
Secondary suppurative processes in tuberculous kidney are due to infection
with pyogenic germs, usually the Staphylococcus aureus, the colon bacillus or
the streptococcus. The colon bacillus may enter the kidney through the circu-
lation, or it may ascend from the bladder or may migrate to the kidney from
the colon ; whereas the other two enter either through the circulation or accom-
pany a mixed infection from below upward.
Pathology. — The two types of tuberculosis of the kidney are the miliary
and the caseating. The miliary form occurs particularly in a general tuber-
culosis and is characterized by the presence of miliary tubercles scattered
528 TrBEECULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
throughout the tissue of the organ, often near the surface beneath the capsule,
so that they may be seen on inspection before the kidney is cut open. On sec-
tion, they are often found present in the cortex of the kidney in the shape of
small whitish or yellow spots.
in. 310. — Clustbhs or TVbbrclbs on tbb Odtbiiib of the Kidnbt. They appear to be of the
miliary type, yet the author haa in hia cotleetioa numeroua kidneys with such lesioos seen under
the capsule which have cavities in their interior three quarters of an inch in diameter. (From
Van Bergman.)
Fia. 311.— The Same Kidney ab in Fiq. 310, Shown in Section. Note the arrangement ortbetuber-
culouB deposits. This is the beginDing of an acute tuberculoaia. The type ia miliary, but the
result iDBy be great destruction and extensive cavity formation. (From Van Bergman.)
The caseating form is characterized by the presence of grayish or yellowish
fiheesy nodules scattered throughout the substance of the kidney which is usually
PATHOLOGY
529
enlarged and slightly nodulated. These nodnles are filled with necrosed tissue
detritus and are surrounded by interstitial fibrous tissue. The outcome of
the process of a pure infection with the tubercle bacillus is in cicatrization and
contraction of the scar tissue, sometimes even leading to an occlnsion of the
ureter, the disappearance of the pelvis and destruction of the kidney paren-
chyma. Figs. 310 and 311 show clusters of tubercles resembling the miliary
type. I have frequently removed kidneys, that I have in my collection, with
superficial appearance nonnal in one pole, whereas in the other pole there
■were cavities an inch in diameter.
When a secondary infection occurs, due to the entrance of pua-producing
germs, the caseating nodules enlarge, suppurate and discharge into the renal
pelvis {Fig. 312), or occa-
sionally under the fibrous
capsule, in which latter case
they may break through it
and give rise to a perine-
phritic abscess (Fig. 286).
The renal pelvis is sometimes
involved -simultaneously with
the kidney, bnt generally
later, after infection has
taken place and the tubercu-
lar cavities have broken into
the pelvis; in that case the
urine will contain tubercle
bacilli and portions of ne-
crotic tissue. A tubercular
cavity containing softened
matter and pus, sometimes
spoken of as a- tubercular
cyst, may break both into the
renal pelvis and through the
renal capsule, giving rise to
a renal fistula and perine-
phritic abscess. I have seen
such a condition in a num-
ber of cases and have been
able to pass my finger from without the kidney into the pelvis. When the renal
tissue has been more extensively destroyed, the cavernous areas become more
marked and are separated by walls of fibrous tissue. (See Fig. 314.)
The various forms of disease that we see, after a secondary infection by
pus-producing bacteria has taken place, are abscess of the kidney, pyelo-nephri-
Fia. 312. — A Case in which the TuBBRCDLOoe Abscesseb
Have Broken into the Pelvw, Gtvisa Rise to Piblo-
(Author's case.)
530 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDKET
tis and pyonephrosis. Abscess of the kidney shows itself as a circumscribed
coUeotioa of pus and tubercular detritus in the renal parenchyma, usually the
cortical portion, which may or may not break into the renal pelvis. Pyelone-
phritis is a condition occurring when the nodules, after infection, soften, liquefy
and discharge into the pelvis, leaving a tract leading to a pus cavity. Pyelo-
nephrosis or pyonephrosis is a phase of pyelo-nephritis in which many abscesses
have discharged into the pelvis, and the kidney parenchyma consists of a num-
ber of pus cavities, discharging into the pelvis, separated from one another by
fihrous walls. A thickened or atrictured ureter may also give rise to urinary
and pus retention, with a dilated pelvis and destriiction of the parenchyma ly
pressure and suppuration, constituting another form of pyonephrosis. Figs.
313 and 314 are two kidneys from the same patient. Pig. 313 is a pyelo-
nepbritic kidney and Fig. 314 is a pyonephrotic kidney.
A ureter may be occluded by a tuberculous thickening of its walls, in which
case there as usually a dilatation behind it ; or, if the process is more complete,
it may be converted into a fihrous cord. If such a change takes place, the cor-
PATHOLOGY 531
responding tuberculoua kidney may develop, in consequence of ureteral occlu-
sion, a pyonephrosis depending in size upon whether the occlusion has taken
place rapidly or slowly. Fig. 315 is a specimen removed at autopsy from an
inoperable case of urinary tuberculosis on my service at the Columbus Hospital.
Tha tuberculous process had entirely occluded the right ureter, giving rise to
an atrophic kidney, whereas, on the left side, it but partially occluded the ure-
ter, causing pyonephrosis and renal enlargement.
The appearance of the two kidneys in this form of tuberculosis may differ
greatly macroscopically, as in the same case we may have the following condi-
tions: One kidney healthy, the other larger or smaller than normal, in any stage
of involvement or degeneration. If both kidneys are involved, one may be in-
fected with the tubercle bacillus alone and the other by both tubercle bacilli
and the germs of suppuration (mixed infection) ; in other words, one side
may be undergoing a nons\ippurativc, caseous degeneration and the other kid-
ney both a caseating and suppurative process.
532
TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
One kidney may be in a state of pyelo-nephritis and the other in a state of
pyonephrosis. Usually, if both sides are involved with a mixed infection, it is
a pyelo-nephritis. In case of a pyonephrosis on one side and a pyelo-nephritia
on the other side, the pyonephrosis is usually a slower process, less acute, with
Fia. 315. — A Case op Urinary Ttbbrtulobis Involving Both Urbterb and Both Kidnbts. On
the right side the ureter became rapidly imperfomtn, due to a stricture oeaz tbe kidDey and to ft
tuberculouH thickening near the blnddcr, with a consequent atrophy of the corresponding kidney;
sice 3% inches. Ou the left aide, the occ^luaioD of the ureter was alow and iucomplete. reaultiDE in
a large, thickened kidney with pyouephrusis ; siie 7 inches. (Author's caae.)
ureteral thickening; the kidney itself is larger than the pyelo-nephritic kidney
on the other side, which is more acutely inflamed. Jn the case of pyonephrosis
of both sides, one organ is usually larger tlian the other and this is the kidney
whose ureter is not so much thickened bv the tuberculous proeeas, (See Fig.
313.)
A tuberculous kidney may ho in any condition from being the seat of a
single small nodnle to such extensive degeneration that the functionating tissue
of the organ is entirely destroyed, only a fibrous tissue mass or a shell remain-
SYMPTOilS 533
ing (Fig. 316). Both kidneys may be in the first-named condition without
giving rise to clinical symptoms; whereas such a grave change as the one re-
ferre<l to in the second instance, occurring in but one organ, would be incom-
patible witli life, unless the other kidney was perfectly healthy.
These changes in size, shape and ajipearance of the kidneys depend upon
the rapidity or slowness of the process, the amount of thickening or stricture
formation in the iireters, the presence of areas of cheesy degeneration or of
abscesses, the amoimt of kidney tissue that has been destroyed, the presence of
single or mixed inf(«tion and the variety of mixed infection.
Various lesions may lie foimd associated with those of renal tuberculosis,
as calculi or neoplasms; the ijeriuepbritic tissue may be the seat of sclerotic,
— TDBBRCDLOCS KiDNET II
supjnirative or li{>omutous changes, and the lymph nodes of the hiluni may par-
ticipate in the tuberculous prix-esS. The bladder may be the seat of tubercu-
losis before or after the invasion of the kidney. The male genital apparatus
may be infected at the same time; but tuberculosis of the generative organs is
much less common in women and usually locate<l in the tubes when it does
occur, which is only aliout one sixth as often as in the male.
Symptoms. — Acute cases of renal tuberculosis are of the miliary type and
occur in persons suffering from tlie general form of the disease, and this is a
condition which concerns tlie physician rather than the surgeon. The form
634
TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
of renal tuberculosis that the surgeon is usually called upon to treat is the
chronic or caseating variety. It begins insidiously in the majority of cases and
it is said by some that it may not show itself by any clinical manifestations
for years, or perhaps never during the lifetime of the patient ; while others say
that an ordinary case will only live three years after its first evidence. I think
it safe to say that renal tuberculosis will show symptoms in less than a year
in nearly every case. The symptoms may be so slight, however, as not to be
recognized, as, for instance, in cases where one or two caseating nodules occur
in one kidney in a patient whose resistance is suflScient to overcome the dis-
ease ; in this case the nodules will become encapsulated and the process arrested.
The duration of the disease in the patients coming to me for treatment,
estimated on the basis of symptoms, had been from four days to four years,
with an average of fifteen weeks.
The symptoms of tuberculous kidney are subjective, objective, general and
local. The reflex symptoms in this disease may lead one away from the affected
region to look for the cause in other directions, the same as in nephrolithiasis;
for here we have also the reno-vesical reflex by which the symptoms are referred
to the bladder instead of to the kidney, and also the reno-renal reflex in which
the symptoms are referred to the healthy or healthier kidney.
Subjective symptoms
Objective symptoms
General symptoms
Local symptoms (found
on examination)
Pain in the loin.
Pain in the bladder.
Tenesmus.
Burning.
Frequency of urination (pollakiuria).
Increased amount of urine (polyuria).
Hematuria.
Pyuria.
' Fever.
Sweating and chills.
Loss of appetite.
,Loss of weight and strength.
Tumor.
Abdominal tenderness ; muscular rigidity.
Swelling or suppuration of glands, genitals, bones,
joints or elsewhere.
The results of such involvements as pointed out by
sinuses, scars or deformities.
Subjective Symptoms. — Pain in the Loin, — In many cases there is no
local pain. When present, pain in the loin is generally dull in character, al-
SYMPTOMS 535
though it is severe when the process is acute and attended by much congestion.
After the first stages of tuberculosis of the kidney, when the organ has been
extensively destroyed, the pain is not so severe as while the inflammation is
more acute and there is consequently more tension in the organ. However,
during the destructive process, when masses of necrosed tissue are being passed
down the ureter, a renal colic may take place, leaving the kidney free from
pain after it has subsided.
The pain may be in the kidney that is the least involved if the inflammation
is more acute on that side ; or it may be in a healthy kidney if additional work
is suddenly thrown upon it. This is probably the explanation of what is known
as the reno-renal reflex. •
The following statistics are from the records of cases that I have had under
observation.
PAIN IN THE kidney: Eighty-thrcc per cent had pain, seventeen per cent
had no pain.
CHARACTER OF PAIN I
Pain in the loin — more or less steady 43 per cent.
Pain increasing gradually 4 " "
Pain and muscular rigidity 18 " "
Double pain 4 " "
Pain on exercise 7 " "
Eenal colic 7 '' "
Total 83
iC iC
Pain in the bladder, that is, in the perineum or suprapubic region, may be
the most marked and constant symptom associated with renal tuberculosis and
nearly always occurs when the pathological process exists in this viscus. Vesi-
cal tuberculosis is very frequent and should always lead us to investigate the
kidneys, even if there is no pain or other symptoms in those organs. Twenty-
five per cent of the cases above referred to had vesical pain.
Tenesmus is a symptom in almost all cases of reno-vesical tuberculosis in
which there is bladder pain, as is also burning on urination and frequent
urination.
Frequency of urination may occur for two reasons, first on account of the
bladder irritation when the tuberculous process has invaded it, and secondly
on acccount of the greater amount of urine which is secreted from the tubercu-
lous kidney. This frequency is noted during both the day and night and when
due to vesical tuberculosis is apt to prove very fatiguing, the patient's sleep in
certain cases being very much interrupted by the frequent calls to pass urine.
When frequency occurs in connection with pain and tenderness, it is not due
to an associated reno-vesical reflex, as was formerly supposed, but to an asso-
536 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
ciated tuberculous cystitis. The amount of such frequency depends upon the
seat of the tuberculous lesion in the bladder, being the greater the nearer the
lesion is to the neck of that organ or to the sphincter muscle. This I proved
conclusively by cystoscopic examinations.
Objective Symptoms. — Polyuria is a very common and important symj>-
tom. The urine is of low specific gravity and closely resembles that of inter-
stitial nephritis, being often diagnosticated as such.
Hematuria is also a frequent symptom. The blood is generally thoroughly
mixed with urine, although sometimes it is passed as ureteral clots, which are
long and slender. It often occurs suddenly, without cause, and disappears in
the same way. •It is not induced by motion or jarring. Sometimes the hema-
turia is more constant, there are no ureteral clots, and the blood is more thor-
oughly mixed with the urine. Besides this, the hematuria is often accompanied
by frequency of urination and tenesmus, in which case it is referable to tuber-
culous lesions in the bladder. Blood in the urine may be the only local symp-
tom of renal tuberculosis during the early stages, before suppuration has begun.
This condition in tuberculous kidney is sometimes compared to hemoptysis in
the pulmonary form of the disease. There was a history of hematuria in fifty
per cent of the cases under observation.
Pyuria is a frequent symptom and does not occur until a secondary infection
has taken place. This is usually due to the staphylococcus or the colon bacillus,
or in the more acute cases to the streptococcus; generally it is not until pus
appears that the^ tubercle bacilli are found.
General Symptoms. — Among the important general symptoms are loss of
appetite, strength and weight. The last is very important, as it is often a meas-
ure of the invasion and rapidity of its progress.
Fever, — The temperature change of renal tuberculosis may be slight, as
from normal in the morning to 99° F. in the evening; or it may run from 102 '^
to 105° F., or any degrees between these figures, depending upon the variety
of the secondary infection. Of my cases, forty-five per cent had a temperature
before operation varying from 98.4° to 99° F. in mild cases and from 100° to
105° F. in serious cases.
Sweating and chills are signs of secondary infection and the absorption of
pus after the suppurative processes have begun. In this stage, the loss of weight
and strength^ as well as of appetite, may be very marked.
Diagnosis. — Examination. — Palpation of the loin may reveal an enlarge-
ment of the kidney, abdominal tenderness or muscular rigidity.
The presence of a tumor in the loin, that is, a palpable kidney, is frequent
during the stage of caseation and still more so after secondary infection has
taken place and a pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis has developed. The absence
of an appreciable tumor, however, does not argue against the existence of a
tuberculous kidney, as it may not be outlined owing to muscular rigidity; or
DIAGNOSIS 637
in the stage of pyonephrosis it may be so destroyed as to be smaller than a
normal kidney; or it may be large, but so soft and pliable that it cannot be
outlined. The kidney shown in Fig. 313 is smaller than its mate, while in
Fig. 314 the kidney is very large but so soft that it could not be outlined until
the patient had been anesthetized.
Tenderness over the kidney is often present and at times extreme. It can
be best detected by deep pressure on the kidney between the fingers of one
hand on the abdomen and of the other hand behind, just below the twelfth rib.
At times, there is tenderness anteriorly on surface palpation, when the kidney
is acutely inflamed ; in this case, the kidney of that side may not be so seriously
involved as the other organ, but more acutely inflamed. Muscular rigidity is
also often present over the kidney on the anterior abdominal wall, the same as
over the appendicular region in case of appendicitis.
In suspected cases of renal tuberculosis, tuberculous manifestations of the
lungs, the glands, the joints or the genitals are corroborative of its presence;
while a history of such involvements in the past, as well as the presence of
scars, deformities or sinuses, is suggestive.
Urine. — The urine in tuberculosis of the kidney at times gives no indi-
cation of the disease to the casual observer until it becomes purulent and then,
if bladder symptoms are present, it may point to a cystitis rather than to the
kidney.
The urine of tuberculosis of the kidney may be divided into three varieties :
That of the stage of invasion, of development and of destruction.
During the period of invasion, the urine resembles that of renal congestion
of varying degrees. It may show albumin, red and white blood cfells, renal and
pelvic epithelia, hyaline casts and a variable specific gravity.
During the stage of development, which corresponds to that of formation
of tubercular foci and their caseation, together with an increase of interstitial
tissue, the urine resembles more that of an interstitial nephritis; that is, a
larger quantity, of a lower specific gravity, with a trace of ajbumin, a few hya-
line casts and renal epithelia.
During the stage of destruction, after a secondary infection by pus-produc-
ing germs has taken place, the urine resembles that of nephritis plus pus ; that
is to say, it is light in color, of a low specific gravity and may contain renal
epithelia, pus, hyaline, granular, epithelial and pus casts and tubercle bacilli.
As tuberculosis of the kidney is so frequently associated with a similar condi-
tion of the bladder, pus, blood and vesical epithelia coming from that organ
may be also added to the general urine.
The urine sent to the laboratory during the stage of development of renal
tuberculosis will generally be diagnosticated as that of interstitial nephritis;
or if a cystitis is present, as cystitis and interstitial nephritis. No search for the
tubercle bacilli will be made unless especially requested. Again in this stage,
538 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
if a search for the tubercle bacillus be made, it probably will not be found, as
its demonstration is exceedingly difficult unless the kidney is in the suppurative
stage.
When the suppurative stage has set in, the diagnosis from the laboratory
often comes back as cystitis and pyelo-nephritis. It is, therefore, very im-
portant in sending urine to a urinologist to accompany it by a short clinical
history, stating that tuberculosis is suspected.
Tubercle Bacilli, — Notwithstanding the fact that there are probably
tubercle bacilli in the urine, it is extremely difficult to find them in reno-vesical
tuberculosis. I have seen typical tuberculous ulcers in the bladder, with in-
volvement of both kidneys, and yet no tubercle bacilli could be found by some
of the best Xew York urinologists until several examinations had been made.
It is very important to have the tubercle bacillus differentiated from the
smegma bacillus, as it is extremely disheartening after specimens have been
examined for many days at a considerable expense to the patient, to have a
laboratory man say that he has found some bacilli closely resembling tubercle
bacilli, but that they may be smegma bacilli. While the morphological dis-
tinction between the two is not easy, the identity of the tubercle bacillus can be
usually established by treating with alcohol a specimen stained with carbol-
fuchsin. The smegma bacillus becomes decolorized, while the tubercle bacillus
retains the red stain.
An aid to the finding of tubercle bacilli is to produce artificial polyuria
and collect the urine in a large tapering beaker, so as to be able to pour off the
top and to have an abundant deposit in the narrow bottom. Frequent exam-
inations shouW also be made — as often as several times a week if necessarj-.
In this way it is probable that, in eighty per cent of the cases of tuberculosis
of the kidney, the bacilli will be found in the urine. A clinical diagnosis, how-
ever, based upon the findings already mentioned together with an exclusion of
other diseases whose symptoms resemble renal tuberculosis, is usually correct
and accepted.
Guinea-pig Inoculations. — Guinea-pig inoculations are very important
and should be resorted to as soon as tuberculosis of the kidney is suspected, as
much time is often lost in making urinary examinations. Patients also begin
to distrust their advisers if they are made to wait too long for an opinion, be-
sides which many do not feel like paying for the numerous urinary and cys-
toscopic examinations. I have lost a number of interesting cases through
numerous examinations of the bladder and urine before finally resorting to
animal inoculation, whereas, if I had used guinea pigs immediately, I would
have known quite as soon of the presence of tuberculosis.
It is said that the pigs should be tested with tuberculin before they are
inoculated. The inoculation should be performed with the same antiseptic
precautions as an operation. The hair should be shaved from the abdomen;
DIAGNOSIS 539
the sediment, diluted with normal salt solution, should be injected into the
peritoneal cavity, or, better still, into the glands of the groin. The guinea pig
should be well fed and weighed every few days. If at the end of six weeks the
animal is still alive, it should be killed with chloroform, the autopsy performed
and a search for tubercles made in the peritoneal, mesenteric and inguinal
glands.
Tuberculin Test. — Final resort may be had in the tuberculin test. Rob-
ert Koch prepared a fluid from cultures of the tubercle bacillus which contained
the glycerin extract of the bodies of the germs. A subcutaneous injection of
this fluid, at a minimum dose, produces fever if tuberculosis exists in the body.
A large dose may give rise to a febrile reaction in health. While a positive
result is a very strong evidence of an active tuberculous lesion, a negative result
is not quite so valuable, as in a certain number of old encapsulated lesions,
notably tuberculous peritonitis, a positive reaction does not occur even after
quite large doses.
Personally, I never use the tuberculin test.
The Cutaneous and Ophthalmo-reaction Tests. — The diagnostic
methods recently proposed by Von Pirquet and by Calmette are based on the
local reaction that follows the application of tuberculin to the skin in the for-
mer and conjunctiva in the latter of tuberculous individuals. Opinions are
divided as to the practical value and the harmlessness of these procedures.
In a general way, it may be said that, wherever there is a choice of several
diagnostic methods, the simplest and safest should always receive the prefer-
ence. Animal inoculations seem to meet the indications most efficiently.
Cystoscopy. — Cystoscopy is often of great importance in the diagnosis of
renal tuberculosis, as a cystoscopic diagnosis of vesical tuberculosis points to
the probability of renal involvement. It is said by some that vesical tubercu-
losis is always associated with, or secondary to, renal tuberculosis, and some
say that the removal of a diseased kidney will cure a vesical tuberculosis. This
I do not believe, as my clinical experience has not corroborated it. In cases
of tuberculous cystitis, the bladder symptoms are often sufficient to mask com-
pletely those of the kidney if it is diseased. At other times, the bladder symp-
toms are very mild.
Tuberculous lesions about the mouth of the ureter should make us sus-
picious of tuberculosis of the kidney on that side ; in fact, so much so that in
the absence of all other symptoms and after repeated failures to find the tubercle
bacillus in the urines, I have operated on kidneys with lesions about the ureteral
mouths on that side and found them to be tuberculous.
There is a class of cystitis spoken of a^ hemorrhagic. These cases are
usually due to tuberculosis or tumor ; nearly always, I believe, to the former in
young people whose bladders are very sensitive and are spoken of as contracted.
The organ is, however, probably only in a state of spasmodic contraction, on
540 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
account of being oversensitive. It is often impossible to cystoscope such
bladders satisfactorily, as they may not retain more than an ounce of solu-
tion, although they have been quite capacious but a short time before. Even
when suflBciently anesthetized for any operation, they still remain spasmodic.
A higher degree of anesthesia would relax the vesical spasm, but would be
dangerous to the life of the patient.
Ureteral Catheterization. — Ureteral catheterization by means of a
catheterizing cystoscope is of treble value, as in this way we see the condition
of the interior of the bladder, whether or not tuberculous lesions are present
and, if present, where they are located. Tlie presence of both kidneys can be
determined and a specimen obtained from eacli, which will allow us to judge
their comparative functional capacity. In case one ureter can be catheterized
and not the other, although it is possible to see the ureteral mouth and urine
coming from it, we can drain the catheterized kidney with the ureteral catheter,
and the other kidney w^hich cannot be catlieterized, by leaving an ordinary soft-
rubber catheter in the bladder after the cystoscope has been removed and the
bladder emptied, and in this way collect the two specimens. If we cannot find
the mouth of the second ureter, or if, on the other hand, we can find it ami
the catheter \vill not enter and no urine is seen to come from it, then an in-
cision should be made through the loin on that side to ascertain if there is a
kidney there and to judge of its condition.
In one case of so-called hemorrhagic tuberculous cystitis in which not suf-
ficient fluid could be introduced into the bladder to see the ureters, even under
an anesthetic, and yet I could palpate a large pyonephrotic kidney on the right
side but could not feel the left, I opened tlie ])eritoneal cavity to make sure of
the presence of anotlier kidney and palpated what appeared to me a normal
organ on the left side before performing nephrectomy on the right I do not
believe that the exploratory laparotomy was a good surgical procedure, how-
ever, and in the event of another such case I would make an exploratory lumbar
incision.
Sometimes it is difficult or impossible to see the bladder sufficiently well to
examine its walls and to find the ureters, on account of tlie turbid fluid medium.
Consequently, after the bladder has been washed for some time and the fluid
has become quite clear, if on refilling it prior to the introduction of the cys-
toscope, the contents are found to be cloudy again, it points to a hydronephrotic
kidney on one side that has again emptied itself. It is w^ell, therefore, to press
upon the kidneys on both sides in order to squeeze out the residual urine and
then to empty and refill the bladder quickly in order to see the ureter.
In catheterizing ureters to determine the condition and function of each
kidney, we must note the rapidity with which the urine flows from each side.
Each kidney should secrete about an ounce an hour, corresponding to twenty-four
ounces for each twenty-four hours, or forty-eight for both. The diseased organ
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS 541
often secretes more than the healthy one. In one of the cases in which I per-
formed nephrectomy, at least three fourths of the kidney were found to be
destroyed, although the organ had secreted four times as much urine as the
healthy one; but the fluid coming from it was composed principally of water
and pus, with a very low specific gravity. If one kidney suddenly secretes a
large amount of turbid white urine after the introduction of the ureteral cathe-
ter and the other secretes slowly a normal amount, it would seem to show that
there is renal retention on one side and, consequently, a pyonephrosis accom-
panied by considerable renal destruction. In one of my cases, three ounces of
turbid urine of a milky color and low specific gravity escaped immediately from
a kidney, the parenchyma of which was almost entirely destroyed.
Sometimes a large lump of pus is seen hanging from the diseased ureter and
at other times thick pus comes down slowly through the ureteral catheter into
the bottle in a semisolid mass, showing that there is practically no liquid se-
creted on that side. Such a condition is rare and points to the presence of a
nonfunctionating kidney or one that is a fibrous pus sac practically out of com-
mission, or to a perinephritic abscess.
Having collected the amount of fluid from each side, it sliould be measured,
its specific gravity taken, the amount of urea tested, the side containing the
pus noted, as well as the amount, and the quantity of albumin, blood and the
varietv of casts considered. The urine from both sides should be tested for
tubercle bacilli and injected into guinea pigs. The character of the urine from
the healthy, or relatively healthy, side compared with that of the general urine
will give us an idea if the healthier organ will be able to carry on the renal func-
tion after the removal of the diseased one. In other words, we should determine
if there is present in the kidney to remain an amount of normal renal tissue
corresponding to one half or one third of the total renal tissue when in good
health, before recommending the removal of the diseased organ.
The methoils of determining the renal function are the same that have been
considered in the chapter on tlie Examination of the Kidney.
Differential Diagnosis. — The diseases for which tuberculous kidney is most
frequently mistaken are :
1. Renal calculus.
2. Renal tumor.
3. Hemorrhagic nephritis.
4. Suppurative diseases of the kidney, due to urinary obstruction or to
acute infectious nephritis.
5. Movable kidney.
6. Cystic kidney.
Renal Calculus. — ^Renal calculus resembles this condition more than any
other. The principal points of differentiation lie in the history. On the side
542 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
of calculus there may be the presence of gout, rheumatism or lithemia in the
individual or in the family ; while the anamnesis or the family history may be
in favor of tuberculosis. In renal calculus, the lumbar pain is more severe,
frequent and colicky, usually following upon exercise, jolting or any muscular
exertion. Bladder pain, tenesmus and frequency of urination are not so often
present, as there is usually no vesical involvement. Abdominal tenderness and
muscular rigidity are less frequent. Hematuria occurs more often after exer-
cise and jolting and is generally more marked than in tuberculosis, whereas
pyuria is usually not so frequent or pronounced. The loss of weight, strength
and appetite are not so frequent, so constant, nor so progressive as they are in
renal tuberculosis. Fever, chills and sweating may occur as an attack when the
stone blocks the ureter in cases of pyonephrosis, or more continuously in pyelo-
nephritis, but never as constantly as in 4*enal tuberculosis after infection. The
urine may show crystals mixed with mucus and pus, but no tubercle bacilli.
There would probably be no evidence of inflamed glands, joints or genitals,
either in the history or in the physical examination; nor would there be any
nodular or suppurating lesions of the epididymis or prostate.
Radiography is important in studying a case of suspected renal tuberculosis
to differentiate it from renal calculus, as the two diseases resemble each other
so closely. In such case, the findings of calculus by the X-ray would argue
against the presence of tuberculosis, although renal tuberculosis and calculus
do sometimes exist in the same kidney. In a recent kidney case sent to me
as one of calculous nephritis, the patient had passed two small calculi in his
urine some time before, accompanied by hematuria and slight renal colic, and
still complained of pain in the loin on that side. Ulcerations seen about the
ureteral orifice in cystoscopy, led me to believe that it was tuberculous; the
X-ray examination was negative and the guinea-pig test showed tlie presence
of tubercle bacilli. This was four years ago ; the patient refused to submit to
an operation and has been able to carry on his work since then. The kidney
is probably undergoing gradual destruction, or the process has stopped.
It may, tlierefore, be said that in a suspected case of renal tuberculosis,
positive findings of calculus with the X-ray argue against renal tuberculosis;
negative findings argue in favor of it. It may also be said that positive findings
with guinea-pig inoculations in renal tuberculosis correspond in importance to
positive findings with the X-ray in suspected cases of renal calculus in that
they are both corroborative evidence.
Renal Tumor. — In cases of renal tumor, the pain is less severe or absent.
Bladder pain, tenesmus and burning are absent, as well as loin tenderness and
muscular rigidity. The patient is usually over forty years of age. Urination
and pyuria are less frequent and severe. Hematuria is more frequent and more
severe. Loss of weight and appetite progress much more slowly. Fever and
sweating are usually absent. The tumor is generally marked and can be easily
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS 543
outlined. Varicocele is often present when the tumor is situated on the left
side. No tubercle bacilli are found in the urine, but fragments of tumor and
atypical cells are frequently present and blood cells are fairly constant.
Hemorrhagic Nephritis (Unilateral). — The pain may be more severe,
moderate or absent. There are no bladder symptoms, local tenderness or mus-
cular rigidity. There is no frequency of urination and pyuria is absent, as
well as fever, chills and sweating. Hematuria varies in severity and frequency
in individual cases. Loss of weight, strength and appetite are not so marked,
and are proportionate to the loss of blood and the nephritis. No tumor can be
felt. The urine shows merely the evidence of a nonsuppurative nephritis and
blood. Tubercle bacilli are not present in the urine.
Suppurative Diseases of the Kidney. — Such conditions, not occurring
as a complication of stone or tuberculosis, are generally due to an obstruction
lower down in the urinary tract, a stricture, an enlarged prostate, a calculous
cystitis or a vesical tumor giving rise to either an ascending or a hematogenous
infection. The pain may be the same and the patient may also run a tempera-
ture and have sweats from the renal sepsis. The kidney may be enlarged and
tender on pressure. Loss of weight, loss of appetite and emaciation may also
accompany it and the urine may contain the same inflammatory products as
in pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis, minus the tubercle bacilli. The regular
routine examination of the urethra, prostate and bladder, together with the
history of the patient, will tell us if the disease is due to urethral, prostatic or
vesical involvement. In some cases of renal infection, the gonococcus can be
found in the urine from the diseased kidney by ureteral catheterization, but
such cases are rare. I have found only four cases of gonorrheal kidney com-
plicating urethritis in my practice of twenty years. Pyelo-nephritis resulting
from gonorrhea is in almost every instance due, not to the gonococcus itself,
but to some other pus-producing germs that are present in the urethra, and
occurs only when the kidney is predisposed to infection. Hematuria is not so
frequent in suppurative disease of the kidney and it is rarely that either ab-
dominal tenderness or muscular rigidity is as marked as in certain tuberculous
cases.
Movable Kidney. — The pain, if present, is in the loin and is more severe
at times when a DietFs crisis occurs, while at other times it is less than in renal
tuberculosis. Urination is less frequent, but it may be irregular in such a way
that the frequency is diminished and the quantity lessened when the kidney is
out of place, if hydronephrosis is present. It is followed by a gush of urine,
increased in quantity, when the organ rights itself. There is no hematuria.
In the presence of infection of the renal pelvis, pyuria occurs, but it is usually
less severe than in a case of tuberculosis of the kidney. Loss of weight, strength
or appetite is not rapid or marked. Fever, sweating and chills are rarely pres-
ent, unless the kidney is infected, which is not often the case. The urine is
544 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
generally less changed, but it may very closely resemble that of the early stages
of development in tuberculous nephritis. It rarely contains as much pus as in
the last stages of tuberculosis. The kidney can usually be felt as movable. It
is generally not as large as in tuberculosis of the kidney, although it may be
larger at times if there is retention of urine in the organ, which condition is
rarely constant. Tuberculosis has been observed in movable kidneys.
Cystic Kidney. — Cystic kidney is usually larger when seen, more easily
outlined and more irregular in its contours than tuberculous kidney. The con-
ditions are very rarely confounded, as renal cysts are not common and tuber-
culous kidneys resembling cysts are exceptional.
Treatment. — General Considerations. — The general treatment of tuber-
culosis affecting the kidneys is that of all tuberculous conditions, namely,
hygienic, dietetic and medicinal. Patients may also be sent to a climate which
is particularly favorable for the disease. These measures are all that can be
taken safely, if a marked general tuberculosis exists, as is often the case when
the renal trouble is a secondary involvement, or if the opposite kidney is not in
a fairly healthy condition. The details of the medical treatment will be con-
sidered more in detail after the consideration of the surgical part, w^hich is the
more important.
It is said that the ordinary case of renal tuberculosis will live only three
years after the first well-marked symptoms, and that the patient, if let alone,
will die of cachexia and uremia. I believe, however, that there are many
patients suffering from renal tuberculosis who recover without operation and
that, when we are more familiar with the disease, this will be shown to be
true.
In looking back, we find the following statements that will give us a better
idea of the views on the treatment of this disease during the last twenty years.
Epstein, in Ziemssen's Encyclopedia, 1877, says that all treatment is ap-
parently hopeless.
In 1885, Gross collected 20 cases of nephrectomy for strumous kidney from
the literature, in which there were 12 recoveries and 8 deaths. In 6 of the
cases, but one kidney was involved. In cases in which nephrotomy was pre-
viously performed, it had been of no benefit, so he advised immediate nephrec-
tomy whenever possible.
In 1891, Madelung collected 60 cases of nephrectomy from the literature.
He concludes that the operation is indicated when the process is to be found
only in one kidney.
Willy Meyer, in 1896, said that a tuberculous kidney was almost always at
first unilateral and that the infection descended to the bladder. He pointed
out that cystoscopy shows the mouth of the affected ureter to be involved and
advocated the early extirpation of the diseased kidney.
In 1897, Serin recommended nephrectomy in the case of a tuberculous kid-
TREATMENT 545
ney when the surgeon can prove the presence of a healthy organ on the other
side.
In 1904, Kronlein said that he regarded nephrectomy for tuberculosis of
the kidney as one of the most successful operations in surgery.
Bevan, in 1907, wrote that tuberculosis of the kidney occurs primarily in
one kidney in ninety per cent of the cases and that it is the duty of the general
practitioner to diagnosticate the cases early and for the surgeon to operate
them early, as a timely operation holds out a good prospect for a cure.
According to Israel, early operations- are the keynote to a successful out-
come after an early diagnosis and have diminished the mortality more than
the functional tests, etc.
Eovsing insists that every tuberculous kidney, no matter how limited, re-
quires removal of the organ, as long as the other kidney is healthy.
Kelly says that no time should be lost with expectant treatment. He favors
the removal of the kidney whenever possible, but he incises the kidney some-
times before removing it. The ureter is removed down to the bladder, or per-
haps with a piece of the bladder wall.
Von Bergmann says that the kidney should be removed whenever tubercu-
losis is found. Bilateral infection he considers as very rare.
With this array of evidence it would seem that, in almost all cases of renal
tuberculosis, one kidney is primarily involved, and that the only way to save
the patient is to remove the diseased kidney before the other side becomes
affected.
Kronlein and Israel found that but 3 per cent of cases of renal tuberculosis
were bilateral, while Von Bergmann found both kidneys involved in but 1.9
per cent ; yet in postmortems it is found that over 60 per cent of the cases are
bilateral. Such discrepancies can only be accounted for on the ground that one
kidney is involved first and the process is sufficiently far advanced to be de-
tected before the other has become affected; that one diseased kidney but not
the other is far enough advanced to allow the diagnosis; or, in autopsy cases,
that the patients died because no operation had been performed until both kid-
neys had become sufficiently diseased to cause death. I may say here that some
of the best specimens of advanced renal tuberculosis that I have seen were at
the autopsies of cases dying of pulmonary tuberculosis in which there had been
no subjective symptoms of renal trouble.
I believe that, in a large percentage of the kidneys removed, the other kid-
ney is involved, but that the involvement is not sufficiently advanced at the
time for us to find tubercle bacilli unless animal inoculation is resorted to,
which in the past has been little practiced. If guinea-pig inoculations with
the urine from each kidney are not made, we must rely principally on our
urine analysis and functional tests to determine the condition of the second
kidney.
546 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
Operations are contraindicated in patients with diabetes, weak heart, dis-
eased arteries, marked general tuberculosis, or when the other kidney is in-
volved ; but are indicated in patients with tubercular bladders, which can be
treated locally.
Operative Treatment. — The surgical treatment of renal tuberculosis con-
sists of the following procedures: Nephrotomy, nephrostomy and partial or
total nephrectomy. Sixty-seven per cent of my cases were operated on ; the re-
mainder either refused operation or were not considered favorable for surgical
interference. Nephrectomy is the operation of choice and should always be
advised if the other kidney can carry on successfully the renal function. Most
of my cases were operated on by nephrectomy.
Nephrotomy may be performed for drainage purposes in cases of renal re-
tention of pus and urine and in cases of pyelo-nephritis with abscess formation.
It may be followed later by nephrectomy, provided the other kidney function-
ates sufficiently to allow the removal of the diseased organ. If, however, after
the pus has been evacuated from the tuberculous kidney and it has been drained
for a few days, its fellow is found not to functionate sufficiently well to allow a
secondary nephrectomy, the wound should be allowed to close again. In my
own experience, it is comparatively rare for a leakage from tuberculous kid-
neys through the loin to stop quickly after a nephrotomy. In fact, the sinuses
usually exist for a long time.
It may be said that, whereas nephrotomy is not as dangerous to life at the
time as nephrectomy, it is not as good a procedure for a final recovery.
Nephrostomy is the operation of nephrotomy plus suturing the sides of the
kidney to the loin incision. This has its advantages and disadvantages in tuber-
culosis. The advantage is that the opening in the kidney is directly beneath
the incision and therefore the treatment of the diseased organ locally is more
easily performed than when the kidney is allowed to return into its fossa, which
is partially beneath the ribs. The disadvantage of nephrostomy is tliat, after
the organ has been fastened to the abdominal wall, there may be a leakage of
urine and pus into the perirenal tissues between the edges of the kidney and
those of the incision that cannot be estimated without cutting the sutures or
tearing away the kidney from its new position. It is easy to fix the kidney suc-
cessfully in a clean case, but more difficult when considerable pus is present.
In the majority of cases in which the kidney is opened and drained, a sec-
ondary nephrectomy is necessary. It very often happens, however, that a
patient who will not permit of an immediate removal of the organ, will first
consent to a nephrotomy, which will give temporary relief, and later to a
nephrectomy. With this end in view, it may be said, therefore, that it is bet-
ter to perform a nephrostomy than a nephrotomy, for then in the case of a
secondary nephrectomy, we will have better command of our kidney, which has
previously been brought into the operative field.
TREATMENT 547
Partial nephrectomy may be employed when but one pole of the kidney is
diseased. This is not a practical operation, as it is extremely difficult to judge
of the degree of the involvement by simply cutting down on an organ which is
infiltrated with tuberculosis, or even by making an incision through such an
organ, as the hemorrhage is always excessive and inspection of the interior of
the kidney is difficult. Again partial nephrectomy is, to my mind, a very serious
operation on account of the amount of blood the patient loses. It is necessary
in such cases to cut through a portion of the pole of the organ very close to the
pedicle and at a point at which the blood vessels are large and very difficult to
control. Besides this, a considerable amount of pressure is exerted on the
healthy tissues by the sutures in drawing the wound together and this might cut
the renal tissue instead of holding it.
Nephrectomy is, then, tlie only radical operation for the cure of renal tuber-
culosis, provided the disease is imilateral. There are certain points to be con-
sidered in the operation, namely, the position of the patient, the incision, the
treatment of hemorrhage that may occur, the handling of the ureter, the dis-
position of the fatty capsule, the closing of the wound, the question of drain-
age, besides the immediate dangers resulting, such as shock, hemorrhage, sepsis,
peritonitis, as well as the more remote one of a fistula.
The position of the patient depends upon the incision in nephrectomy as
well as in nephrotomy. The incision should be free, which would require the
patient to be either on his back or on his healthy side. Probably ninety-five per
cent of the patients operated on are placed on the healthy side and the incision
made is either curved or oblique, usually the former. In either case, the in-
cision in the muscular wall begins at the outer side of the erector spinjr muscle,
just below the twelfth rib. If cun^ed, it is continued downward and outward
along this muscle until it approaches the crest of the ileum, when it is curved
toward the anterior superior iliac spine ; in the case of the oblique incision, it
is parallel to the twelfth rib throughout its entire extent. The cun^ed incision
is the one that I am in the habit of using and is the more popular method.
Sometimes, on cutting through the abdominal wall, pus is found, showing that
a tuberculous abscess has discharged through the external capsule. In fourteen
per cent of the eases that I operated, there was pus outside of the kidney, peri-
nephritic abscesses, in nearly all of which the opening of the abscess in the kidney
could be detected.
In some of my nephrectomy cases, there were very dense, adherent and
thick infiltrations into the leaflet of the perirenal fascia, so that it had to be
clamped and ligated in several places before the pedicle could be reached. There
is a great difference in the amount of bleeding in patients, but if ligatures are
placed, by means of the needle, before removing the clamp and before cutting
through the dense tissues above and l)elow the kidney, it would be much lessened.
The adhesions with surrounding tissues can often be broken up more easily and
548 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
the hemorrhage lessened by occasionally pouring in peroxid of hydrogen. In
case the capsula propria of the kidney and the fatty capsule are fused together
to such a degree that they cannot be separated, it is well to do a subcapsular
nephrectomy, peeling off both capsules together from the kidney parenchyma.
(See Subcapsular Kephrectomy. ) Having brought the organ well down, the
appearance of the kidney and ureter should be noted. Xodules on the kidney
or abnormally soft areas indicate tuberculosis or stone, with pus cavities. Thick-
ening of the ureter is always a sign of tuberculosis of the kidney, as are clus-
ters of tubercles under the capsula propria.
Aspiration of the Kidney, — If the organ is foimd to be full of pus after it
has been made freely accessible, it may be manipulated more easily by aspirat-
ing the pus cavity and allowing the pus to flow out through a tube over the side
of the patient into a pus basin.
Treatment of the Ureter. — When the kidney is brought out of its abdominal
cavity, hanging by its ureter, the question arises as to the best method of sever-
ing it from its attachment. The kidney is usually the original seat of tuber-
culosis of the urinary tract, the infection traveling down the ureter to the blad-
der in many cases, and consequently it is important to remove as much of the
duct as is diseased. I have been in the habit of placing two ligatures a short
distance below the pelvis, cutting between the two and thus separating the kid-
ney, cauterizing with pure carbolic acid the end of the divided ureter that is to
remain, then treating it with alcohol and either returning it to the abdominal
cavity or else attaching it to the incision. The latter procedure is, I believe,
preferable, as, in case the ureter does not drain well into the bladder, and there
is retention of pus in it, the wound can be reopened and it will be more easily
found. Many advocate removing as much as possible of the ureter. Some are
still more radical and say that the duct should be removed down to the bladder,
or even together with a piece of the bladder wall. In removing large portions
of the ureter, it is necessary to make correspondingly large incisions, or else
to make another incision independent of the one in the loin, farther down in
the groin, or just above the pubes on one side or the other. This is especially
true in males; whereas, in the female, the incision can be made on the inside
of the dome of the vagina to one side of the cervix and the ureter caught
with a hook through this incision just as it enters the bladder. It can be pulled
down into the vaginal cavity, ligated, cut through (Kelly method) and removed
in its entirety by this route or else by pulling it through the kidney incision.
Personally, I have never fished the ureter down through the vagina, but I
have been told by my colleagues who have performed this operation, that it is
comparatively easy. I have at times felt tuberculous ureters through the vagina,
as they are often very much thickened. In any case, before resorting to such
a procedure, it would be well to introduce a ureteral catheter, as this imparts
a firmer feel to the canal and consequently aids in detecting it. Until I begin
TREATMENT
549
to Lave more serious trouble with the ureters after removing tlie kidney, I
shall continue to ligate and cut through them just above the lower end of my
incision in the loin and fasten the end to the lumbar fascia, in which case they
usually atrophy and give rise to no further trouble.
Tn nephrectomy, the great danger to life must be considered and it is better
to do an incomplete operation quickly when the patient's condition is not good,
than a more radical one that may
result in death. I had one unfor-
tunate experience that led me to
conriider the importance of 8ul>-
eapsular nephrectomy. I had loos-
ened the kidney from the combined
internal and external capsules,
which were adherent to one anoth-
er, and I could have done a subcap-
sular nephrectomy in a few min-
utes. I thought, however, that it
would be wiser to remove the kid-
ney with its capsule, which was
also involved, than to leave the
united capsules. Numerous diffi-
culties were encountered from the
bleeding points and it required
time to check the hemorrhage. The
bleeding from the pedicle also re-
quired clamps and packing. The
patient lost a considerable amount
of blood and died from shock in a
few hours, whereas his life would
probably have been saved had I
performed a subcapsular opera-
tion. Fig. 317 shows the kidney as it appeared some time after removal. The
operation was a secondary nephrectomy following a former nephrotomy.
Treatment of the Fatly Capsule. — This is another important consideration
in operating on tuberculous kidneys. In separating the fatty capsule from the
capsula propria, we often see superficial clusters of tubercles, which are break-
itig down and undergoing a suppurative process, that arc adherent to the fatty
capsule. Sometimes the covering of these clusters is torn away with the fatty
capsule, in which case there is a tuberculous process left in the adipose tissue,
and a septic process if pus-producing germs are present. The fatty cap-
sule is involved in a numher of cases, and if the kidney is removed the tuber-
culous process may continue in this tissue. It is therefore advisable in all of
I. 317. — A Vertical Section of a Tdberculocb
KlDNEK Removed bt a Seconoart Nephrectouy
WITH A Fatal Result. Note the fused capsules
and the mass of thickening of the retiBl tinaue.
There ia no sign of normal kidney tissue and the
organ was much thickened. (Author's case.)
550 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
these cases to remove as much of the fatty capsule as we can and then to wash
out the cavity with peroxid of hydrogen.
Closing of the wound after a nephrectomy for tuberculosis is another im-
portant consideration. I see no reason why it should not be closed if no pus
has been found in the urine coming from that side on ureteral catheterization
nor during the operation. Again, if there is pus present in the urine or wound,
and the ureter has been doubly ligated, cut through between the ligatures and
its ends cauterized, I see no reason why the wound should not be closed after
washing out the renal fossa with a solution of bichlorid of mercury or with
peroxid of hydrogen. In case, however, that there are adhesions between the
surrounding tissues and the suppurative areas on the surface of the organ, or
a kidney abscess breaks during the manipulations required for its removal, or
if in any way pus enters the renal fossa, it is advisable to put a drain down
to the site of the kidney. If drainage is inserted as a precaution when we con-
sider that we have cleaned our field thoroughly, it should be removed at the end
of twenty-four or forty-eight hours ; for if it is left for two or three days, it tends
to induce suppuration.
In cases in which the wound is packed with gauze after the operation, the
removal of it sometimes causes an elevation of the temperature.
Treatment of Perinephritic Abscess, — In case of tuberculosis of the kidney
being associated with perinephritic abscess, we should be satisfied with evacuat-
ing the abscess, examining the pus cavity and draining it at the first operation.
When the relations of the kidney have been reestablished, further operative pro-
cedures can be carried out later on. This was contrary to my belief some
time ago, when I thought it advisable to do as much as possible at the first
operation.
After-treatment of Nephrectomy, — In the event of a profuse hemorrhage at
the time of the operation, we should give one thirtieth of a grain of strychnin hy-
podermically and, in case the pulse is rapid and weak, saline intravenous should
also be given. If there has not been much hemorrhage, but sufficient to lead us
to think that shock may follow, it is well, in addition to the hypodermic of
strychnin, to administer a pint of hot saline with two ounces of whisky by
enema as soon as the patient is put to bed. After this, a pint of hot saline
without the whisky and one thirtieth of a grain of strychnin can be continued
every four hours, alternating so that the patient will have one or the other every
hour until the pulse is satisfactory and the danger of shock has passed.
Temperature after Operation. — After operation, my patients ran a tem-
perature of from 100° to 101° F., and the pulse ranged from 90 to 100 in
favorable cases, becoming normal in from three to seven days. In other pa-
tients, the temperature ran from 101° to 105° plus F., and the pulse from 120
to 140. The cases with high pulse and high temperature usually did badly.
The patient's bowels are usually moved on the second day after operation
TREATMENT 551
by magnesium sulphate followed by a soapsuds enema. If the bowels do not
move on the following day, compound cathartic pijls are given.
The amount of urine passed the first day after operation averaged one pint,
and from forty ounces upward after this.
Salt solution was given to patients developing uremia, by enteroclysis or
hypodermoclysis, and some were bled, this being followed by a saline infusion.
Uremia occurring immediately after operation is of very bad augury.
Complications. — Peritonitis is a very rare complication, but may occur if
the peritoneum has been torn through at the time of the operation. I have had
this accident, but it was never accompanied by peritonitis. I simply washed
with salt solution and closed the tear with catgut.
Sepsis, depending upon infection of the renal fossa, requires prompt and
thorough measures for its removal. If the wound has already closed, it must
be reopened and the pus pockets must be carefully sought for and drained.
Sinuses frequently occur in septic cases and are very difficult to cure. Those
due to a silk ligature will close when the ligature is removed. A sinus caused
by infection persists for a long time. The walls of sinuses in these cases are
often covered with tubercles, which are treated by curetting; swabbing with
carbolic acid and alcohol ; packing with iodoform or balsam-of-Peru gauze. At
times they are very obstinate, and the wound may not close for weeks. The
chromic-gut sutures in the muscular wall and skin sometimes give way and
there is a wide gap in the loin into which several fingers can be introduced.
In such cases, there are usually tuberculous deposits along the sides of the
wound. The presence of a sinus tends to keep the patient below par through
a certain amount of pus absorption. The longest period that a tuberculous sinus
existed among my cases was for nine years following a nephrotomy, when it
gradually healed. After one nephrectomy there was a gaping wound, with a
tuberculous process on its sides for six months. It was dressed with iodoform
and balsam-of-Peru gauze, irrigated wdth silver and bichlorid and even swabbed
with carbolic and alcohol, with no effect. The wound was kept strapped and
eventually healed. I believe that, in certain cases after a nephrotomy or the
opening of a perinephritic abscess, the tuberculous process may continue in the
organ until it has become completely destroyed, when the sinus w^ill close.
Results. — Among my patients, death in the first few days after nephrec-
tomy was due either to shock, asthenia, anuria, or uremia, in ten per cent of
my cases. In some of the fatal cases, it has been interesting to learn from
autopsy that the patient could not have recovered on account of the condition
of the other kidney and yet the tests for the renal function appeared favorable,
while the acute infectious process in the diseased kidney was so alarming
that it seemed that the organ should be removed as an emergency operation.
Such cases should, I think, have been treated by nephrotomy and drainage, and
a secondary nephrectomy. On the other hand, there were certain cases in which
552 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
the renal function tests and the signs of tuberculosis elsewhere were so unfavor-
able, that I told the patients that I thought the result of a nephrectomy would
be fatal, whereupon they went to other operators who, without testing the renal
function, operated with a successful outcome.
In one case, the patient's only kidney was removed, but this was in the days
before we employed ureteral catheterization in the hospital. I have gained
much experience from my mistakes in early cases, and, although I was then
doing what was considered right, I now see that my course was wrong and I
have learned to realize the importance of studying each case carefully myself
instead of relying on the opinions and examinations of others. The above-
mentioned case has been a lesson to me never to remove a kidney until all my
customary routine examinations have been made by myself and my associates.
Many of my patients have gone to other surgeons on account of my insisting
upon this, but my mortality statistics have been greatly improved by my refusal
to operate them.
Nonfunciionating or Derelict Kidneys, — One kidney can sometimes be de-
stroyed while the other carries on its function. In one case of unilateral renal
tuberculosis, with involvement of the bladder, testes, prostate and seminal vesi-
cles in a patient running but one degree of temperature and not losing weight,
I am inclined to think that, if no operation had been performed, the kidney
would have been destroyed entirely in a short time and the patient's condition
would have remained practically imchanged. The kidney after removal w^as
found to have four fifths of its tissue destroyed. I have seen other kidneys in
which probably seven eighths had been destroyed, and the other kidney has
been able to carry on the function, after the removal of its fellow. I have had
three kidneys in which the entire parenchyma had been practically destroyed
and which could excrete only a little pus or a small amount of watery fluid
containing pus. One of these I removed at autopsy. The other two were ex-
tirpated in operation; one was a pyelo-nephritic kidney, and the outcome was
death ; the other was a pyonephrotic kidney and the patient made an unevent-
ful recovery. There are many persons with one nonfunctionating kidney, a
large percentage of which are destroyed by tuberculosis.
Medical Treatment. — There are a number of patients suffering from
tuberculosis of the kidney who must be treated medically. First, cases in which
the disease is suspected and yet the diagnosis has not been made ; second, when
both kidneys are too much involved to warrant the removal of one of them;
third, in case of patients who need the operation but do not consent to it
When we are studying suspected cases of renal tuberculosis and before the
tubercle bacillus has been found, the patient should be treated symptomatically,
and if we think that tuberculosis is present, the same treatment should be given
as if the diagnosis had already been made. This is advisable for the reason
that, in many cases, a number of urinary and cystoscopic examinations have to
TREATMENT 553
be made and several days or weeks may pass before the diagnosis is completed
and operative or other treatment decided upon.
My observations in the treatment of certain patients have convinced me that
a number of cases can be cured by medical treatment. In connection with the
general treatment of the renal condition, advantage should be taken of the
opportunity to treat the bladder as well, in case it is involved. The treatment
consists of rest, proper diet and clothing, fresh air and drugs. Among the last-
mentioned we have the so-called specifics: Creosote, guaiacol and cod-liver oil.
Among the tonics which are the most useful are : Sirup of iodid of iron, Bash-
am's Mixture and strychnin. The urinary antiseptics that I use are : urotropin,
salol and benzoate of soda.
Method of Life. — The method of life is of great importance. The pa-
tient should at all times be comfortable and free from worry. In case the blad-
der is involved, giving rise to great frequency of urination, pain and tenesmus,
a rubber urinal should be worn during the day, strapped to the leg, and a glass
urinal should be kept beside the patient in bed during the night. The ease and
relief that is obtained in this way does much toward his improvement and peace
of mind. As little time as possible should be devoted to business. The patient
should rest at home in. the evenings and on damp, unpleasant days, lying about
on a couch or reclining in a comfortable chair. In these cases, as in those of
tuberculosis of the lungs, fresh air and sunshine are of great importance ; there-
fore, the patient should remain out of doors as much as possible when the sun
is shining. Exposure to draughts of air should also be avoided. The body
should be kept warm, special attention being given to the legs and feet. Woolen
underclothing or flannels are the most suitable. When out walking about, great
care must be taken not to perspire and then sit about in the sweat-soaked gar-
ments, but to return home and change the clothing.
The diet in tuberculosis of the kidney should be similar to that of tubercu-
losis of the lungs, excepting that forced feeding should be avoided. If the patient
is very ill, a milk diet should be given ; otherwise, cereals, eggs, fish, meat and
green vegetables in moderate amounts. Anything tending to interfere with diges-
tion should be avoided. In fact, we may say that the diet in tuberculosis of the
kidney should be a mixture of that of the consumptive and that of the nephritic.
Drugs. — Creosote and guaiacol, the specifics in pulmonary tuberculosis, are,
I believe, of as much or more benefit in tuberculosis of the kidney. I am in the
habit of using creosote carbonate, three grains, three times a day. Guaiacol I
have used but rarely and cod-liver oil never. Sirup of iodid of iron is, in my
opinion, the next best remedy to creosote in such cases. I am in the habit of
giving it mixed with equal parts of sirup of bitter orange peel, a half to one
teaspoonful to the dose, between meals, in milk or water. Basham's Mixture
(mistura ferri et ammonii acetatis), two drachms three times a day, is another
good iron mixture.
554 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
Urotropin is, I presume, of great value as a urinary antiseptic, especially
when there is a suppurative process in the tubules of the kidney and renal
pelvis, as well as in the ureters and bladder. It tends to convert the urine
into an antiseptic wash. Personally, I do not know the exact benefit to be de-
rived from urotropin in such cases and think that it woidd require considerable
study to be able to determine it. I only use it in cases of pyonephrosis with re-
tention of pus. Benzoate of soda, in my practice, has been the urinary antiseptic
best borne by the patient. The exact relative value of the two is imknown to me.
Bladder cases are relieved by antispasmodics, such as belladonna, codein,
morphin and the bromids. The prescription that I usually give imder these
conditions consists of tincture of belladonna, 2 drachms, benzoate of soda, 4
drachms and aqua Gaultheria, up to 2 ounces ; a teaspoonful three times a day,
between meals. If this does not relieve the pain, I add codein so as to give
^ oi SL grain to each dose. In many cases, this gives absolutely no relief, nor do
any of the other remedies recommended for such conditions, and I have to give
morphin and bromid of potash. The mixture I use in such cases is composed
of morphin, J to ^ oi a, grain, and bromid, 15 grains, to the dose; while, in cer-
tain other cases that I have had, this has not been efficacious until I added 8
grains of chloral hydrate to the dose. At first I gave this mixture of morphin,
chloral hydrate and bromid with some apprehension to patients with tubercu-
losis of the bladder, when the kidneys w^ere involved. It gave the patient great
relief, however, and the urine examination showed no ill effects of the medicine
upon the kidney.
There is no need of going into details of the bladder treatment in the con-
sideration of the trouble of which w^e are speaking. I will add, however, that
boric-acid irrigations of the bladder have very little effect. Nitrate of silver
irritates the bladder as does also bichlorid of mercury. In these cases, after
bladder irrigations with a solution of nitrate of silver, by a very small rubber
catheter and a foxmtain syringe, I have found that if an injection of argyrol
into the bladder is made after the silver solution has been allowed to run out,
the irritation following silver irrigations has been very much relieved. I have
thus been able to use from a 1 : 2,000 to a 1 : 1,000 solution of nitrate of silver
in the bladder, by injecting 2 or more drachms of a 10-per-cent to a 25-per-cent
solution of argyrol after the bladder had been emptied of the silver solution.
In this way, I have absolutely cured tuberculous bladders with ulcerations.
Gonmienol is also a valuable remedy, to be injected (| oz.) into the bladder in
a strength of 10 per cent to 50 per cent and allowed to remain. Iodoform emul-
sion, 2 per cent in strength, is also of value.
Strictures of the urethra should be dilated or cut This is of great im-
portance, as is also the cutting of a narrow meatus.
Regarding the second group — the cases in which both kidneys are too much
involved to warrant removal of one of them — and the third group, in which the
ILLUSTRATIVE CASES 555
patients who need operation refuse to be operated, I would say that they are
treated by the same restorative and supportive measures. These patients should
be weighed carefully at frequent intervals, and the amount of pus voided should
be estimated often, as these two measures serve as the best guides in judging
the progress of the disease.
A change of climate and of surroundings is also valuable and the same
climates that are of value in tuberculosis of the lungs are also of value in tuber-
culosis of the kidney ; that is to say, a dry equable climate where the patients
can remain out of doors. I do not think that the cold of the mountains, such
as the Adirondacks, is of benefit, but rather the milder climates of [N^assau, Ber-
muda, and southern California. I have a number of patients at present, w^ho
have refused to be operated for two or three years, and who are in the same
condition as when they called for an opinion, at which time it was considered
advisable to operate upon them.
Patients with pus coming from both kidneys, with the bladder involved as
well, have also been absolutely cured by the treatment that I have outlined,
and yet I consider it extremely dangerous to take chances with medical treat-
ment and recommend nephrectomy in all cases in which one kidney is involved,
if the other is absolutely normal.
Under conservative treatment, a few patients gained weight, but most of
them lost, and this did much toward leading them to operation. Some patients,
however, waited too long, until the period when they could be successfully
operated on had passed.
niustrative Cases. — ^Regarding the successful treatment of renal tubercu-
losis w'ithout operation, I will report two cases which come to mv mind, whose
symptoms closely resembled each other, as did the course of the disease.
Case Xo. 1. — The first patient, a well-built real-estate man of healthy ap-
pearance, forty-six years old, with no venereal history. He began to have
increased frequency of urination five months before his visit to me, at which
time he was urinating with pain and tenesmus every fifteen or twenty minutes,
both day and night, so that his sleep was disturbed and his general condition
very much weakened.
Examination, — There was slight tenderness in his loin, more marked on the
left side. His testes and epididymis were normal, his meatus measured 10
French. The prostate w^as nodular ; the vesicles were negative. The urine was
opaque, of a milky or starchy color, low specific gravity; albumin, one quarter
of one per cent ; pus, many cells and in masses ; a few red blood cells ; casfs,
hyaline, granular and pus; epithelia from renal tubules and pelvis, ureter, blad-
der and prostate. The diagnosis from the urinary examination at the time was
interstitial nephritis, pyelo-nephritis and slight cystitis.
The treatment for the frequency and tenesmus was a mixture of benzoate
of soda and belladonna; hot sitz baths twice daily. The bladder was treated
556 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
by irrigations with a silver solution, 1 : 8,000 to 1 : 2,000, by catheter, and the
prostate massaged every other day. These measures failed to relieve the
patient, who continued to suffer, especially at night.
The following treatment was adopted with favorable results: For the pain
and tenesmus and frequent urination, morphin ^ of a grain, chloral hydrate 7i
grains, bromid of potash 15 grains, in a mixture every four to six hours. Uro-
tropin 10 grains, three times daily. Creosote was also given internally, as the
disease appeared to me to be reno-vesical tuberculosis. The bladder was washed
once daily with nitrate-of -silver solution, followed by half an ounce of a twenty-
five-per-cent solution of argyrol. A rubber urinal was worn during the day and
the patient was instructed to sleep with a glass urinal between his legs at night.
The meatus was cut to 32 French. Sleep promptly improved and the pa-
tient's physical and mental condition were appreciably relieved.
He was cystoscoped under ether and his bladder capacity proved one ounce
and a half. It required three quarters of an hour to obtain a sufficiently clear
medium to look through, on account of the pus coming do\vn from the kidneys.
The prostatic base was red, resembling a strawberry, the redness extending
along the trigone. There was a small ulcer near the mouth of the left ureter
and many flocculi were seen coming from it. There was also a typical tuber-
culous ulcer on the anterior wall of the bladder near the sphincter. Two small
bodies resembling small calculi were seen lying behind the trigone; but these
were no longer visible at the time of a later cystoscopy. The bladder was but
slightly inflamed. The clinical picture w^as one of tuberculosis of the kidney
with extension to the bladder; but no tubercle bacilli could be found in the
urine, although it showed the colon bacillus, the staphylococcus and the strepto-
coccus. Operative interference seemed to be indicated, but meanwhile the
patient's condition was improved. The ureters were catheterized and an im-
pediment was encountered in the upper part of the left ureter. After the cathe-
ter had been pushed into the renal pelvis, two drachms of urine escaped, of a
starchy color and a low specific gravity and containing a large amount of pus
and mucus, showing pyonephrosis on that side. The right ureter was not stric-
tured and there was no renal retention on that side. The condition was pyelo-
nephritis.
The patient had a marked polyuria ; there was pyonephrosis of the left kid-
ney, due, I believe, to a partial destruction of that organ by a mixed infection
with tubercle bacilli and pus-producing germs. The obstruction of the left
ureter could be accounted for by a tuberculous thickening or stricture and the
ulcer near the mouth of the left ureter I believed to be the result of the descend-
ing process through the duct The ulcer on the vesical wall was typically tuber-
culous, and the bladder was slightly inflamed.
The condition in the kidney was a much more extensive process than that
in the bladder. Tubercle bacilli were found in the urine a few days afterwards.
ILLUSTRATIVE CASES
557
corroborating the diagnosis of urinary tuberculosis. The patient was kept un-
der the treatment already outlined for about one month and was relieved of his
pain ; then he was sent home to continue his medical and hygienic cure. His con-
dition steadily improved and one year later he reported freedom from symptoms
and absolutely normal urine, excepting a slight deficiency in urea. The patient
has been seen repeatedly since and has continued in perfect health for five years.
Case Xo. 2. — The second patient, whose history was much shorter and more
involved, was an expressman, twenty-one years old, about 5 feet 8 inches,
pale, thin and gaunt, having recently lost thirty poimds in weight. Five months
before, the patient had urethritis and three weeks before frequent urination set
in, until urine was passed every fifteen to twenty minutes, both day and night,
with burning and tenesmus. The second urine was white, turbid, of a starchy
or milky hue; at other times it resembled rainwater. His prostate was soft,
with the exception of a nodule on the left side; vesicles tender. The bladder
held but a few drachms. He was put upon the same treatment as the first pa-
tient and his meatus, which had been 17 French, was cut to No. 32 French.
The urine showed a specific gravity less than 1.001, slightly acid ; albumin
15 per cent by bulk (Heller's test) ; urea tV of 1 per cent; an occasional red
blood cell ; pus, innumerable cells, small masses and pieces of pus casts ; casts,
hyaline, granular and pus; epithelia, granular, renal and vesical; bacteria,
gonococci, colon bacilli and tubercle bacilli. The general specimens showed a
reno-vesical tuberculosis. The kidneys were markedly involved pyelo-nephritis.
The patient, under the treatment already outlined in Case No. 1, was im-
proving slowly and gaining in strength and weight. Cystoscopy was tried,
but he could not tolerate sufficient fluid in his bladder. Finally it was per-
formed under a general anesthetic. The bladder held at this time three ounces ;
it was much congested about the trigone and somewhat inflamed. Small ulcera-
tions were seen about the mouths of the ureters. Catheterization of the ureters
was performed, the catheters remaining in for one hour.
The examination of the two specimens was as follows :
Right
Quantity — 27 c.c. (5vij).
Sediment — slight.
Colorless.
Albumin — 10 per cent by bulk.
Sugar — negative.
Urea — | of 1 per cent.
Indican — ^negative.
Red blood cells.
Pus cells and pus in masses.
Left
Quantity — 93 c.c. (oiij).
Sediment — none.
Colorless.
Albumin — 25 per cent by bulk.
Sugar — negative.
Urea — J of 1 per cent.
Indican — negative.
Red blood cells.
Pus cells and pus in masses.-
Casts, hyaline, granular and pus.
558 TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KIDNEY
The process had been principally in the left kidney, and the pns, mixed casts
and pus casts formed had principally come from this side.
The patient gained eleven pounds during the first month and twenty during
the second. One year afterwards he weighed 180 pounds. The symptoms in his
case were more acute than in Case No. 1. The polyuria was more marked ; the
specific gravity and the urea were less. The process was much more marked
in the kidney than in the bladder. There were ulcers about the mouths of
both ureters, showing a descending infection. The patient ran but a slight
temperature, however, never more than 100° F., which was a little more than
Case No. 1. He was under treatment for two months and, when he was obliged
to return to his home at this time, his condition was much improved. He could
hold his urine an hour or more during the day and only urinated four or fire
times during the night. Ilis urine was also beginning to assume a normal color.
The patient has reported to me since then and his urine has become practically
normal, with the exception of a few pus cells and a slightly diminished amount
of urea.
The favorable outcome of these cases, without surgical interference, does
not in any way alter my opinion, as expressed above, that renal tuberculosis
calls for timely nephrectomy in the best interests of the patient, as soon as a
positive diagnosis has been made and the functional sufficiency of the opposite
kidney has been established. The following conclusions will, therefore, show
that I consider tuberculosis of the kidney a disease to be treated surgically in
the majority of cases.
Conclusions. — (1) I believe that there are many cases of polyuria of tu-
berculous origin not diagnosticated as such.
(2) I believe that there are many cases of tuberculosis of both kidneys in
which the process is cured under improved general conditions of treatment and
hygiene, and consequently increased bodily resistance.
(3) I believe that there are patients with double tuberculosis of the kid-
neys, one organ more involved than the other, in fairly good health and running
a slow course, who, if allowed to go on conservatively, under supportive treat-
ment, would survive the disease, through the healthier kidney performing the
work for both, while the one more affected would continue to degenerate until
entirely destroyed.
(4) I believe that, in any suspected case, we should immediately make ani-
mal inoculations and examine specimens of iirine frequently.
(5) I believe that most cases of tuberculous kidney are not operated on
early enough.
(6) I think that better cooperation should exist between the patient and his
physician, on the one hand, and the surgeon on the other.
I may here add that, since writing this chapter, I have had other cases in
which reno-vesical tuberculosis has been found, that have been successfully
STATISTICS OF XEPHRECTOl^rY IN RENAL TUBERCULOSIS 559
treated by the treatment above outlined. One case, a man who came to me two'
years ago with renal tuberculosis on one side and a healthy kidney on the other,
was sent to the hospital for nephrectomy. He delayed entering for three weeks.
Then he was again examined when about to be operated upon while under ether
and found to have an acute parenchymatous nephritis of the former healthy
kidney. He w^as accordingly returned to bed and not operated. Since th^n I
have kept him under observation and for the last year he has been symptomat-
ically well and heavier than ever before.
Statistics of nephrectomy in renal tuberculosis, by Albarran, of some of
the prominent operators up to 1905 shows:
Albarran — 64 cases, 2 deaths. Israel — 41 cases, 4 deaths.
Rovsing — 47 cases, 3 deaths. Kronlein — 34 cases, 2 deaths.
KUmmel — 43 cases, 5 deaths. Casper — 20 cases, 2 deaths.
The total is 7 per cent mortality.
CHAPTER XXX
HYDRONEPHROSIS
(Uronephrosis)
Hydronephrosis or uronephrosis is a chronic distention of the pelvic cav-
ity by an aseptic liquid derived from normal urine, with progressive sclerosis
of the walls of the sac.
It is clinically not a common disease and the apparent frequency is not so
great as the real frequency, for there are many latent cases discovered only at
autopsy. It is twice as frequent in females as in males and usually affects the
right side.
Etiology. — Obstruction of the excretory channels of the urine and, more
particularly, incomplete obstruction of the ureter constitute the etiolog\^ of
hydronephrosis. Obstacles in the lower urinary tract due to congenital
anomalies of the urethra, such as a narrow meatus, valvules or strictures may
serve to dilate the kidney, but only after the whole urinary tract has been dis-
tended to a variable extent. The moderate bilateral distention seen sometimes
in old neglected cases of acquired strictures of the urethra is rarely aseptic and,
even if it is, it does not deserve to be considered as a disease in itself, being
only the last stage of a generalized urinary dilatation. Complete and sudden
obstruction of the ureter by stone or experimental ligation is not a cause of true
hydronephrosis, as in these cases the kidney at first becomes somewhat dilated ;
but this stage is short, and is rapidly followed by renal atrophy and sclerosis.
Incomplete obstruction of the ureter is then the true cause of hydrone-
phrosis, either congenital or acquired. The group to which a given case belongs
is usually evident, and yet it is sometimes difficult to decide what was the
primary cause. The tendency at present is to recognize as congenital many
cases that were formerly classified in the acquired class.
Congenital Hydronephrosis. — The knowledge of a few embryological
conditions enables us to understand why and how it develops. The ureter, dur-
ing intra-uterine life, is not the smooth canal we are accustomed to see in the
adult, but is constricted in some places and dilated in others, besides showing
in its lumen numerous valvules formed either by the mucosa alone or by both
the mucous and muscular layers. These formations are met with most fre-
quently at the uretero-pelvic junction and next at the lower end of the ureter.
These normal valvules disappear later under the influence of a normal growth
660
ETIOLOGY 561
and of the pressure of urine. In most cases, however, they have not completely
disappeared at the time of birth and consequently the ureter in the newborn
still shows a number of irregularities, both on its outer and inner aspects, that
must be considered congenital defects and later may cause a partial obstruction
of the ureter.
If the obstruction is very marked, hydronephrosis develops during fetal life
and exists at the time of birth, sometimes of a very large size ; but of tener the
obstruction is but slight and tlien the retention is more progressive, requiring
years of slow advance to develop into a clinically appreciable tumor. This ex-
plains whj' hydronephrosis appears especially as a disease of the third decade
of life. Besides the increase in size of the renal pelvis (the sac), hydro-
. nephrosis is attended by the dev-elopment of certain secondary lesions, such aa
valvules at the pelvic origin of the ureter, kinks, bends and adhesions of the
upper ureteral segment. All of these complete and tighten the obstruction and
to the superficial observer seem to be the real cause of the .etention, as they are
much more apparent to naked-eye ex-
amination, and much easier to detect,
than the often small and indistinct
congenital defect which has been the
real cause of the trouble. For this
reason, the importance of congenital
causes has not been properly estimated,
until of late when a careful study of
the subject has shown the true cause.
Valvules are the most frequent con-
genital defects, but congenital, ureteral
strictures also occur and exert the same
causal influence.
An anomaly of position also predis-
poses to hydronephrosis. Fig, 318
shows one of my cases which was lo-
cated at the sacro-iliac synchondrosis.
An effort to replace it failed and it was
removed. The body of the kidney was Fio. 318.— Htdhonephrosib in a Kidnki 7
seven inches and very thin. The pelvis l""^^ ^"''- Situated atthb Sacho-iuac
■ Sthchondhobib. (Aulhora case.)
was of large size.
Besides the lesions of the ureteral wall itself, some outside anomalies may
also reduce the caliber of the duet and cause uronephrosis. Such compression
may be due to an abnormal blood vessel, generally an artery, very exceptionally
a vein. It was found in three out of four cases (seventy-five per cent) that
the inferior branch of a renal artery, given off prematurely, passed in front
of the uretero-pelvic junction, whereas in the remaining case it passed pos-
562 HYDRONEPHROSIS
teriorlv. Some writers contend that an artt^ry passing anteriorly cannot cause
hydronephrosis, and it is certain that in most cases this is true, but when
the dilatation begins exactly at the point where the artery crosses the duct, it
may have a causative action.
The ureter was also found in one case to be compressed by a band represent-
ing the remains of the duct of MUller, and in another case by a band repre-
senting traces of the Wolffian duct.
A faulty position of the ureter may also result in a narrowing of its lumen.
Kinks have often been accused, but it seems that in many of the cases the kink-
ing was secondary to the hydronephrosis and not its cause. The same may be
said of a faulty insertion of the ureter, that is, either too high or too obliquely
into the pelvis.
Torsion of the ureter is always mentioned among the causes of congenital
hydronephrosis, and yet, real torsion is exceedingly uncommon, as there are
only four authentic cases of such a condition on record.
In exstrophy of the bladder, the fundus of the viscus forms an inverted
pouch in which the intestines lie, and the loops of gut press on the ureter. Some-
times the ending of the ureter in the bladder is not normal, either because the
ureter, after having gone too far down in the true pelvis, must take an ascend-
ing direction to reach the trigone, or because the intraparietal course is too long
and too oblique.
Xext to the anomalies in the position and caliber of the ureter, the anomalies
in number of the ducts are generally mentioned as possible causes of this trouble.
This is not a probable cause, however, as the absence of one ureter cannot be
a cause of hydronephrosis, for the simple reason that, if the ureter does not
develop, the pelvis cannot exist. Neither can supernumerary ureters cause a
retention unless they are strictured, in which case the stricture and not the
numbers of ureters is the cause. The same applies to abnormal endings, for
here also a strictured condition of the end must exist to cause retention in the
kidney on that side. When a supernumerary and strictured ureter causes a
hydronephrosis, it almost invariably corresponds to the upper half of the kidney.
Congenital hydronephrosis is often associated with abnormalities of the
kidney. It has been seen in single kidneys and it is not very rare in horseshoe
kidneys, on account of the curve the ureter has to describe in order to pass in
front of the isthmus.
Acquired Hydronephrosis. — We find here the same mechanism of obstruc-
tion: (1) By lesions of the walls of the ureter itself; (2) by a faulty position;
(3) by external compression; (4) by occlusion by a foreign body lodged within
the lumen.
(1) Obstructive lesions of the wall of the ureter are not very common. They
sometimes result from tuberculous ureteritis. Ordinary ureteritis leads gener-
ally to pyonephrosis. Acquired strictures of the ureter are also rare.
PATHOLOGY 563
(2) Faulty poailions of tlie upper pnrt of the ureter are produced chiefly by
kidney mobility. The latter is not as predouiiiiaiit a cause of hydronephrosis as
was formerly assumed. It seems fairly well established that many of the cases
formerly attributed to it are really congenital hydronephroses due to some of
those defects we have mentioned; but nevertheless, movable kidney is still a
cause of retention. A change in the direction of the kidney and ureter, as in
scoliosis, is sometimes sufficient.
Tlie lower extremity of the ureter may be occluded in procidentia uteri, or
when there exists an intravesical prolapse of that end.
(.t) Exiemal compressions are the most imjKtrtant causes of acquired hy-
dronephrosis and cancer of the uterus and of the prostate occupy the foremost
place. Vesical tumors, uterine fibroids, tuberculous glands are other causes.
Special mention must be made of pregnancy.
(4) Obstruction hy foreign bodies includes stones and blood clots. The lat-
ter do not seem resistant enough to be the real cause of retrod istent ion, although,
at one time, the theory of traumatic hydronephrosis was based upon them.
Stones cause calculous hydronephrosis not so
much hv the obstruction due to the calculus it-
self, as hy that due to the lesions of the ureteral
wall caused by the pressure of the stone.
Pathology. — When an obstruction occurs, the urine accumulatea in the renal
pelvis and calices as fast as it is secreted {Fig. 319). Gradually, the renal
pelvis dilates and tlie urine, continuing to be secreted, compresses the renal
substance, disturbing both the nutrition and the secreting capacity of the paren-
chyma and rendering the stroma anemic (Fig. 320). Gradually under the in-
fluence of the compression and degeneration of the renal vessels, which are
pressed upon by the sac pushing forward as it diateiitis, the kidney structures
undergo the changes of interstitial nephritis. The stroma hypertrophies, the
parenchyma degenerates and atrophies. The compression and distention con-
tinuing to the last, the kidney is converted into a large fibrous cyst, with a series
564 HYDROXEPHROSIS
of pouches representing the ealiees, separated by thin septa, representing the
remains of the columns of Bertini (Fig. 321). These pouches may communi-
cate freely with the general cavity or be shut off from each other and from the
pelvis by fibrous partitions. The relative degrees of the involvement of the
pelvic calices and kidney structures varies in each case, the extreme type al-
luded to above being comparatively rare.
The walls of the hydronephrotic cyst may be thin, translucent, or thick and
fibrous, even partially calcified in old cases.
Adhesions between tlie sac and the surrounding structures add sometimes
considerably to the thickness of the walls. The size varies from a slight dilata-
tion of the normal pelvis to an enormous bag occupying the greater portion of
the abdomen, and sometimes extending to the true pelvis. This depends upon
the permanency and the tightness of the obstruction.
The contents of the sac are at first simply urine, but changes promptly fol-
low. In many instances, the fluid is of a very low specific gravity, and contains
hardly a trace of urinary constituents, especially when the renal destruction is
considerably advanced. The urinary salts are gradually absorbed by the blood
from the hydronephrotic sac, so that but few remain. The contents may be-
come ammoniacal, turbid, sanguinolent. If infection takes place, we have to
deal with uropyonephrosis. Sometimes the fluid is thickened to a colloid mass
and cholesterin crystals have been occasionally met with. Smaller or larger
amounts of albumin, hyaline casts and epithelia have also been found in the sac
contents.
The opposite kidney usually presents a loAv-grade nephritis, but much less
marked than in case of pyonephrosis.
Symptoms. — Many cases remain latent. As a rule, the subjective symptoms
are reduced to a minimum, and nothing calls attention to the condition until a
bulging is noticed in the ileo-costal region on one side, when palpation will show
a tumor varying in size within extremely Avide limits. This tumor is usually
first felt in the loin, but is sometimes distinctly abdominal from the beginning.
In the majority of the cases, the tumor is not tender and appears as a roimded
or lobulated swelling of an elastic nature, which can usually be ballotted when
not too large and heavy or too flaccid. Fluctuation may be present when the
walls of the sac are not too much thickened or when the tumor is not very tense.
Respiratory mobility of the tumor, always more marked on the right side, may
be elicited if the tumor is not too large.
Cystoscopy will show that one of the ureters is blocked and does not allow
the passage of urine (complete obstruction), or that the jets are weak and de-
layed and do not recur in the same rhythmic succession as on the healthy side
(incomplete obstruction).
Ureteral catheterization will show the presence and the situation of the ob-
stacle, and in incomplete obstruction the catheter may be able to pass the nar-
SYMPTOMS 665
row point and obtain a varying amount of urine from the renal pelvis. A com-
parison of the analytic features of the two urines, including the amount of
ehlorids, the freezing point and the amount of urea in the urine on each side,
will show the difference between the urine of the healthy kidney and the hydro-
nephrotic fluid, and give an idea as to the secretory value of the distended
kidnev.
The tumor may give rise, like any other abdominal tumor, to certain pres-
sure symptoms. These are chiefly the result of the compression of the lungs and
heart caused by the tumor pushing upward against the diaphragm, and of the
compression of the colon due to the forward and downward extension of the en-
largement. Digestive disturbances, especially obstinate constipation, are com-
mon symptoms of hydronephrosis when the sacs are of considerable size.
Symptoms referable to the cause of the obstruction, that is, renal calculus,
uterine cancer and other conditions, may form the salient feature of the clinical
picture, the hydronephrosis being altogether secondary.
In some cases, particular symptoms become so prominent as to justify the
description of special types of the disease, such as the hematuric type, the pain-
ful type and the intermittent type.
Hematuria is not a regular symptom ; in fact, it is very rare, but has been
observed by several surgeons, and is sometimes very profuse. The contents of
the renal pelvis may be sanguinolent or decidedly bloody. The urine may be
lightly or deeply' tinged with red. All this depends upon the congestion fol-
lowing distention.
Pain is not a prominent symptom in ordinary cases of hydronephrosis, but
severe attacks of abdominal pain and renal colic are the rule in the type called
intermittent. They sometimes occur when there are large and tense retentions
and may even be seen wnth small sacs. The pain is chiefly due to the distention
of the pelvis. It can be produced artificially by the injection of cold or hot
water into the pelvis through a ureteral catheter. When a certain amount is
reached, the pain becomes very severe, much like that of renal colic, and, if the
distention is not promptly relieved, becomes unbearable. The mechanism of
pain in hydronephrosis is thus made obvious.
Intermittence, in regard to the pain as well as the emptying of the sac, is
a striking feature in many cases of renal retention, and a special type known as
intermittent hydronephrosis has been based upon the connection which at first
sight seems to exist between the evacuation of the sac and the arrest of the pain.
Clinically, intermittent hydronephrosis is characterized by periodical at-
tacks of pain, during which the kidney becomes enlarged and the amount of
urine voided falls off. Later, the pain subsides and the kidney decreases in
size, while the amount of urine voided increases to, and sometimes considerably
above, normal.
The mechanical cause of the distention and pain is the alternate tightening
566 HYDRONEPHROSIS
and releasing of the ureteral obstruction, generally caused by a kink of the
upper part of the ureter, in consequence of a movable kidney. When the kidney
falls, the ureter kinks and urine is retained, hence pain from distention, swelling
and oliguria; but when the kidney returns to its place, the urine flows freely,
hence polyuria and reduction in the size of the hydronephrotic organ (page 405).
Unfortunately for the value of the theory, the succession of phenomena is
not always as regular as it should be, as the amount of urine voided at the end
of the attack is in excess of the normal amount and often out of proportion with
the size of the organ. Sometimes there is more than a gallon after the attack
in a case with a very small tumor; whereas in the same case catheterization
during the attack did not show more than one ounce in the i)elvis. Accordingly,
there seems to be no real relationship between the amount of urine retained in
the kidney during the period of oliguria and the subsequent polyuria.
A conclusion much more in conformity with truth would be reached in many
cases if the swelling of the kidney were attributed to renal congestion instead
of urinary retention, and the polyuria interpreted as the simple result of the
preceding congestion.
While the feature of intermittence is especially pronounced in retention
due to movable kidney, it is common to all renal retenticms and is shown by
each at some period of its development, generally during the early stages.
Complications. — Rupture of a hydronephrotic sac is rare. It may be intra-
or retro-peritoneal. Complete and lasting anuria is also rare, but oliguria and
intermittent anuria are conmion. In bilateral cases, uremia may supervene.
Infection is a much more frequent contingency. It leads first to uropyo-
nephrosis, and ultimately to pyonephrosis.
Course. — The course of hydronej)hrosis is usually chronic and covers years.
The tumor acquires a large size, the kidney tissue gradually undergoing com-
plete destruction. Less frequently, the course is acute, with a number of pain-
ful attacks which recur at irregular intervals. A chronic hydronephrosis may
occasionally change to the acute form or develop acute symptoms temporarily.
Diagnosis. — The actual diagnosis is based on the presence of a tumor in the
flank and the immediate discharge of a large amount of clear aseptic fluid on
introducing a catheter into the renal pelvis, or, if the ureter cannot be catheter-
ized, by an ex])loratory incision and puncture of the sac.
The differentiation of hydronephrosis from conditions simulating it is not
always a simple matter.
Suppurative conditions in the kidney itself or in the pelvis are frequently
mistaken for hydronephrosis, but in all such cases in which infection is present,
the course of the disease is more rapid and acute in character and there is pus
in the kidnev urine from that side.
In cases of a perinephritic suppurative condition, there are always symp-
toms of sepsis and a lumbar incision is immediately indicated.
TREATMENT 567
Cysis of the kidney, liver, spleen^ mesentery and other abdominal organs
have been mistaken for hydronephrosis, but they do not give rise to the urinary
change. Hydatid or other cysts of the kidney may be suspected when urinary
obstruction can be excluded and when a fluid circumscribed tumor exists. Hy-
datids of the liver may develop in any part of the organ and may resemble
hydronephrosis when they appear on the postero-inferior aspect. Generally,
hydatid cysts of any intraperitoneal organ can be traced by palpation or per-
cussion to the organ with which they are continuous. There are not the same
urinary changes and no obstruction to the ureter.
Ovarian Cysts, — These grow upward instead of downward as in hydro-
nephrosis. Bimanual examination by the vagina and also in the loin will gen-
erally show us the difference. Hydronephrosis developing from a kidney dis-
placed into the pelvic cavity has led in a number of instances to the removal of
the organ (nephrectomy), mistaken for an ovarian cyst.
A localized accumulation of fluid in tuberculous peritonitis can be mistaken
for hydronephrosis, as it may form a tumor in this region.
The completeness or incompleteness of the obstruction is determined by
cystoscopy and ureteral catheterization. The site may be determined by the
physical examination of the abdomen and by the examination of the urinary
tract for ureteral obstruction or tumor in the bladder ; while a history of renal
colics would point to a calculus in the ureter on that side.
The state of the opposite kidney is determined by various methods of diag-
nosis described in the chapter on Renal Examination.
Prognosis. — The prognosis depends upon : (a) The cause of the obstruction,
(6) the presence of compensatory hypertrophy, (c) the unilaterality of the
hydronephrosis, (d) the liability to infection and (e) the possibility of surgical
relief. As a rule, patients can go on for years with a hydronephrosis of mod-
erate size, but there are always the dangers mentioned to be borne in mind.
Spontaneous atrophy, with complete obliteration of the sac, has been known
to occur, but a return to the normal condition is impossible.
Treatment. — An acute attack of pain and retention occurring in the course
of hydronephrosis should be treated palliatively by rest in bed and by the ad-
ministration of morphin and other sedatives. *
The radical treatment of hydronephrosis depends upon: (a) The cause of
the obstruction, (b) the site of the obstruction, (c) the condition of the affected
kidney, (d) the condition of the opposite kidney. The principles which must
guide us in the choice of the method of treatment are: (1) We must preserve
as much of the affected kidney as possible, and give the remaining parenchyma
every possible chance to perform its function; (2) we must, if feasible, remove
the cause of the obstruction rather than its effect; (3) we must not remove the
diseased kidney unless its renmant is utterly useless, and unless the opposite
kidney is positively known to be healthy.
568 HYDRONEPHKOSIS
The surgical measures that can be employed in hydronephrosis are :
_ 1 , . . r («) Catheter a demeure.
1. Ureteral catheterization J \ ( vrr i • ^ i ■ j
-^ 1(0) Washmg out pelvis and ureter.
2. Puncture. ^^ ^ ^ ^
3. Nephropexy.
4. Operation to restore the ureter.
6. Xephrolithotomy.
6. Nephrotomy.
7. Nephrectomy.
These procedures are far from having the same value. We shall not discuss
here nephrolithotomy, which comes under another heading.
Ureteral catheterization has had its day, in the treatment of hydro-
nephrosis. The cases benefited by it all belonged to minor retentions due to
movable kidneys.
Puncture should never be employed, as it is attended by risks of infection
and an escape of the fluid into the peritoneal cavity.
Nephrotomy is indicated: (1) When, the opposite kidney being destroyed,
it is absolutely essential to preserve those parts of the hydronephrotic organ
which have been spared by the pressure of the retained fluid. (2) When
hydronephrosis exists in both kidneys. (3) When the state of the opposite kid-
ney is unknown. (4) When special circumstances exist which prevent the im-
mediate removal of the obstruction to the urinary flow and there is hope of
doing so at some future time; also when a renal calculus is present in the kid-
ney or ureter. During nephrotomy, a ureteral catheter should always be passed
from above doAvnward for exploring or one from below upward for drainage.
The fistula remaining after nephrotomy is permanent, unless the operation
is followed by a secondary nephrectomy or a plastic operation on the ureter.
The edges of the sac should be stitched to the wound, including the lumbar mus-
cles as in nephrostomy. Drainage may be secured by means of a tube.
All the above-mentioned methods may have given some success, but they are
open to one capital objection, namely : That they do not remove the cause of the
condition, thus classing them as mere makeshifts and not advisable procedures.
The same cannot be said of the three which are left : Nephrectomy, nephro-
pexy, plastic operations and anastomoses on the ureter.
Nephrectomy removes the pathological renal condition, but also the remain-
ing functionating tissue of the diseased organ. It should therefore be the last
resort and should not be even considered unless the surgeon. knows that the
other kidney is sound. Primary nephrectomy must be reserved for those long-
standing cases in which the tumor has reached a large size and appears cystlike,
with thin walls and no surviving renal tissue. Secondary nephrectomy is indi-
cated in the presence of a permanent fistula after nephrotomy, when the opened
TREATMENT 569
diseased kidney is useless and the other organ sufficient to carry on the work
of both.
Nephropexy and operations for restoring the ureters are then the operations
of choice in the treatment of hydronephrosis, and are in conformity with the
modem trend of renal surgery.
Xephropexy should be the operation of choice in cases of hydronephrosis
caused by abnormal mobility on the part of the kidney. "
It is important in all cases to be sure that the ureteral kink is not fixed by
adhesions and does not remain in spite of nephropexy; also that a ureteral
catheter be introduced from below before operating. If no kink is felt at the
time of operation, nephropexy is performed ; but if a kink is felt, or the ureter
is not inserted into the proper part of the renal pelvis, the condition of the
ureter must be corrected before anchoring the kidney in proper position.
Operations fob restoring drainage through the ureter (pelvic ure-
teral operations) are in all respects the best when an obstruction is present, as it
is evident that the preservation of some functionating renal tissue, even if but
little, is worth some extra effort on the surgeon's part.
We do not intend to speak here of the operations on the continuity of the
ureter — ureterotomy for stone, ureteroplasty for stricture, etc. — but will con-
sider the treatment of the most common cause, that is, obstructive lesions in
the upper part of the ureter, for which conditions special interventions have been
devised. These are:
(1) The division of the spur between pelvis and ureter (kentrotomy) in
case of abnormally high insertion of the latter.
(2) Ureteroplasty or correction of a stricture of the ureter based on the
same principle as pyloroplasty.
(3) Uretero-pyeloneostomy or transplantation of the ureter itself, or of the
ureter with an adjacent ring of pelvic tissue to the lowermost point of the sac.
(4) Lateral anastomosis of the ureter, or creation of a communication be-
tween the sac and the ureter below its obstructed part. This is recommended
particularly when the first part of the ureter is markedly altered.
(5) Resection of the Pelvis. — The restoration of normal excretion of urine
may also be brought about by the resection of the lower part of the sac, and
anchoring the kidney in a suitable position, tilting its upper pole toward the
median line, if necessarv. This seems to be the best intervention when the
ureter, after it has been freed from its adhesions, shows a normal lumen, which
is very often the case.
(6) Pyeloplication or capitonnage of the exuberant pelvis is a good com-
plementary measure, but insufficient when employed alone.
(7) In a few of the rare cases of hydronephrosis developed in an ectopic
kidney in a low position, direct anastomosis between the bladder and the kidney
has been successfullv resorted to.
CHAPTER XXXI
OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
Operations
External exploratory.
Internal exploratory.
Pyelotomy.
Nephropexy.
Nephrotomy.
Vertical.
Transverse.
Nephrostomy.
Nephrectomy.
Secondary nephrectomy.
Subcapsular nephrectomy.
Partial nephrectomy.
The Routes
Extraperitoneal. Intraperitoneal.
The Incisions
Oblique.
Curved.
Positions
Lying face down with an air pillow under abdomen.
Lying on back with sand bag or block under upper lumbar region.
Lying on healthy side with block, sand bag, or other support under loin.
Combination of Routes, Incisions and Positions
Patient on abdomen. Incision vertical or curved along the
outer border of the erector spinas muscle, only recom-
mended for bilateral nephropexy.
Patient on back. Incision transverse from erector spinse to
rectus abdominis muscle (Pean's operation). Frequently
used.
Patient on the healthy side. Incision vertical, curved,
oblique or transverse. The curved incision is the best.
Intraperitoneal. — Patient on back. Vertical incision along the outer border
of the rectus abdominis muscle. Not recommended.
570
Extraperitoneal
OPERATIVE SDHGERY OF THE KIDNEY
671
The extraperitoneal operation performed through a curved incision in the
loin with the patient Ijing on the healthy side affords the beat means of operat-
ing on ninety per cent of the cases requiring operation. It is the one that will
Fic. 322. — Ihbtruuknts Used
f. Scalpel and probe-pointed bistoury.
I, Str^ght pedicle clamp.
3. Thumb rorcepa.
4. Straight spisBora.
5. Mouse-tooth Torcepa.
0, Curved scissors.
7. Grooved director.
8. Sponge-bold ing forceps.
9. Curved pedicle clamp.
10, Artery damp.
[N Operations on the Kidnet.
II. Angular pedicle clamp.
IS, Guiteras kidney rclractor.
13. Intestinal cylindrical curved ncedlea.
a. Needle holder.
IB. Guiteras abdominal retractor.
IB. Hagedora needles.
17, Straight Qeedlea.
IS. Fenestrated ureteral catheter and guide.
19. Probe-pointed ureteral catheter.
SO. Blunt^pointed ureteral catheter.
I in renal sur-
principally be considered in this chapter. The instruments i
gery are shown in Fig. 322.
Throughout the text, the kidney angles and triangles will be occasionally
spoken of. The posterior kidney angle is at the junction of the erector spintc
muscle and the twelfth rib. The posterior kidney triangle is formed by the con-
tinuation of the lines making the triangle until they meet the umbilical line.
In Fig. 323, the inner side of the triangle which corresponds to the outer border
of the erector spinte muscle is 3^ inches long (A-B). The outer side of tha
triangle corresponds to the lower border of the twelfth rib 2^ inches, and a line
continuing from its tip to the umbilical line 2 inches more, making 4^ inches
(A-C). The base along the umbilical line would be about 3 or more inches
(B-C). The umbilical kidney line extends around the body at tlie level of the
upper border of the umbilicus and corres]>onds to the lower border of the right
kidney. The deep markings of this triangle vary according to the size of the
672 OPERATIVE STIRGEET OF THE KLDNET
erector Bpime muscle, the slope and length of the twelfth rib and the length of
the ileo-costai space. The surface markings vary according to the amoimt of
fat in this region.
The anterior kidney angle in front is at the jimction of the outer horder of
the rectus abdominal muBcie and the free border of tlie ribs which correspond to
the tip of the ninth costal cartilage. (See Fig. 324.) The anterior kidney tri-
angle is formed by the continuation of the lines going to form the kidney
FlQ. 323. — PoBTKRioR KlDNirT Anolh. Fia. 324. — Antkhior Kidney Anolc
angle to the umbilical line (A-B-C). The inner horder is 2^ inches long
along the outer side of the rectus abdominis muscle (A-B) and the outer 3^
along the costal margin and continued to the umbilical line {A-C). The length
of the base (C-B) corresponds to the size and the rounding of the body. These
measurements vary greatly in different individuals and are the result of an
average made from a number of cadavers while teaching anatomy in 1894.
INCISIONS
Vertical Incisions. — The posterior vertical inciston is one made Avith
the patient lying face downward with a pillow, sand bag or some other support
INCISIONS 673
under the abdomen. It begins at the apex of the posterior kidney angle, that is,
the junction of the twelfth rib and the erector spinaa muscle, and extends down
along the outer border of the erector spina; muscle (Fig, 325), It is the one
usually used in performing nephropexy, although the vertical incision can be
made equally well witli the patient lying on the side oppofite the kidney to be
operated upon. The posterior incision has the advantage, however, in per-
forming a double nephropexy, as
then the position of the patient
doea not have to be changed during
the operation.
Fio. 325. — Posterior Vbrhcal Incision Fia. 326. — Anterior Vertical Ihcibion Seen on the
Subs on thb Left and the Short Riobt Side and the "Modified" Incision oh
Curved Incision on the Right. the Left.
Anterior Vertic.vi, Incision (Fig. 32fi). — The anterior incision is made
witli the patient lying on the back with a support underneath the vertebrte. It
begins at the anterior kidney angle, that is, at the jimcture of the ninth cos-
tal cartilage and the rectus abdominis mwscle, and extends do^vnward along
the outer side of this muscle to a point two inches below the umbilical line.
This incision is used principally for removing the kidney through the peri-
toneum in ca-ies of a large renal tumor. Sometimes a short incision is
made outward from the main incision, at right angles to it, when more space
is needed.
Lumbar Incision. — The lumbar incision with the patient lying on one side
is the one generally used in this country and may be either transverse, vertical,
cuired or oblique.
'4 OPERATIVE SUEGEKT OF THE KIDNEY
Transvekse. — The transverse incision is usually ina«ie with the paticn*
ing on the back in the same position as for the anterior incision, and extends
along the nnibilical line from the erector spina'
to the rectus abdominis musoie (Fig. 327), It is
alao made with the patient lying on one side.
Vertical. — The vertical incision is made in
the same way when the patient is lying on the siJe
as when lying on the abdomen. It is rather small
for extensive operations and is nsed })rincipally
for fixing in place a movable kidney and for ex-
^- — -..^ _ ploring the organ. (See Fig, 32.5.)
Curved. — The curved lumbar incision is the
most conservative, as well as the most economical
as far as tlie expenditure of tissue is concerned.
Here the incision l>egins as a vertical one and extends down nearly to the crest of
the ilium (Fig. 328), wliere it begins to curve toward the anterior superior spine
Fia. 328. — CcBVBO Lumbar Incision, The position preferred in renal surgery.
of the ilium, sometimes passing it when more space is needed, as is frequently
the case when a nephrotomy or a nephreetoiiiy in pathological kidneys is being
performed. Care must be taken, in
making this incision, not to go too
near the crest of the ilium, as in
such a case it is more difficult to
close it satisfactorily afterwards.
This incision can be continuoil for
any distance, even along the rectus
abdominis muscle to tlie piibcs.
Oblique.— The oblique incision
begins at the erector spina' mnsclc,
one inch below the twelfth rib, and
INCISIONS 575
extends in a direc-tion parallel lo tliiw rib as far as necessary to complete the
operation. It is a very good incision, but does not leave the abdominal wall
strong, as does the curved one (i"'ig- 3^9).
Posterior Vertical with Citrved Ltunbar Incision. — The incision used in
describing the following operations will he the ])osterior vertical, to be contin-
ued into the curved lumbar when more apace is needed.
The POSITION of tlie patient in making this lumbar incision ia lying upon the
healthy side with the arm and thigh of that side flexed, as is shown in Fig. 328.
Sometimes the thigh of the healthy side is extended and the one on the side
of the operation is flexed and the knee rests on a sand bag. The first of the
1. 330.— Operai
rma Table.
Thfc
i has a transverse
ne th.
from alippine.
The pegs in the i
two positions is, however, preferred. A support should he placed on the
table under the healthy side of the patient of such a size and shape that it
will separate as far as possible the space between the border of the rib.s and the
ilium of the side to he operated. This support shoubl not be so high, however,
as to push the healthy shoulder or hip of the patient aWve the level of the
table, but only a sufficient distance to stretch the field of operation. Once in
place, sand hags should be placed about the l)ody in such a way as to retain it
in the desired position. Very often, pulling on the kidney or leaning on the
body tends to jiush the patient out of position unless sand bags are used. The
576
OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
support under the healthy loin, which I have spoken of, may be a sand bag,
a cushion, one or two bricks, a log, a small back rest, or some support which is
sufficiently narrow to catch in the ileo-costal space. A wedge-shaped support
Fig. 331.-
sonietimcs fits admirably in this space. Jtany of the tables now used for opera-
tions have a slab extending across tbem, that can be elevated to any degree de-
sired, which graduates tbc position of the patient better than any other method
(Fig. 330).
Fio. 332. — Tbb Boot Holder on the Patibnt, to Phkvent Hm prom Rollinii.
Body holders are also constructed to hold the body in the desired position
and prevent the patient from rolling during the operation (Fig. 331). The
body holder is made of a wide canvas bolt to which two iron bars are attached
hy clasps. When this is strap])ed about tlir body below the axillas, the bars
extend out obliquely to the surface of the table on either side and hold it firmly
in place (Fig. 332).
INCISIONS 577
In describing surgical operations on the kidney, I shall first show them as
they are performed by tbe lumbar incision with the patient lying on the healthy
side, as operations in adults, excepting double nephropexy, can he performed
by this route better than by any other. In renal tumors in children, the ab-
dominal route is the one of choice. In adults, I have never as yet liad to resort
to it, the curved lumbar incision always having answered the purpose.
Technique of Operation. — I think that, for the sake of clearness, it is
advisable for me to describe first the kidney operation according to my routine
method and then to take up those preferred by other surgeons.
Fta. 333. — Incibioh throdob the Skin and Soferhcial Fabcia, Revealino Petit'b Trianole. (1)
Idtunmus dots! behind. (2) Bxt«niBl oblique in Front and the iliac crest below. Its floor ia the
iDtenutl oblique (3).
The technique of operations by the cur\-ed incision in tbe loin is as follows:
The incision is begun one inch above the apex of the kidney angle, that is, just
above the twelfth rib, and extends down along the outer border of the erector
apina; muscle to within one and a half inches of the crest of the ilinni, at which
point it should be curved toward its anterior superior spine {Fig. 32R). The
skin is first cut through and, with the fatty tissue, is dissected back on either
»ide for half an inch, so as to leave sufficient space of exposed external fascia
for the passing of sutures in closing the wound. The latissinius dorsi and the
external oblique are then seen forming Petit's triangle below (Fig, ^3^). The
latissimus dorsi muscle and the superficial fascia should then be inci-i^ed along
the outer border of the erector spina' muscle which can easily be outlined. The
serratus posticus inferior, the erector spina", the oblique muscles, tlie twelfth
rib, the Iitnibar fascia are then seen (Fig. .334). The serrntus posticus inferior,
the external and internal oblique and tlie deep lumbar fascia are then cut through
578 OPEKATIVE SUKGERY OF THE KIDNEY
(Fig. 335) and some of the lumbar nerves are seen. The kidney region is here
clearly disclosed. The deeper part of the incision should be made in this space
Fro. 334. — Incision THttODon Latissimus Dorsi MnacxB (7). showinq Beneath It: (1) The trans-
versalia fascia; (2) the external oblique muscle; (3) the internal oblique: (4) the bifurcation of the
transveraaliB fascia: (5) the erector spiiwe muscle; <6) the serratus posticus inferior and (8) the
twelfth rib.
from the rib downward along the outer side of the quadratiis muscle, and
through the internal lumbar fascia. On cutting through this fascia, the fatty-
capsule is seen {Fig. 336). The incision in the fascia is prolonged and the
Fio. .135.— McscLBs (1, 3. 4, 7 and 8) Cot Thhouoh; That Ib. the Latisbiuhtb Dorbi. the SERRATtrs
PoanCUB iNFBRIOB. THE THANaVEKHALIB, ANO THE InTERJIAI, AND EXTERNAI, ObuQUES. Til*
twelfth rib (2) is seen on the outer aide, (6) the quadratus lumhonim on the [uncr aide. The deep
fascia with (5) the lumbar nerves (the ileo hypogaatric and the ileo insuinal} are also seen.
INCISIONS
579
fatty capsule is grasped by sponge forceps and cut through, disclosing beneath
it the kidney covered by its capsula propria. The organ usually moves up and
down with inspiration and expiration. Preparations are now made for per-
forming renal explorations and operations.
Fia. 336. — Dbbp Ldhbar Fascia Cut Throuoh,
THB Fattt Cai
IFreeino asd Delivery of a Kidxey, — Tlie forefinger or the fore and
middle fingers of one hand are now inserted between the fatty capsule and the
capsula propria on the posterior part of tlie kidney, with the palmar surface
ia. 337. — FnxBtiro the Kidkct. The Fatty capsule is caught with bpodeg forceps, the kidney it
broueht into the wound while the fatty capsule ia separated from it by the forefin gets, working oi
either aide of the kidney at the same time.
next to the organ, while the forefinger of the other hand is introduced between
the two capsules in front. The fingers then move to and fro over the renal sur-
face in opposite directions, pushing the fatty capsule away from the organ (Fig.
580
OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
'lo. 338.^Deijvery of the Kidnet. This ia often quite etay
in caarB of movable kidney as the kidney is grasped by iU
fatty cupeule, pulled dnwn until iU upper pole is below the
ribs, when it is pulled up uid out over tte nb. (After Asbton.)
33T). Sometimes tliis ia easily done, while again difficulties are encountered
on the anterior surface and at the upper and lower poles. In the case of a
kidney that ia movable
but not pathologically dis-
eased, the freeing of tlie
organ is quite easy and
very often, after the fatty
capsule has been incised,
ita sides can be grasped
and the kidney pulled
down until its upper pole
is below the twelfth rib
and then lifted out of the
woimd aa a sling with the
kidney within it (Fig-
338). At other times the
lower leaflet of the peri-
renal fascia can be grasped
with sponge-holding forceps and pulled down, while the forefinger of one hand
is placed under the lower pole
of the kidney ami it is hooked
out (Fig. 339). The lower
pole ia then grasped by the
fingers of the right hand and
stea(lie<l, while the forefinger
of the left hand is passed un-
der the up]M>r pole, and lifts
it out of its cavity and over
the twelfth rib (Fig. 340).
In ease it is easier to de-
liver the upper pole first, it is
steadied by the fingers of the
left hand while the forefinger
of the right hand is passed
under the lower |)ole and
hooks it out.
In the case of a pathohig-
ical kidney, however, there are Fio. 339.— Delivkht or- the Kidney. When the lower pole
often very great difficulties in hoo'k^'tt out """"' ^^^ '""^'^ " '^'^ '^^"'^ " ""*
freeing tlie organ on account
of the dense adhesions and the lack of mobility on the part of the kidney. In
the first place, the adhesions between the fatty capsule and the capsula propria
INCISIONS
581
are at times so dense that they cannot be separated, in which case the kidney Las
to be delivered without either of its capsules, or else an extensive dissection
has to be made through the
combined fatty capsule and cap-
sula propria. A thick mass of
fat also extends up and down
along the leaflets of the perirenal
fascia, often forming dense tis-
sue above and below the organ.
In such cases, it is necessary at
times to cut through this dense
tissue ; but before doing so, it is
important to free the kidney as
much as possible and it is often
necessary to insert the entire
hand through the incision and,
Pio. 340.— Dbuvebt or the Kidnbt.
lower haa been delivered, it is graaped
fingers of ooe hand and pulled downn
the forefinger of the other hand ia boo)
the upper pole and draws it out.
Flo. 341. — Delivkrt or the Kidnet. In many caeea it ia difficult to draw the kidney down and It
is ncceraary to insert the hand into the wound until the fingers are above the kidney to loosen its
pole before bringing it down. It is then delivered in the way already cipluined.
582 OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
having reached the fingers above the kidney, to free the organ gently until it
can be brought down into the operative field (Fig. 341).
Cutting through these masses of tissue often gives rise to considerable hem-
orrhage and is sometimes a very alarming procedure to the practitioner who is
doing his first kidney operation for stone, tumor or tuberculosis, as in these
classes of cases, especially the first, the sclerosis is most marked. He must not
hurry, however, or become flustered, but must remember to shut off the ves-
sels by clamps and ligatures before cutting through the tissue above and below
the kidney. In ligating this mass, it is advisable to clamp the tissue and then
to pass ligatures, threaded on a needle by the aid of a needle holder outside,
above or below the clamps, allowing sufficient space for cutting through the
tissue between the ligatures and the kidney. In this way, the ligatures have
a better hold on the tissue and bleeding is controlled.
In cutting through and tying off this tissue below the kidney, the operator
must be careful not to include the ureter in the ligature. It is therefore advis-
able, in the case of a dense mass of tissue below the lower pole in the region
of the ureter, first to find the ureter and dissect up along it to the pelvis of the
kidney and then to free and retract it while the kidney is being liberated. In
fact, it is always advisable in any operation on the kidney to have control of
the ureter at an early period of the work. After having freed the ureter up to
the pelvis of the kidney, the back of the forefinger is placed against the anterior
surface of the ureter and it is then pushed up to the pedicle. The forefinger
should then be turned and hooked behind the pedicle, and its tip brought out
above it, pointing forward. The pedicle will then be under complete control,
which will assist in freeing the anterior adhesions and preventing any trau-
matism of the vessel.
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS
External Exploration of a Pathological Kidney. — A cystic kidney can be
determined by the irregular cystic protuberances over its surface, showing cystic
degeneration, or, in case of a large serous cyst, by a large sac. A tumor can be
detected by the enlargement of the organ and the increased consistence and
nodular feel of the new growth. A tuberculous kidney is enlarged and reddened
with hard and bulging areas, in places in an acute condition; whereas, if the
kidney is quite extensively destroyed by a suppurative process, the color is lighter
and the surface is more irregular and soft areas may be felt on the outside, which
are abscesses or abscess cavities. If there is much pus in the pelvis or in cav-
ities of the kidney, it may have a mushy feel. Groups of tubercles may also be
seen beneath the capsula pro])ria. In case of a stone in the kidney, the organ
is usually very much indurated, somewhat enlarged and has considerable fat
about it ; M'hile in a suppurative case, there might be considerable enlargement
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 583
through retention o£ pus or pus and urine, making it difficult to detect the
calculi.
Aspiration. — In case there is a retention o£ pus or urine in the kidney
which enlarges it to such a degree that it cannot be easily delivered, an aspirat-
ing needle can be inserted and sufficient iluid removed to allow freer manipu-
lation of the organ, and a sufficiently satisfactory palpation can be made to
" detect the presence of calculi.
In aspirating, it is advisable to have the outflow nozzle of the aspirator con-
nected with a tube, in order that the aspirated fluid may be pumped into a recep-
tacle held outside of the operative field.
Internal Exploration of the Kidney. — Pyehiomy is another name for an
incision of sufficient size to admit the forefinger in the renal pelvis, and should
be made on its posterior surface from near the kidney downward in the direc-
tion of the ureter. The operation is really an exploratory one and is indicated
in aseptic cases in which a stone in the renal pelvis is suspected.
Teciimique, The kidney is delivered and pushed over the upper border of
the incision in such a way as to put the pelvis on tiie stretch. It is then steadied
with the left hand, while the pelvis is incised by the knife in the right hand.
The incision is made _^^
from near its junction ""
with the kidney longi-
tudinally toward the ure-
ter to a sufficient extent
to allow the end of tlie
forefinger to enter (Fig.
342). The finger, hav-
ing been introduced into
the pelvis, explores its
cavity and the tip is in-
serted into the different
calices, by wliich means
a stone can be easily de-
tected an<l if small can
1k> withdrawn without
difficulty witli curved
forceps. If no stone is Ym. 342.— Examination or the Kidney. The kidney after deliv-
present the incision can ""y •* examined by palpation and Bomelimca the pelvis ia opened
' , longitudinaUy. pyelotomy, and the forefinger introduced palpates
be closed by a Lembert jj^ calices.
suture. This is a sim-
ple procedure in a thin individual in whom plenty of space is present, and
is attended by very little bleeding. The operator must be very careful not to
cut tlirough both sides of the pelvis in making the incision, for the tissues
584 OPERA.TIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNElf
are on the stretch and the anterior and posterior walls are often flattened on
one another.
It ia^ safer to have an assistant steady the kidney with one hand and then for
tlie oiierator and the assistant to pick up the wall of the pelvis with thumb for-
ceps and cut between them.
Further internal exploration of the kidney requires a vertical incision
through its convexity which will allow us to see calculi or tubercular nodules
or abscess cavities. This operation will be considered later under nephrotomy.
Kephropexjr. — There are very many operations for fixing a movable kidney,
but I shall describe only my own operation, which was formulated by me to
cover the different difficulties that are met in anchoring the organ.
Technique of Nephropexy. — The patient should be placed either face
down with a pillow under the abdomen, or else on the healthy side with a sand
-^
Fto. 343. — Opbratiok for Movable Kivnet. The fixation sutures are passed Uirough the abdom-
iual wall before the kidney is delivered and then hang on either side of tiie patient while the kidney
is being operated on.
bag or some other supjHirt under the loin. The latter position will be consid-
ered, as it is much easier to describe first all the operations that can be done
in this position. The incision is the vertical one already shown, to be curved if
necessary. (See Tig, 325.) Before delivering tlie kidney, I pass the fixation su-
tures through the abdominal wall excepting the skin, two fixation sutures through
the muscles and f ascias on the inner side of the incision below the twelfth rib and
one through the outer side (Fig. 343). The first suture is passed through the
erector spinie muscle and other muscles and fascia ]ust below the twelfth rib, and
the second or lower one is passed through the same tissues about one inch below
the upper one. The third fixation suture is passed through the abdominal on
EXPLORATIONS AXD OPERATIONS
5S5
tile inner side of the incision in a space corresponding to tliat between the
sutures on the outer side. It is impossible to put in two traction sutures on
either side of the incision that will hold it up at equal distance without either
twisting the kidney or going through the pleura, the eleventh intercostal space,
or the corresponding rib; therefore, as the object of nephropexy is to anchor
the kidney as near as pos-
sible to its normal posi-
tion, it is better to put but
one fixation suture througii
the inner side of the in-
cision. The ends of each
filiation suture are clamped
together and are allowed
to hang over the side of the
body until further needed.
The kidney is then de-
livered in the manner al- Pia.344.— Opbhation for Movable Kidnet. The kidDcy ia then
kidney is easily delivered on
account of its long pedicle. The operator can often simply lift it out of its fossa
by grasping the falty capsule on either side and pulling the organ first downward
beneath the iliac crest and then shooting the upper pole over the twelfth rib to
the surface of the body, after which
the lower pole is delivered.
Fto. 346. — Opbration' for Movable Kidnet. Fia. 346. — Operattom for Movable Kidnxt.
The CBpaiila propria of thpkidDcyiitheD nicked The kidccy capsule on the back of the kidney
in the middle of ita convexity and a Rrooved istheareflected halfway to tbebilum by gently
director ia pushed beneath it up as far as the drawingitdown with thumb forceps until hall
upper pole, after which it is cut through. The of the posterior surface is bare. The capmila
capsule is then sUt la the same wsO' down to propria over the anterior surface of the organ
its lower pole. is not disturbed.
In twenty-five per cent of the cases I operated upon, the kidney was
markedly enlarged ; ten per cent were lobulated and indurated. In some cases,
the hepatic flexure and the ascending colon were adherent and accompanied the
kidney on its excursions. Adhesions to surrounding tissues were present in a
number of patients. The separation of adhesions and the decapsulation caused
varying amounts of hemorrhage in the different cases.
586 OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNET
Tlie whole of the posterior side of the fatty capsule on the posterior surface
of the kidney should then be cut away and about one half of its anterior surface
{Fig. 344).
The capsiila propria should now be split from pole to pole over the convex-
ity by making a small incision through it and then passing a grooved director
beneath it as far as the upper pole and cutting through the capsule on to the
groove with a knife. The cut is also made down to the lower pole in the
same way.
The posterior capsule is reflected do\vn toward the pelvis until one half
of the organ is decapsulated. The capsula propria over the anterior part of the
organ should remain intact
(Fig. 346).
The explanation of this
is as follows: Over the pos-
terior surface of the kidney,
no fatty capsule is needed,
as it will prevent the kidney
from adhering and growing
to the posterior abdominal
wall. The capsula propria
is reflected back, because it
enables the kidney tissue
to come in closer contact
with the posterior abdominal
wall and to form a firmer
union.
The anterior surface of
the capsule is not reflected
because it is not desired to
have the anterior surface
become any more adherent
to the soft tissue than is
natural. The anterior layer
of the fatty capsule is half
Fio. 347. — Opehation roa Movable Kivnbt. The posterior (li8s«'cted away to prevent
fiiution Butures are passed through the doubled capsule of , , , . , . ,
the kidney. a redundancy which might
overlap the convexity of the
kidney and interfere with the adhesion between the posterior wall of the kidney
and the abdominal wall.
The sutures Xos. 1, 2 and 3, which have already been passed through the
walls of the incision, are now passed through the capsule. ' No. 1 is passed
through the posterior layer of the capsula propria, both the reflected layer
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 587
and the part of the capsule on to which it has been reflected, thus making it
doublj
the do
siile at
upper
passes
sule a
renchj
throug
quarte
low.
passed
layers
low ^
way I
fixatio
inner
throug
of th,
It en(
Fio. M9.— OwRATiON FOB MoVASLK EiDNET. The lodney ifl now pushed back again into the reiwl
foeaa and the fixatJoo mituree that have just passed through the renal capaula propria are again
pamed through the abdominal wall halt an inch below where they entered. The abdominal waU ia
here depicted very much thinner than it should be.
588 OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
of the convexity of the kidney, between the anterior layer of the capsule
and the renal parenchyma, and passes transversely beneath the capsule for
three quarters of an inch. It then pierces the capsule and is carried down
along its outer surface for three quarters of an inch, where it again pierces
the capsule and emerges from beneath it at the edge of the convexity again
(Fig. 348).
The kidney should now be pushed back into its fossa again with the free
ends of the sutures, that have passed through the abdominal wall and the cap-
FiQ. 3S0. — Operatiok for Movable Kidnet. The tnuaclea and faacis of the abdominal inrUon are
then closed by interrupted sutures. The fixation sutuns are hauled taut and tied over the cX'
tercal layer or lumbar fascia Htid the skin ia brought together over them.
sule, clamped and hanging loosely. Then the free ends of the sutures on Xos.
1, 2 and 3 arc threaded on llagedoni needles and passed through the abdominal
wall from within outward through internal fascia, muscles and external fasoia
(Fig. 349), half an inch beneath the point at which they were inserted, and then
the two ends of each suture are clamped together again. The sides of the in-
cision are then sutured together, the deep fascia sewed, then the mnacles and
the superficial fascia. The kidney is now anchored by drawing the fixation
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 589
sutures taut and tying their enda together (Fig. 350). This should be done
with great gentleness to prevent tearing the capsule or disturbing the relations
with the posterior abdominal wall,
which are exactly correct for a good
apposition (Figs. 351, 352, 353).
Fro. 352. — SKtmoNAL Postbrior Vibw atrr
iMVBxnT AITER Ahchosiho THE KiDHET. /. Posterior fixa-
(BY. tioD suture. la. Anterior Gistion suture.
;//. Line of the iucinoii union.
After the abdominal wall has
been brought together and the
sutures tied, the akin is closed
by interrupted sutures tied well
to the outside of the incision.
. Aftkr-treatment of
Nephropexy. — In order to
have a good result, the patient
sboidd lie in the dorsal position
for three weeks with no pillow
under the head. The discom-
fort of not changing position is
very great, but it is imperative
Pio. 363.— Amteriob Viiw ai-teb Anchorino the Kidket. if success is desired.
690 OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
During the operation for nephropexy, there are rarely any difficulties en-
countered. Sometimes the adhesions between the capsula propria and the
kidney are so great in places that small pieces of renal tissue are torn, giving
rise to hemorrhage. This, however, can be easily controlled by hot water or
peroxid of hydrogen.
After the operation, there is often a reaction, the temperature going up
to 101° or 102° F., which generally drops to normal after the bowels have
moved.
Occasionally stitch abscesses form, causing a slight rise of temperature.
The suture is removed from the affected part, the wound washed out with
peroxid and a wet dressing (bichlorid solution) applied. The temperature then
drops and the wound heals uneventfully.
I have had but one case of deep-seated abscess. This was in a woman who
was a bleeder. She bled continually from the wound for three days. The
bleeding was in the nature of an oozing. It was treated by injections of peroxid
of hydrogen and hot water. The wound was then packed. It later became in-
fected, a perinephritic abscess formed, which was opened and drained and
treated as a collection of pus elsewhere. The wound healed slowly with a firm
attachment of the kidney to the abdominal wall. Another case developed a
hematoma, which pressed upon the ascending colon and gave rise to symptoms
of ileus. These disappeared, however, after morphin for the pain was given,
followed by a purgative. For further information see chapter on Movable
Kidney.
Benal Decapsulation. — I shall say only a few words regarding renal decap-
sulation, as I have considered it in the surgical treatment of chronic nephritis ;
but it is not a procedure to be recommended, as my experience has shown me
that it is harmful, rather than beneficial.
The steps of freeing the kidney are the same as those described under
nephropexy. The organ is decapsulated in the same manner, excepting that
it is drawn back on either side to the hilum, after which the entire capsula
propria is either cut away by scissors or else it is rolled up around the pedicle
and left there. The decorticated kidney is then replaced in its fatty capsule,
from which it is supposed to obtain an additional supply of blood through the
extension of blood vessels from this capsule into the substance of the kidney.
Results have shown that the blood supply received from the fatty capsule does
not increase the circulation of the kidney and that a new capsula propria forms
which compresses the organ much tighter than did the original one. The opera-
tion has now but few supporters either in this coimtry or in Europe.
Nephrotomy. — The incision is through the convexity of the kidney into the
pelvis. Nephrotomy is the operation par excellence in nephrolithiasis. It is
also a valuable operation in hemorrhagic and neuralgic nephritis, and in all
cases of suppurative kidney requiring drainage.
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS
591
Technique. — Before performing a nephrotomy on an organ that has been
delivered, it is well to clean up quite thoroughly the ureter and the vascular
pedicle, and to separate them from each other. I generally find the ureter first,
as in the case of exploring the kidney, and then clean it with gauze up to the
pedicle; after which, I pass my forefinger behind the vessels of the pedicle and
free them from the surrounding tissues by wiping them with gauze.
The pedicle should be controlled while the incision through the parenchyma
into the pelvis is being made. This can be done by an assistant hooking his
^o^_
Fio. 354. — Nephrotomy. In performing nephrotomy the same position and loin incision is used.
In all cases of nephrotomy the ureter is delivered and separated from the vascular pedicle, palpated,
and has a traction suture placed about it. The vascular pedicle is then compressed by an assistant.
forefinger about the vessels and then flexing it tightly in case there is suflBcient
space ; or if there is not, placing the tips of the fore and middle fingers on one
side of the vessels of the pedicle and the thumb on the other and then compress-
ing them (Fig. 354). I sometimes place a rubber band around the vessels and
tighten it. A round band is the best, as a flat one is liable to cause traumatism.
Having placed it about the pedicle, I am in the habit of grasping it with for-
ceps and twisting it until the pressure is sufficient to cut oflF the blood supply.
Clamps padded by rubber tubing can also be used, but I am always afraid of
injuring the vessels by too much pressure.
After the blood supply has been shut off, the kidney is grasped at one pole
between the thumb and forefinger of one hand, while the assistant, if desired,
steadies the other pole in such a way that the organ is held in a straight posi-
592 OPERATIVE RITRaEET OF THE KTDNET
tion. An incision is tlien made through the parenchyma into the pelvis. Thia
should be made a little nearer the posterior portion of the convexity than the
anterior, as then there is less danger of wounding the vessels. It can be a long
f^a. 355. — Nbpbbotout; trb Loho Incision fbou Pole to Pole, a LnTi.B Nbabbr the Pobtekiob
Portion of the Convexity than the Anterior. It gives ft better view of the interior of tha
kidney aad its pelvis.
incision from pole to pole (Fig. 355), or a short one between the poles (Fig.
356). In the former case, a better view of the interior of the kidney and ita
pelvis is given; whereas in the latter, it is only sufficiently large to palpate the
interior, winch woidd be neces-
sary for the detection of a cal-
cnhis or for the drainage of a pus
kidney. The best rule for the
short incision is to divide the
convexity of the kidney into three
Fio. 35a.-NBPHROTOMT; TOE Shoot Incision bbtween Pa^ts transversely and then to
THE Polks. It is only sufficiently long for poipatiiig make an incjsion 1^ incfaes long,
the interior of the kidney Bud iU pelvis or for drainage. ... . . ,
having Its center at ttie jnnction
of the lower and middle third of the organ. This incision should be 5 milli-
meters posterior to a vertical line drawn through the middle of the convexitv.
After the incision has been made down to the pelvis, the tip of the finger should
be introduced into the pelvis and the calices, and, with the fingers of the other
hand on the outside of the kidney and ureter, a very complete examination of the
organ can be made. The ureter should then be catheterized from the renal pel-
vis down to the bladder to see if there is any impediment. Calculi can some-
times be detected by downward catheterization which had not been noticed when
the ureter had been catheterized from below upward (Fig. 357).
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 593
In case of a kidney with an apparently healthy parenchyma, it is advisable
to cut through as little as possible of it, as the sutures that are employed to
close it cause some traumatism in their passage ; besides which, the pressure on
the renal tissue required to hold the sides of the wound together tends to inter-
fere with the circulation in the cortex. In any ease, if it is necessary to thor-
oughly inspect the wound, an incision along the entire convexity should be made,
although this would give rise to more hemorrhage. With the best conservative
measures which we have at present for compression of the ])edicle, there is al-
the reoal pelvis to the Uadder. t
ways some hemorrhage, and the first gush when the kidney empties itself may
be sufficient to wash out a small stone as well as to disguise somewhat the char-
acter of the surface that we are ins])ecting. Sometimes we feel by the small
'incision an induration that resembles a stone and make the longer incision and
find nothing but a node of fibrous tissue. The small incision is usually sufficient
for examination and drainage.
Tbeatment of the Renal Incision, — This depends upon the causes for
which nephrotomy is performed. \Vhen it has been performed simply for ex-
ploration, if nothing has been foimd, a specimen of the kidney tissue should be
taken to examine for tumor or tuberculosis ; if for the removal of stone, the
calculus should be removed with a forceps; if for hemorrhagic nephritis, for
an aseptic case of stone, for exploration, or in fact for any condition associated
with an aseptic kidney, the renal inoision can be closed immediately after the
nephrotomy. In all suppurative eases, however, whether the operation has
been performed for the drainage of a renal abscess or of a pyonephritic or pyo-
594
OPEEATIVE SURGEET OF THE KIDNEY
nephrotic kidney, a drainage tube — either a large single tube or two smaller ones
— should be inserted tlirongh the renal incision into the pelvis, and should leave
the kidney at the junction of its middle and the lower third, to remain as long as
necessary for the individual case.
Suturing the Kidsev. — In ease the kidney is aseptic as well as the urine
coming from it, the incision can be closed by interrupted sutures. I use sutures
of chromic gut No. 2, which are passed through both sides of the incision f
of an inch apart and IJ inches from the margin of the wound, while between
these, i of an inch from the margin of the incision, another row of interrupted
sutures No, 2 plain catgut is passed and
ligated (Figs. 358 and 359).
J. 358. — Method o
iP Pasi
iina SUTOEBS
Clobino the Neph
r Incision :n i
KiDHET.
lo. 359. — Appearance op tbb Kidnet afyer
Closure. Sutures Bhould Dot bo tied too tiEbtly,
as it iujures the kidney.
A cigarette drain should then be introduced into the wound in the loin as
far as the kidney and allowed to remain for twenty-four to forty-eight hours
and as long after this as
there is any evidence of
urinary leakage.
If there is any pus
found in the urine com-
ing from the diseased
organ, even if it is mi-
croscopical, a drainage
tube, No. 25 French, soft
rubber; should be in-
serted into the pelvis of
the kidney at the junc-
tion of the middle and
lower third of the organ, (See Fig. 360.) The kidney incision should then be
closed up to the tube in the manner just described. It should then be drained
for three or four days, and the kidney pelvis washed out with silver solution
Fio. 360. — DaAtNAOR Tobb im Positiom. In pua cases a soft-
rubber tube should be inserted into tbe renal pcli-is and pro-
trude at the junction of the lower and middle third.
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 595
1 : 1,000 at the morning dressing and with borie-acid solution at the evening
dressing. In case extensive suppuration is seen at the operation, the kidney
should be drained for eight days and washed out through the tube in the same
way. It may even be wiser to drain every kidney, using a small catheter in cases
in which there is no pus in the urine. In all cases, the tube should be attached
to the kidney capsule by plain gut and a wick or cigarette drain should be
passed by its side to the surface of the kidney. Cases without pus are, how-
ever, very rare in my practice.
Complications during and after Nephrotomy. — The complication that
causes most alarm during nephrotomy is hemorrhage. This has often been very
alarming in my own cases, especially in cutting into the kidneys of cases with
hemorrhagic nephritis and anurias. If the vessels of the pedicle have been
well grasped, the hemorrhage is controlled when the kidney is opened ; but when
the pressure is removed, it may become profuse. It is usually a capillary ooz-
ing, although sometimes there is a spurting artery. The oozing is generally
controlled somewhat by hot w^ater or peroxid of hydrogen. Adrenalin is some-
times used and has given better results in the hands of others than in my own
cases. If very hot water, 120° to 130° F., is poured into the kidney and its
t\vo sides are immediately grasped Bnd held together, the oozing will usually
diminish so that the catheter drain can be inserted into the pelvis and the two
sides fastened by sutures, as already described. If, after suturing the kidney,
the bleeding continues and the operator feels worried about the case, I suggest
that a four-tailed bandage be applied for a few hours. This measure has not
been considered feasible heretofore, because the wound could not be closed as
it should be after the operation on account of the necessity of '^iithdrawing the
bandage. An admirable device of Da Costa of cutting the base of the bandage
in two and then sewing pieces together with plain catgut, which softens and
allows the bandage to be easily pulled out, has greatly overcome this difficulty.
A four-tailed bandage consists of a piece of gauze 16 Inches long and 8
inches wide, which is dra^vn under the kidnev from above downward in such
a way that A and B come above the pedicle, and C and D below it. Tails B
and C are then tied together on the middle of the renal convexity and A over
one pole and D over the other, thus controlling hemorrhage by pressure (Fig.
361).
A spurting artery is sometimes seen, especially when the long incision is
made in the kidney from the extremity of one pole to that of the other and
extending too far anteriorly in an uneven course. Such an artery should be
caught and ligated. Often the ligature will not remain on; in which case, a
ligature should be passed about it by a curved round needle and the artery,
including the tissue about it usually on one side of the incision, should be ligated.
Sometimes the clamping and ligating of the artery is sufficient to stop the
hemorrhage, and during the closing of the kidney the suture slips off and no
OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
Fio. 361 A. — FocH-TAiLBD Bakdaob. The base of the band-
age has been cut thraiigh and catgut sutures have been
passed through the tails A and B and tied. Two others
are passed ihrough tails C and D and not tied. The
looped parts of the two lower sutures are pulled out and
slipped over the convexity of the kidney while the base
or the bandage is being pulled by its concavity. After
the bandage ia in place the \fiofe Inopn of the sutures are
slipped over (he lower pole of the organ and tied on the
concave aide like the two upper ones.
Spurting follows. The question tlien comes up: Should the kidney sutures
used in closing the kidney be removed and tlie artery be sought for and again
clamped and ligated; should
7A a clamp be left on, or a tailed
bandage be applie<l 'i I gener-
ally do nothing but pack
some gauze on either aide of
the kidney and close the
wound up to the drain, in
case one has been inserted
into the organ, according to
whether the case is aseptic
or septic, I put on a light
dressing and instruct the
lioiise surgeon to have the
jMilse taken every half hour
and, in case it increases in
rapidity and l)ecouies weak,
to notify me; if I cannot be
found, to consider it as
an emergency case, to give
strychnin gr. ^ by hypo-
dermic and a pint of hot salt
solution with 2 ounces of
whisky by enema, to be re-
tained. Then, in case the
pulse does not rapidly im-
prove, I instruct him to open
the wound, withdraw tlie
packing and deliver the kid-
ney. In ease the hemorrhage
comes from the part of the
spurting artery, I direct him
to o[ien that part of the kid-
ney incision, clamp the artery
and then either pass a ligature on a needle about it and ligate it ; or clamp it and
leave the clamp on for forty -eight hours; or put on a four-tailed bandage; or, if
the hemorrhage is very had and the patient's condition critical, put a clamp on
the vascular pedicle. Then, except in the last instance, my instructions are to
close the kidney again, pack gauze about it and return it to its fossa and bring
the sides of the incision in the abdominal wall together by straps and notify me.
On visiting the hospital, I would then, in the ease of the buried ligature or the
o. 361 B.-
FonR-TAiLED Bandage
IN Place.
TaU B on
one aide is
then tied to tail C on
nc other, a
is also tail
C lo toil D; the tied ends crossing
one anothc
ill the mid-
die of the
convexity. Tails A a
e then united over the
upper prfe
and tails D over the lower.
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 597
clamp, probably simply close the abdominal wound, leaving sufficient space for
the kidney drain or the clamp to protrude. In the third instance, I would in-
spect the kidney and withdraw the bandage or simply loosen it and leave it in
place and watch the result, which would probably be favorable. In case of either
the clamp on the artery or the bandage, it w^ould not be left on over forty-eight
hours. In the fourth instance, that is, when the renal pedicle had been clamped,
I would do a nephrectomy.
I do not approve of packing the kidney and, in case it is done for hemor-
rhage, think that it should only be done for oozing and not for a spurting artery.
In case the kidney is packed for hemorrhage, I think that a four-tailed bandage
should be placed about the kidney and that it should be brought up to the
o[3ening in the abdominal wall and held there in a sling, thus making a tem-
{M)rary nei)hrostomy. I may here say that, although I have given the directions
that I have just mentioned many times to a house surgeon and have been ex-
tremely anxious about many cases at the time of the operation, it has happened
only once that a house surgeon has reported to me by telephone a case that I
thought would hav^e to be interfered with. In that particular case, he opened
the wound in the loin, caught a spurting artery, stopped the hemorrhage by a
buried ligature, and then closed the wound again. The case was one of hemor-
rhagic nephritis.
Urinary and pus sinuses are very frequent complications. A urinary sinus
usually closes in from three to six weeks. In case it does not, a ureteral cathe-
ter can be ])assed up into the renal pelvis and retained there. If, on its with-
drawal at the end of a week or two, the urinary discharge from the fistula has
not decreased, then an exploratory operation should be performed to see if
there is any cause for the interruption of the flow of urine down its natural
channel. For the causes of such a condition, see the chapters on Urinary Re-
tention in the Kidney, Hydronephrosis and Movable Kidney.
A suppurative sinus shows that a destructive process is still going on in
the kidney which is probably the seat of a pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis. The
sinus sliould be \vashed out with silver solution 1 : 1,000 and drained with the
object of having it close from the bottom. In case, however, the sinus continues
and the patient is losing weight and strength and running a slight temperature,
an operation should be performed to see what the cause of the continued sup-
puration is and what the probabilities are of its cessation. This may be due
to an unabsorbed suture, to a concealed stone or to a slow suppurative process
from other causes. It usually means a secondary nephrectomy and it is not
wise to allow the patient to continue too long \vithout operation.
Poor Drainage. — After a nephrotomy in a septic case, the drainage often
diminishes or ceases and later there is a rise of temperature and other symptoms
of pus absorption. In such a case, a pocket of pus has formed, or the tube has
been passed between some muscular layers or muscle and skin, instead of into
598 OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
or down to tlie kidney. The forefinger should then be inserted into the wound,
when it will soon strike a recent line of cleavage through which it will work
its way down to the kidney and from there into any i>ocket that may happen
to be present. Tn case the wound has closed and the finger cannot be worked
down to a pns cavity, an incision should be nia{te down to the perinephritic
region and any piig pocket present should be drained.
In any case in which the patient's condition is impaired after a nephrotomy
and in which a slow grade of sepsis exists, the condition of the two kidneys
should be ascertained and, if the organ that has not been operated upon is
healthy, the suppurating organ should be explored and any cause of suppura-
tion encountered should be removed or corrected if possible; in case it is im-
possible, a nephrectomy should be performed.
Nephrostomy. — This means an incision through the convexity of the kid-
ney into its pelvis, that is, nephrotomy, pins the stitching of its two sides to
those of the incision in the loins. It is a good method in suppurative cases in
which the kidney has to be packed; or when it is very much destroyed, as in
some cases of calculous pyonephrosis ; or when it is desirable to employ per-
manent renal drainage and consequently have it in the most convenient place for
inserting a tube. Before the kidney is incised, the fatly capsule should be dis-
sected from it for about an inch on all sides of the area in which the incision
is to be made so that the kidney will be in close apposition to the abdominal
wall. The short or long incision can be made into the renal pelvis, after which
it should be explored in the same way as in nephrotomy. Sutures should then
be passed through the side of the abdominal wall and the walls of the kidney,
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS , 590
two on each side and one at each end, six in all (Fig. 362), These should then
be pulled taut, which will bring the cavity of the kidney just behind the mid-
dle o£ the incision in the loin. The sutures should then be tied on either side
rii
and the incision in the muscles and skin brought together by suture above
and below up to the beginning of the incision into the kidney on either side.
The kidney should then be packed with gauze. After the hemorrhage has ceased,
i.
600 OPERATIVE SUEGEEY OF THE KIDNEY
the gauze should be removed and one or two tubes inserted for drainage (Fig,
363). The drainage tube, or one of them in case two are preseDt, is connected
by a glass tube with another piece of tubing extending into a bottle on the Hiwr
beside the bed (Fig. 364). The bottom of the bottle should be about one quar-
ter full of carbolic-acid solution to facilitate drainage by siphonage. A binder
should then be placed about the body, through which the tube protrudes.
The same methods of closing the abdominal wound, of inserting drainage
tubes into the kidney and draining the wound by siphonage after operation are
employed in both nephrotomy and nephrostomy.
Pkbmahent Drainage after Nephrostomy. — This is occasionally em-
ployed when there is obstruction to the flow of urine through the ureter or into
the bladder on one side. The apparatus devised by Watson, and recommended
by bim principally in nephrostomy for tumor of the bladder, is the prefer-
able one.
Fig. 365. — CtjP'Shaped Shield o
Fig. 365 shows the front of the apparatus, which is bell-shaped, with a
rubber ring about its base and a tube through its center. The front part of the
tube extends into the kidney pelvis, whereas the outer end of the tube con-
nects with a tin box hanging below it and resting on the back of the pelvis
of the affected side. The urine rims through the tube into the tin bos
(Fig. 366).
EXPLORATIONS AITO OPERATIONS 601
Nepbrectomy. — Nephrectomy is the operation for the removal of a kidney.
It is a much more serious operation than nephrotomy on account of the neces-
sity of cutting the renal pedicle,
as this procedure may result in
sudden death from extensive
hemorrhage or in slow death
from venous leakage after the
operation. Death may also oc-
cur from shock in a few hours,
or from anuria as the result of
an acute congestion or inflam-
mation of the other kidney, due
to the amount of extra work
suddenly thrown upon it.
This is the operation for
every ease of tumor of tlie kid-
ney and of unilateral tubercu-
Uwis ; also for cases of nephro-
lithiasis in whicli the organ is a
mere pus sac. It should also he
used in cases of ruptured kid-
ney in which the organ is se-
verely injured and incapable of
functionating; or in case the
liemorrhagD is severe, in which f.,„, 366.-Th» MrrAi. Receptacle or Watsonb Ap-
lattcr instance it becomes an paratus fob Pehuai
„. a Nephrostomt. (After ABhtoD,)
emergency o[)eration.
Techxique. — The freeing and delivery of the organ is the same as in the
operations of nephrotomy. The consideration of the pedicle is most important
and it is more essential in this operation than in any other to have the vessels
well cleaned and free from fat, as it is then easier to pass the ligature and tie it
with less danger of slipping, which is the important part of a nephrectomy.
The forefinger of one hand should be passed around the pedicle to steady it
and the outside of the vessels should be wiped down with a piece of wet or dry
gaiize held in the other hand. In this way, an expanse of clean pedicle will be
exposed, making it much easier to pass the ligature between the vessels without
injuring the veins. A wide ciined clamp with blades one and a half inches
long should be placed on the pedicle in front of the ureter, this duct having been
drawn back. The clamp should not he closed too tightly, as making too much
pressure tends to increase the tension in the vessels of the pedicle, to bind them
together more tightly and thus to make it more difficult to introduce the liga-
ture carrier between the vessels without tearing them. The surgeon should
602 OPERATIVE STIRGEET OF THE KIDNEY
always remember, in placing the clamp about the vascular pedicle, to feel about
it with the object of seeing that the nreter is not included, as this would tend
to make the pedicle thicker and more difficult to ligate securely. I have, on a
few occasions, caught the ureter with the clamp after having carefully sepa-
rated it from the vessels. In fact, in beginning to perform nephrectomies, I
frequently ligated the ureter and vessels together without ever having had
a mishap. The ligature material used is generally chromic gut, but this
is liable to slip, as the blood pressure in the renal artery is as great, if
not greater, than any other artery in the body. Braided silk is the safer,
although it tends to leave a sinus that may not heal for several montlia,
but it is better to have a sinus remaining than death from operative
hemorrhage.
There are numerous instruments used for carrying the ligature between the
vessels of the pedicle. The curved ligature carrier is usually employed and
PBDtCLB LlOATCRBB i:
is pushed through behind a tight clamp, I have on two occasions torn the vein
in this way and I prefer to pass a thin-bladed artery clamp gently between the
vessels (Fig. 367). An assistant then inserts the ligature into its jaws on the
other side, in such a way that I can pull it through double, cut it into two
pieces and ligate the vessels on either side (Fig. 368). I have frequently used
a pair of thumb forceps with equal satisfaction and also an aneurysm needle.
It is often difficult for the assistant to thread the aneurysm needle if it is
EXPLOHATIONS AND OPERATIONS 603
passed tmtbreadetl, wliereas in case it is passed threaded, it is sometiroes equally
difficult to pick up tbe ligature on the other side.
If possible, there must be sufficient space left between the clamp and the
kidney to cut through without injuring the organ or its pelvis. When I have
considerable space, I put an-
other clamp on the vessels
above tbe first one and cut be-
tween the two after having
ligated the vessels by means of
a square or surgeon's knot. I
leave tbe ends of the ligatures
long.
Immediately after tbe vas-
cular pedicle has been cut
through, if I have not already
ligated and cut through the
ureter as I frequently do I ^'°' ^^- — Nbphbbctoiit; Lioatcrbs in Placb Rbadt
swing the kidney out of the in-
cision until it hangs over the patient's back, attached to its ureter, while I
inspect the ligated pedicle. I sometimes grasp the vascular ends of the pedicle
with artery forceps and reinforce the double suture already tied by another
nearer the spine (Fig. 369).
The pedicle stump must be
handled with great gentleness.
Very frequently in the ex-
citement of cutting away the
kidney, the operator pushes a
piece of gauze with force into
the wound on account of some
bleeding and in this way de-
taches the ligatiire, thus giv-
ing rise to more hemorrhage.
It is, therefore, important to
dry the wound with small
pieces of wet gauze on a
sponge holder and never to ii
Fio. 369. — Nephhectoitt: Sbcond IjoATuaE. The kidne, ■ ^ j ■ i_-
having been removed, it a often advUsble to place a » piece of dry gauze in thlS
eecoDd ligature above the firel. provided the pedide is a^ea. It is also advisable to
miffieiently strong. i i - i
make no traction on the pedicle
ligatures, but simply to use them as guides to the stump of the pedicle. I nearly
lost one patient through holding the pedicle ligatures while I turned for a pair
of scissors. The body of the patient rolled over slightly, making traction on
604 OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
the sutures, resulting in one slipping off and giving rise to a terrific hemor-
rhage. After cutting through the pedicle, the sides of the incision should be
retracted and the stump of the pedicle gently sponged with a very small piece
of moist gauze on a sponge holder.
Hemorrhage. — The treatment of bleeding is one of the most trying com-
plications that a surgeon has to encounter. It is usually due to the wounding
of a vein during the passing of the ligature. If a bleeding point is present, it
can usually be seen and grasped with a pair of fine curved forceps and ligated
with catgut without difiiculty. Another cause of trouble in ligating a pedicle,
is through placing a second ligature over the original one, which may loosen
the first one and render both ligatures less effective. Any slight oozing can be
controlled by packing gauze into the renal fossa. If there is a profuse hemor-
rhage, then a hot wet gauze pad must be immediately pushed into the wound
and taken out quickly and the bleeding point sought for, clamped and ligated.
In case, however, a large amount of blood suddenly wells up into the operative
field, the operator must thrust the forefinger and middle finger of one hand
into the w^ound with their backs downward in an endeavor to catch the stump
of the pedicle between them and to pass a curved hysterectomy forceps beneath
them with the object of grasping the bleeding vessels and stopping the hemor-
rhage and saving the patient's life, ev^en at the risk of grasping peritoneum,
duodenum, colon or other tissues. After stopping the hemorrhage by this means,
it is well to leave the clamp in place or else the same mishap may recur.
I think that most cases of hemorrhage of the pedicle are caused by the
operator becoming excited and wiping the woimd out with gauze sponges and
clamping the pedicle at random, thus loosening knots that would otherwise have
held sufficiently well. The clamps just referred to should be left on the pedicle
for four days, although in a number of instances two days have proved to be
sufficiently long. The handles protrude from the wound and should be pro-
tected by gauze pads and a thick wreath of cotton. The position in bed of the
patient who has clamps on the renal pedicle is lying on the healthy side. The
wrist of the arm corresponding to the side operated upon should be tied to the
side of the bed which the patient faces, while the ankle of the operated side
is tied to the other side of the bed, to prevent the patient from rolling over on
the back while asleep.
I may here say that nephrectomy, owing in some cases to the shortness of
the vascular pedicle, to the diminished ileo-costal space, to a large amount of
fat, or to other causes, may be considered the most dangerous operation in sur-
gery. I have seen more surgeons become excited during this operation than in
any other, and personally I have never felt so helpless as when, owing to the
slipping of a ligature, I have had such a large amount of blood suddenly well
up into the wound that I expected the patient to die immediately; but up to
the present writing, no death from hemorrhage has occurred.
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 605
Treatment of the Ureter. — The next step in our nephrectomy operation
is cutting through tKe ureter to which the kidney is hanging over the side of
the body, in the cases in which it was not cut before the pedicle was cut through.
It should in this instance be ligated in two places, leaving a space of half an
inch between the two ligatures, and then cut throTigh. In case the organ is in-
fected, the remaining end should be cauterized with carbolic or with the
Paquelin and then fastened into the wound. If it is tuberculous, the same
treatment can be used. In case it is extensively diseased, as much as possible
of it may be removed, although I rarely have to resort to this procedure. After
nephrectomy in a septic case or one of tuberculosis of the kidney, the wound
should be washed oTit with a 1 : 2,000 solution of bichlorid of mercury or peroxid
of hydrogen. It is prudent to leave a cigarette drain down to the pedicle for
twenty-four hours and, on removing it, to insert a sm^ll catheter through the
opening and again wash- the wound out.
Accidents. — Accidents other than hemorrhage from the pedicle in per-
forming nephrectomy are opening the peritoneum or the pleura ; hemorrhage
from an accessory artery ; or the tearing of the vena cava.
Wounding the Peritoneum, — This is usually torn through accidentally in
freeing the kidney that is very adherent to the STirrounding tissues. In this
case, the surgeon may see through the tear the smooth peritoneal surface, the
omentum or intestine, or one of the organs, as the liver or spleen.
In aseptic cases, sponge any protruding part with salt solution, replace it
and close the peritoneum with plain catgut sutures. In septic cases, the pro-
truding part should be washed with peroxid of hydrogen and later with salt
solution, before returning it and suturing the rent. On one occasion when the
tear was small and nothing was protruding, I simply placed a piece of gauze
over the tear to wall it off from the operation field and allowed it to remain
in place for two days after the operation. I have never had any trouble result
from opening the peritoneum, although in one septic case I could see the lower
part of the lobe of the liver protriiding.
Opening of the Pleura, — The pleural cavity is usually opened when cutting
up to the twelfth rib with scissors in the effort to make the incision as high as
possible. The accident is immediately recognized by a peculiar, rough, aspirant
sound, caused by the sucking of air into the pleural cavity and its discharge
during the acts of inspiration and expiration. I can remember at the present
writing only a single instance in which I cut through the pleura in nephrec-
tomy, although I also did it in a case of hydatid cyst of the kidney, in which
the cyst alone was operated, and in a case of movable kidney. In these cases,
I simply closed the opening by a continuous suture of chromic gut and do not
think that the accident had any bearing on the result of the operation.
Hemorrhage from an Accessory Artery, — Hemorrhage, as I have already
mentioned, is the most trying and dangerous accident that can occur in nephrec-
606 OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
tomy. It sometimes comes from accessory arteries. These usually enter the
kidney on its internal border at the upper or lower pole. These vessels are
usually torn through and bleed while the surgeon is separating the fatty capsule
from the kidney. The bleeding point is caught by artery forceps and ligated.
If difficulty is found in stopping the hemorrhage with the ligature, the latter
should be passed threaded on a needle and the artery Hgated together with the
fatty tissue through or along which it passes. In case this is not sufficient,
the vessel should be clamped and the clamp left on for a day or two.
Hemorrhage from the Vena Cava. — Hemorrhage from a tear in the vena
cava occurs very rarely and usually in the case of malignant growths of the
kidney with adhesions, although it may also take place in the case of suppu-
rative diseases, as in pyonephrosis. The methods used to stop the hemorrhage
in this accident have been tamponing ; placing forceps on the part torn ; suturing
the vena cava; ligating the torn area by a lateral ligature; and finally com-
pletely ligating it. Strange as it may seem, the ligature of the entire vena
cava below the renal arteries has been employed a number of times and seems
to have given the best results, the return circulation taking place through the
azygos and vertebral veins. Gosset and Lecene (Tribune medicate, 1904) have
shown by their experiment on dogs that, when the vena cava is ligated below
the renal veins, the dog stands a fair chance of recovering ; but when it is ligated
above them, serious kidney lesions take place and the result is fatal.
Complications after Nepheectomy. — The complications that occur after
nephrectomy are : Anuria, infection, urinary or purulent fistulas, fecal fistulas.
Hemorrhage occurs sometimes after the operation, but rarely to a degree suf-
ficient to require more than to remove the suture in the abdominal wall and
tampon the renal fossa.
Anuria, — I am led to believe that this is extremely rare and will not occur
if we assure ourselves before the nephrectomy that the other kidney has suffi-
cient eliminating power to earry on the renal function after the operation.
As I look back over the nephrectomies that I have performed during the last
seventeen years, without making careful statistics I can only recall three cases
dying from anuria after nephrectomy, all of which cases occurred before we
were skilled in ureteral catheterization and in estimating the renal function
of each kidney. One of these was a case of tuberculosis of a unilateral kidney
operated upon without sufficient study or observation, another was a case of
nephrolithiasis associated with pyonephrosis and the third was a case of mul-
tiple abscess of the kidney — an emergency case. The case of unilateral kidney
died eight days after the operation; the second ease three days afterwards, the
autopsy showing acute cloudy swelling of the remaining kidney ; the third, two
days after, no autopsy.
Anuria should be treated medically after nephrectomy. We should give
salt solution (normal) by hypodermoclysis — 8 ounces every four hours if the
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 607
patient has lost much blood — as well as a high cleansing enema of salt solution.
Cups over the kidneys are also helpful. Internally, from 5 to 10 grains of
diuretin should be given every three hours in capsule, or theocin gr. j every hour.
If anuria persists for three days after a nephrectomy, a nephrostomy should
be performed on the remaining kidney and injections of salt solution by hypo-
dermoclysis and by rectum continued. The first danger signals of uremia in
these cases are generally headache, twitchings during sleep and contractions
of the pupils.
Infection of the Wound, — A rise of temperature to 100° or 102° F. is the
usual operative reaction and does not mean any more than it would after any
other kidney operation. It lasts from a few days to a week, although the tem-
perature usually goes down or to normal after the bowels have moved. In case
it does not, however, it would be advisable to examine the wound. If it is due
to a stitch abscess, the surgeon should take out the stitches. If due to gauze
having been left in the wound, it should be removed, the wound washed with
peroxid of hydrogen or a 1 : 2,000 solution of bichlorid and a wet dressing of
bichlorid applied locally.
Frequently after operations on suppurative kidneys, a purulent discharge
continues from the operative field. In these cases, the temperature may sud-
denly go up and it will be noticed that the drainage has stopped or diminished
as after a nephrotomy operation. The forefinger is then introduced into the
wound and works its way down into the renal fossa and finds the accumulation
of pus. It should then be washed out with peroxid solution and a drain in-
serted and the wound allowed to close from the bottom up. After nephrectomy
for tuberculosis, the fever may be due to a tuberculosis of the tissues in the
renal fossa requiring antiseptic irrigations and drainage.
Shock. — Avoid shock by hastening the operation. Determine beforehand
just what operative procedure will have to be done, just what may happen and
what to do in case it does happen. Have everything in readiness. Begin as
soon as the patient is imder the anesthetic and stop the anesthesia as soon as
possible. Give the patient ^ of a grain of strychnin before leaving the table
and a pint of salt solution with 2 ounces of whisky by enema after he is in
bed; then alternate the strychnin and the hot saline enemas every four hours
until the danger of shock has passed and the patient's pulse is good.
Suppurating sinuses are due to silk ligatures, fimgosities and abscess cavi-
ties above or below the pedicle. In tuberculous cases, the walls of the wound
may be lined with granulations or tubercles.
When silk ligatures are used, the ends should remain long and protrude
from the wound and they can then be twisted off. In any case, however, the
ligatures usually come away within three months and the sinus heals. In the
case of abscess pockets, they should be opened, washed out with a solution of
bichlorid, nitrate of silver, or peroxid of hydrogen, singly or alternating.
608 OPERATIVE SUEGERY OF THE KIDNEY
In tuberculous cases, curette the sides of the wound and pack with iodoform
gauze. In all pus cases, good drainage must be kept up.
After a nephrectomy of any variety, if infection is present in the wound,
a cigarette drain or tube should be passed down to the kidney stump and should
be attached to the skin. The skin is closed by interrupted sutures.
Secondary Nephrectomy. — This operation is performed in two classes of
cases: In the first instance, after a nephrotomy, performed for the object of
drainage, tuberculosis or any suppurative condition of the kidney, or for stone;
in the second instance, w^hen one kidney is so diseased that a nephrectomy is
called for, but the condition of the other organ is not sufficiently good to carry
on the work of renal elimination. In this second instance, the diseased kidnev
is opened and nephrotomy done for the sake of drainage and with the expecta-
tion of removing the nephrotomized kidney as soon as the healthier kidney is
able to do the work of total renal elimination.
The arguments in favor of and against secondary nephrectomies are con-
sidered in the various chapters of renal diseases. It is never used in tumor,
sometimes in tuberculosis and suppurative diseases from other causes; but in
my own experience, it has been most frequently employed in renal calculus.
The technique of secondary nephrectomy is the same as that of primary.
Subcapsnlax Nephrectomy. — This operation is indicated when the capsula
propria and the fatty capsule are so adherent that they cannot be separated.
The united capsules should be cut through and peeled from the kidney on
either side as far over the pedicle as possible. It is difficult to deliver the kid-
ney because the pedicle is so short and encumbered. A clamp should be place<l
on the pedicle and a heavy braided silk ligature placed at the point to which the
capsules have been peeled back; the vessels of the pedicle are cut through be-
tween the clamp and the kidney, after which the clamp is removed, although
it can be left on for two or three days in case hemorrhage is feared.
Another method is to free the ureter immediately after decapsulating tlie
organ, then to dissect up along the ureter to the renal pelvis, cut away as much
as possible of the anterior and posterior parts of the imited capsules and search
for the vessels in the mass of adherent fat and fibrous tissue in front of the
pelvis. After the vessels have been found, they should be freed by the method
already described. Renal exploration and delivery of the kidney should then
be attempted, although it is never very satisfactory. The pedicle can be clamped
proximal or distal to the reflected capsules, depending on our success in freeing
the pedicle. In either case, a braided silk ligature should be placed on the
pedicle, after which it should be cut through between clamp and pelvis. The
clamp should be left on or removed. Sometimes in subcapsular nephrectomies,
the renal pelvis, ureter and vessels are all caught in one ligature, in which case
there is liable to be considerable hemorrhage on cutting through the mass, as
it is so large that it is difficult to secure it firmly.
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 609
Albarran strips off the united capsulea, inserts the fingers of one hand
under the npper pole and those of the other hand under the lower pole and, by
pulling the organ down
and toward the front of
the body, he can usually
bring the kidney into such
a position as to be able to
seize the jieUicle by a
clamp pushed from below
upward. In many cases,
he finds it impossible to
see what is being done and
is guided more by the sense
of touch in placing the
clamp on the pedicle be-
fore the decorticated kid-
ney lias been delivered.
The kidney is then cut ^ "^^ 370. — Albabbah'b Method of SicnHiNa the Pedicle in a
, , , , , SUBCAFSUIiAB NePHRECTOUV.
through aiH)ve the clamp.
The stump of the pedicle, the ureter and (lelvis remain in the clamp.
The capsule is then cut through below the stump of the pedicle, and
the ureter found and fol-
lowed up to the vessels of
the pedicle and the capsule
around the i>edicle is then cut
through {Fig. 370). This al-
lows the capsule to slip back
over the renal vessels toward
the aorta and vena cava, thus
making room for passing the
ligature more carefully about the
renal vessels behind the clamp.
The ureter is then ligated sepa-
rately and cut through, and the
vessels of the pedicle as well
(Fig. 371). Tlie end of the
' stump of the pedicle contain-
ing the remains of the pelvis
should then be removed, after
which as niucli of tlie capsules
as possible should be cut away with scissors, care being taken not to attempt to
remove too much in case of firm adhesions.
610 OPERATIVE SURaERY OF THE KIDNEY
In doing subcapsular nephrectoraiea in a masa of adherent fibrous and fattr
capsules and tissues, it must always be remembered when the two capsules of
the kidney are adherent and cannot be separated, that the ureter should be
found and followed up to the renal pelvis, that the double capsule should then
be pushed down to the pelvis and as much as possible of it removed with the
scissors on all sides, thus giving more room for our work on the pedicle, A
strong silk ligature can then be tied about the pedicle and adherent tissue as
far from the kidney as possible. The kidney can then be split vertically. If,
after it has emptied itself of blood, the bleeding discontinues, it shows that the
ligature on the pedicle has shut oflf the blood supply. If the bleeding continues,
another heavy ligature or a clamp can be applied imtil it ceases. After the
bleeding has ceased, both sides of the kidney can he cut away with scissors.
Partial Nephrectomy. — This means the removal of part of the kidney. It
is not a common operation and ia usually confined to one pole of the kidney.
It is indicated in the case of an injury or malignant growth. This ia also an
exceedingly difficult operation, as the blood vessels on the sides of the kidney
are quite large and bleed so freely that they are dilficult to control; besides
which it ia not eaay to secure a good apposition and firm union of the cut
surfaces.
The organ having been delivered. It should be carefully held and the pedicle
firmly compressed. A wedge-shaped piece should then be excised from the
portion of the organ involved, after which its edges are drawn together with
sutures of No, 2 chromic catgut, which ahoidd be inserted 1^ cm, from the bor-
der of the incision, passing through the deepest part of the renal tissue, 15 mm.
from one another, before the pedicle is relieved of compression (Fig. 372).
Nephrectomy by MorcellemeBt. — This operation was made popular by Fsai
when renal surgery was in its infancy and is now rarely performed. It is well,
however, for a surgeon operating on the kidney to be familiar with all the meth-
ods, as he might find himself in a very uncomfortable position in attempting to
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 611
do the regular nephrectomy operfltion in B case in which the subcapsniar nephrec-
tomy or morcel lenient was indicated. It should be eniploye<i in rare instances,
=_ .^..T. .. ., ™.i' A curved eiamp mioiiiu men oe
ria.373B. — Nephrbctout bt Mobcbij.«iibnt. The _ ^
upper pole amputated, and correspoDdiDg clampa pass(>d lieside tllC detached part
KS and Ks in lilv, (Tufiiet.) j .i i ■ j i i_ i i
of the kidney, and should grasp as
much as possible of the |)edicle. The upper pole should then he freed as well
as possible, anil a straight elanip iipplied transversely to the kidney tissue in
612
OPERATIVE StmCERY OF THE KIDNEY
such a way as to shut off the blood supply to the upper pole. The upper pole
should then be cut away above the clamp, and another curved forceps should
be passed by the remaining stump of
the upper pole and should grasp as
much as possible of the pedicle. By
these maneuvers the blood supply
has been shut off from the kidney
by the two cur\'ed clamps on the
pedicle and nothing remains of the
organ but an area of kidney tissue
corresponding to the space between
the poles. This can be removed
piecemeal or in one piece after de-
taching the straight clamps. A liga-
ture sliould then be thrown about
the pedicle beyond the clamps and
ligatetl. In case this cannot be
done, then the clamps should be left
on from two to four days.
Closiko the Wound. — In all
the operations that have thus far
been described, the curved incision
in the lumbar region with the pa-
Fiu. 3730. — Nefhrectoht by Morcellehent. St tient lying ou the healthy loin haa
ahowB (he remains of the iathmuB between the two i i i mi i - i i
i«le3 after it h«a been out down. (Tuffier.) '^^^ employed. The wound IS closed
with Xo, 3 chromic gut, interrupted
sutures passed, first, through the deep lumbar fascia; second^ through the
muscles and third,
through the superfi-
cial fascia and skin.
The drainage tul)o,
if one ia emplnycil,
as is generally the
case, is inserted just
below the twelfth rib
at the apex of the kid-
ney angle down to the
stump of the renal
pedicle. It should be
fastened to the skin
with plain cateilt on ^'"-374.— Closinoofthe Wound in NEPHaEcroMTBTMoHCELLMiKiT.
The muscular and fascia layers of the wound are closed with intemipt«i
g the WOimU. sutures of No. 3 chromic gut; the skin also by iotemiptod luluru.
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 613
Nephrectomy by the TransverBe Indsion. — This la made in a tranaverse
line at the level of the umbilicus from the erector spiuse muscle to the rectus
abdominis {Fig. 327), The patient can be placed on the healthy side or on
the back; the latter position is preferable and will be considered here. It is
well to have a log or sand bag beneath the patient in such a position as to
stretch the ileo-himbar apace as much as possible. The incision ia popular
in cases in which it is desired to ligatc the pedicle before freeing the organ,
although it can be
applied whenever a
nephrectomy is to be
performed, as in tu-
berculoais or tnnior
of the kidney. It is
not such a good in-
ciaion for nephrot-
omy, nephrostomy or
an exploratory op-
eration and is
never used in neph-
ropexy. It is quite
frequently followed
by hernia.
The technique is
simple. The incis-
ion is made through
the skin and muscu-
lar wall of the abdo-
men and its fascite
down to the perito-
neum. The operator -pia. 375.— Nephhectomt bt the TRAMBVBneB Incibion. The Irid-
then stands on the "^^ delivered, the iiiuacular wall having been cut through and the
, , , . , , , peritoneum pulled toward the median line.
healthy side of the
patient while the assi.stants retract the wound and he gradually works his
hand with his finger tips curved in the direction of the interior abdominal
wall and gently separates the peritoneum from the internal fascia, at tlic
same time drawing it with its contents toward the median line until the fatty
capsule is seen.
An assistant then holds back the peritoneum and its contents toward the
healthy side and the surgeon cuts through the fatty eapsiule, showing the kidney.
The organ, ureter and pedicle are then exposed and freed, and the peritoneum
with its contents within is drawn still further toward the healthy side and the
kidney is delivered (Fig. 375). The vascular [Jedicle is then clamped and
OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
ligatud by thv suiiic iiietlioJ as lius already Ik
ncy removed and the ureter ligated and en
the dorsal iK>aition, with something iindi
in the preceding operation. A ver-
tical incision is made, extending
down along the outer border of tlie
rectus abdominis muscle, through
the skin, muscular wall and perito-
neum (Fig. 326). The intewtincs
and colon over the kidney are tlrawTi
toward the healthy side ; the wound
is widely retracted and the intestines
are well walled off with abdomina
pads. This gives a good view of the
outer layer of the mesocolon thmugh
which the ineiwon is made without
hemorrhage, as the blood vessels go-
ing to the colon are in the inner
layer of the mesocolon. The cut
along the outer border of the colon
is about an inch from it and is con-
tinned for a sufficient distance to
deliver the kidney ( Fig. 3T7 ) .
en outlined {Fig. 376), the kid-
through. The different layers
of the abdominal
wall are closed layt-r
by layer in the
same way as after
the other lumbar in-
cisions.
Anterior or Trans-
peritoneal Nephrec-
tomy.— This opera-
tion is generally per-
formed in cases uf
tumor of the kidaey,
especially in cliil-
dren, in cysts of tbe
organ and hydro-
nephrosis, as it is
supposed to give
The vaa- morg space. The iis-
ODS Side. . f ' .
tient IS placed in
the back as already described
/ \
/
, AnTBRIOB OB TRANBFEIUTONIAb Utr
The peritoneal cavity opened anil
sion made through mesucoloii on the outer
EXPLOHATIONS AND OPERATIONS
615
The fat about the kidney can easily be seen and, when cut through, shows
the kidney. The fatty capsule is pushed away from the posterior surface
of the organ and then from the anterior, care being taken in the latter case
not to injiire the blood vessels. The adhesions are sometimes very dense
and have to he clamped and li-
gated as in doing extraperito-
neal operations (Fig. 378),
The kidney ia then delivered
and the pedicle is clamped,
ligated and cut through, and
the kidney is removed in the
same manner as in the trans-
verse incision (Fig. 37i)). By
increasing the incision down-
ward, the lymphatic glands
can be seen and removed in
FlQ. 378. — Antbmob or Trakspesitonbal Nbphbec-
TOMT. The kidney being freed from the fatty cap-
sule after the poaterior panetal pentoneum has been
malignant cases. The peritonenm is then
closed with No. 2 plain catgnt posteriorly
and anteriorly, the fascia and the mus-
cular wall are closed with No, 3 chromic
gut and the skin with plain gut, chromic
gut or silkworm gut as preferred. In
case drainage is indicated, an incision
should be made through the loin from
within outward, just below the twelfth
rib and along the quadratns lumborum
muscle in the kidney triangle, and a
drainage tube should be pushed through
before closing the peritoneum posteriorly. After the operation, the dressing
should be performe<I through the loin incision, as in the case of an operation
through the loin.
i'to. 379. — Antebior or Transpbritonbal
Nephbsctoht. The kidney delivered;
the pedicle damped and ligated.
616
OPERATIVE SUBGERY OF THE KIDKET
In some patients it is considered desirable to drain from in front, in which
case the internal anterior and posterior layers of peritoneum are sewed together
as are the external anterior and posterior layers.
This leaves a space down to the renal fossa through
which a drainage tube is passed. The perito-
neum, muscular wall and skin are then sutured
individually up as far as the -tube and a strip of
gauze is inserted on either aide of the tube
(Fig. 380).
Operations for TTronephrosis and XTropyone-
phrosis. — Uronephrosis (hydronephrosis) and uro-
pyonephroaia are usually due to an improper rela-
tion between tlie pelvis and the ureter. They may
also be due to nephroptosis and to numerous
otlier causes, among which are abnormalities of the
ureter.
The blood vessels may be irregular in their dis-
tribution and their relations to one another. Ab-
normal branches of arteries may exist, acting as
strands (cords) on which the ureters double when a
movable kidney fills with urine and falls over them.
If such a branch is cut to afford relief to the kidney,
j might take place in
the part of the organ sup-
plied by the branch. Small
going to adhesions
can safely be cut
In hydronephrosis, the small pockets are first a part
of the pelvic cavity; later the kidney tissue becomes
atrophied, and large pockets form. These enlarge-
ments usually take place first in the lower part of the
renal pelvis, then in the central and upper portions,
corresponding to the two principal divisions of the
pelvis, resulting in an enlargeuient of the pelvis as
well as all the calices entering into it. At other
times it is simply a bag in which but little kidney
tissue is recognized. The amount of fluid in hydro-
nephrosis varies from a few grams to a few liters (Fig,
381).
Opkrative Tre.atment. — The variety of operation
for uronephrosis depends upon (a) whether tbe ureter is of good size and per-
meable; or (b) strictured, or (c) impermeable.
— AnTSMOR OB TmNB-
Nefhrectohv,
The kidney removed, the
wound oluscd, and the drain-
age in place.
Fia. 381. — HTDROtntPHKoaiB.
It in apparent that the
lower part of the dilated
sac cannot drain through
the ureter and that reten-
tioD of urine takes plac«
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS
617
(a) When the ureter is of good size and permeable, we must notice whether
or not the ureteral orifice 13 normal and at the lowest point of the pelvic pouch
and draining its cavity thoroughly; or whether it ia placed too high and con-
sequently makes a spur, damming back the urine. If it is not so placed as to
drain the pelvis well, it is necessary to (1) do a nephropexy, (2) resect perhaps
a portion of the pouch below the ureter, (3) perform a capittonage operation,
and reef or tuck up the part of the sac below the ureter, or (4) in case the ure-
ter is placed too high, cut down the spur.
(6) When the ureter is stricturcd at the level of its entrance into the pelvic
pouch, (5) uretero-plastic operations should be performed and in case these
do not appear feasible, (6) a lateral or (7) an end-to-end anastomosis between
the pelvic pouch and ureter should be made.
(c) When the ureteral canal is obstructed, a lateral or end-to-end anasto-
mosis should be made.
Technique of Opeeation. — The patient is in the same position as for a
nephrotomy, that is, lying on the healthy side with the loin to be operated upon
exposed. It is important to have an incision sufficiently long, as this makes
it easier to work on the renal pelvis. Besides this, it is important always to
pass a ureteral catheter from
below up to the renal pelvis. ,— — ■ —
( 1 ) Neph ropexy. — For
the technique of this opera-
tion see the chapter on
Xephropexy. The replacing
of tlie kidney in its normal
position often overcomes the
renal retention in cases of
movable kidney and estab-
lishes a satisfactory empty-
ing of the sac.
(2) Resection of the
Pouch (Operation of Albar-
ran). — The technique con-
sists of passing a ureteral
catheter, freeing the kidney
from ifa external capsule,
making an incision in the
renal pocket and exploring
the cavity. A clamp is
then applied transversely across the kidney just below the ureter, and another
a centimeter below it The kidney is then cut through between the two. After
this, the two sides of the kidney pocket are united by interrupted sutures just
Fio. 382, — Resection of Kidney Pouch below the Ubeter.
Two damps are placed across the kidney just below the ureter
and the organ is cut throush between them, after which the
two aides of the remuining part of the Iddoey are united.
618 OPERATIVE SUBGERY OF THE KIDNEY
lielow the nimaining clamp (Fig. 382). A ureteral catheter is passed through the
ureter to be retained, and the wound closed, leaving in a lumbar drain down to
- the kidney. The kidney
is then fastened to tbe
rather than fcj longitudinal ^^o. 3M.~A^^n^^-s l^^o^or Stvt^j^^ ,» C^^
sutures (Fig. 384:).
(4) Cutting down the Ureteral Spur (Pyelo-ureteral Operation, TrendeUn-
burg). — The kidney pocket is cut through at a iK>iut opposite the ureter to its
EXPLORATIONS AND OPERATIONS 619
lowest extremity and tlie adjoining wall of the ureter is cut down for the
aaiiie distance. A long nephrotomy incision is made through the kidney
F:o. 385. — TuTTiNa Down tbe Ureteral Spor. Fia. 386. — Cuttino Down thi
After nephrotomy, two damps are placed in Sutures passed unitinEpclvi
such away that each has one blade in the ureter OQ either Bide.
■ndoDeinpelvispoucb. They arc then clamped
and the combined pelvic and ureteral wall is cut
through.
to the pelvis, which is 0|)eiiod widely to the
bottom of the cavity. Two loug-hladed (Koch-
er's) forceps arc then introduced, each hav-
ing one blade in the pelvis of the kidney and
the other in the ureter. A ureteral catheter
ia passed down the ureter. A knife with a
thin blade is then use<l to cut down the spur to
tlie lowest part of the pelvic j>ocket (Fig.
JIH.")). The walls of the ureter and pelvis aro
then united by a continuoiiM suture ou both
sides (Fig. yS(i). The ureteral catheter is
retained. The wound is then closed as after
any nephrotomy. It is a difficult oi>eration.
(5) Uretcro-pyeloplasly (Finger's Opera-
lion). — The ]>e!vic dilatation is due to the
stricture at the beginning of the ureter (Fig.
OPERATIVE SURGERY OF THE KIDNEY
Fra. 388. Fro 389.
Flo. 388. — UHBTBEO-PTEbOPLASTY. SutureB passed
HO aa to leave a traiiBverBe wound. (Atbarrao.)
Fia. 389. — UHETERO-FTELOPLAaTT. SutuTes liEBted,
makiDB tbe strictured part ot the ureter the widest
387). This operation consists in dividing the stricture by a longitudinal
incision, and then sewing it up transversely. Fig. 388 shows how the
transverse sutures are placed and
Fig. 389 shows them tied,
(6) Lateral Anastomosis of
the Pelvis and Ureter. — Cysto-
scope the patient and catheterize
the ureter. Perform a nephrot-
omy. Approximate the lowest end-
of the pelvis with a corresponding
part of the ureter and make an in-
cision in tlie pelvis at this point and
also in the ureter (Figs, 390 and
391). Bring the end of the ure-
teral catheter through the open-
ing in the ureter, and in the renal
j)elvis and out through tlie ne-
phrotomy incision. Then sew the
back part of the incision in the
pelvis to the back part of that
in the ureter. Pass a fairly large finestrated catheter over the smaller one
from above througli the opening in the kidney and pelvis into the ureter.
Then sew the anterior part of the incisions in the ureter and pelvis together.
Allow the fenestrated cathe-
ter to remain in for several
days until a communication
of large size has been made
between the ureter and renal
pelvis.
(7) End-to-end Anasto-
mosis of Peh'is and Ureter
(Trendelenburg's Operation).
— The ureter is cut through
and the end nearest the kid-
ney ligated. A triangular in-
cision is made in the low-
est part of the pelvis and
the split end of the lower
segment of the ureter is
sewed in it by catgut and re-
inforced with silk (Fig. 3!>2). Alharran docs
Fig. 390. — I«»tbrai. Pelvic-cheteral Anastomi
ing the nephrotomy iiieiaion in the kidney convexity
opening in the lowest part of the pelvic pouch and ii
ureter joining it, also the ureteral catheter in situ.
neplirotomy before the
EXPLOBATIONS AND OPERATIONS
62:
■ DEAmAOE. — As has already been said, it is important to always eyatoscope
the patient and eatheterize the ureter on the affected side before beginning the
operation. The catheter goes through the ureter into the pelvis of the kidney.
In all eases, excepting ureter o-pjeloplasty, this should be done, and after which
a catheter of large size, say 13 or 14 French scale, having been fenestrated,
should be threaded over the end of the ureteral catheter in the loin and pushed
with it through the operative field so as to obtain a larger anastomotic opening
for drainage between the renal pelvis and the
ureter. The incision in the kidney should then
be closed to this drain. (See Fig, 390.)
A catheter 25 to 30 French, about a foot
long, is then inserted into the wound down to
the kidney and the abdominal incision is
closed, e.tcepting at the point at which the
drainage tube and the reno-ureteral drain comes
through.
While the lumbar drain is in, nearly all the
urine escapes by this route. It is well to irri-
gate the operative field twice a day through the
ureteral and loin catheters, with boric acid if
the urine is clear, or with a 1:1,000 solution
of silver if it is turhid. This washes away ob-
structions and prevents infection. The large
kidney drain is removed on the third day in hy-
dronephrosis and on the sixth day in pyone-
phrosis ; the catheter in the pelvis usually
three days later.
When the progress is not satisfactory in
the operative field, or there is danger of a
stricture at the point of operation, it is better
to leave the catheter in for three to six weeks.
Sometimes the catheter docs not fit well, in which case it can be removed and
another inserted. In making this change, it is advisable to pass a mandriu
into the catheter already in place, and, after having removed it, to keep the
mandrin in place until a clean catheter has been passed over it to take the
place of the one removed.
The withdrawing of the drain is sometimes followed by pain and fever.
When a catheter has been left in the ureter that is not satisfactory, injections
should be made or a mandrin passed. If no catheter has been passed into the
ureter, this should be done, which will often ree.stabliah the drainage in a few
days. If this is not done, it will be necessary to again open the lumbar wound,
thus establishing a fistula. A few weeks later, again try ureteral catheterization.
Fio. 392. — KlNBBD Ursteb with Ad-
hesions AuFUTATED Below. The
lower segment is partially united to
an opening in the lowest part of the
pelvic pouch. Note the triangular
shape of the adjoining cut surfaces;
B wider union is thus obtained,
(From Albarran.)
CHAPTER XXXII
THE URETERS
ANOMALIES OF THE URETERS
GwiNQ to the complexity of the developmental process, anomalies of the
ureter are manifold. They may be classified into: Anomalies in number — a
deficiency or an excess of ureter, anomalies in position, anomalies in caliber.
1. AQomaliea in Number. — ^Beficient Uketer, — These are rare. The
ureter and the kidney may both be absent, or the hilum alone is missing, the
ureler coming directly from the an-
terior and lower part of the kidney.
An EXCESS OF URETER is much more
frequent. Supernumerary ureters are
found in three per cent of cases, accord-
ing to Poirier. The supernumerary
ureter may be bilateral, but it is more
frequently unilateral. The double ure-
ter may be complete, or it may affect only
the upper jwrtion of the canal. The
snpemumerary ureter is always placed
above the normal one, and drains the
upper part of the kidney.
Fig. mt.'! is in a single (unsj-mniet-
rical) kidney (Pousson's case). The
ureters euijity into the regular angles of
the trigone. If it had been cliaplacc4l
down, it would probably have been a
liorscslioe kidney.
Supernumerary ureters have some
surgical interest. Tf not strictured, or
not endinw abnormally, they do not cause
any symptoms; but they are frequently strictured, causing partial hydro-
nephrosis, or they may have abnonnal endings. The portion of kidney drained
by a supernumerary ureter may be infected alone, the other part being healthy.
For this reason it is necessary to detect them, which has been done on the living
by cystoscopy, ureteral catheterization and radiography. Cases have been seen
Fio, 393— Two Ureters Each Ehpttino into
TRB NoBUAL Orifices at Either End of the
Tbioohe, Cohino fhom a SmoLB Unsyu-
HETRICAL KlDKETOKTKBRtaUTSlDE. (PoUS-
ANOMALIES OF THE UHETEER
of partial gonorrheal pyelitis, of partial pyoneplirosis, of partial tuberculosis,
although very rare. Fig. 304 shows a double ureter on the left side, as seen by
radiography after ureteral catheterization.
r RADIOaRAPHT.
2. Anomaliei in Positioo. — In transposition at the hilum, the ureter
is found lying In front of the renal artery,
Abnobmal Endings. — The most frequent of the latter are in the prostatic
utricle in men and in the anterior vaginal fornix in ^voinen. They have been
624 THE FRETEES
seen also in the seminal ducts and vosides, in tlie rectum and in the Fallopian
tubes. An ending in tlip iirt'tlira nr in thr vagina {;ives rise to a special variety
of incontinence, tlip proper treatment of wliiuli in implantation of the abnormal
ureter into the bladder.
Fio. 395.— Vesical Ehdb of tbb Vretebs PBOi^raiNo iim> Bi.u>der. (After Knorr.)
Inteavesicai, prolapse of the lower end of the ureter may be congenital,
but it ia also acquired in some cases. It varies in extent from slight bulging
into tlie bladder to a large projecting mass.
It is caused by a lack of sujtport in the mus-
cular tissues of the bladder wall and favored
by too direct an entrance of the duct into this
organ. The result is a stenosis of the orifice
of the ureter with all the ordinary conse-
quences. Fig. 395 ahowB the ends of the
ureters prolapsing into the bladder.
The treatment for this condition does not
offer much hope of improvement, if any. It
consists of either shortening the ureter or
uretero-cystostomy.
A Diverticulum of the Enh Uretek
IN THK Bladder Wall, — Fig. 306 shows an
abnormal ureteral ending in a case of double
sclerotic kidney in a girl sixteen years of age.
The kidneys were two inches in length. On
the left side was a spleen Avith a round border
and narrow in its transverse diameter in which
_ „„ , „ „ no notch could be felt. The ^rl bad a slight
FlO. 396.— ADiVEimcDLCUOrTBEpART , . , , J,. -J
polyuria and the case was diagnosticated as
one of tuberculosis of the left kidney. On
INJUKIES OF THE URETERS 625
cystoscopy, two ureteral openings were seen, but several attempts to catlieterize
the right ureter proved a failure, as the catheter only entered the ureteral
mouth. There was no urinary swirl coming from that side and we were not
sure that urine escaped or that the kidney was present A number of consultants
considered the case one of a probable tubercular kidney on the left side with a
possible absent kidney on the right, and advised an exploratory incision on the
right side to be followed perhaps by a left nephrectomy, but the patient died of
uraemia before the consent of the family could be obtained. Autopsy showed a
sacculation of the lower end of the right ureter.
3. Anomalies in the Caliber. — Anomalies in the caliber of the ureter are
the most numerous of all and have been studied in the chapter on Hydro-
nephrosis. The irregularity in caliber may be due to compression of the duct
by an abnormal vessel. The principal causes of irregularity of caliber are in
the wall itself: Stricture, congenital valves and the persistency of the fetal
condition.
INJURIES OF THE URETERS
Accidental Wounds
Etiology. — Accidental wounds of one or both ureters are of exceptional
occurrence. They may be the result of knife thrusts, of wounds from any
sharp-pointed weapon, instrument or tool, or of gunshot injuries. The injuries
are usually found in the immediate vicinity of the renal pelvis.
The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of these rare cases are practically
the same as those of wounds of the pelvis of the kidney. The differential diag-
nosis between injuries of the renal pelvis and the upper segment of the ureter
is, indeed, clinically impossible without an exploratory incision.
The prognosis of accidental wounds of the ureter depends largely upon the
timeliness of diagnosis and of operative treatment. When they are left to them-
selves, the prognosis of these wounds is extremely unfavorable, death or per-
manent fistula being a frequent outcome as, owing to the small size of the canal,
its injury is frequently accompanied by fatal lesions of adjacent parts or
organs. Penetration of the peritoneum often terminates in peritonitis and
death. Localized lesions of the duct are followed by the establishment of per-
manent fistulte, unless operated upon, or else the kidney on the aflFected side
becomes obliterated. In the presence of sepsis or suppuration complicating
such wounds, we may expect to see the obstruction of the proximal ureteral
end; or the development of uretero-pyelo-nephritis, with its sequelae of renal
atrophy ; or pronounced septicemia if there is retention of infected urine in the
tissues ; or a permanent fistula.
Less formidable wounds of the ureter, such as punctures, oblique divisions
or clean-cut longitudinal incisions, are very infrequent The prognosis of
626 THE UKETERS
operated cases, especially those attended to early, is, of course, much better,
even when the wound is serious.
Treatment. — The treatment of accidental wounds of the ureters may be
summed up as follows :
If the peritoneum has been injured, open the peritoneal cavity and examine
its contents for other injuries which should be repaired as indicated. If a
local collection of pus or urine is present, sponge it dry, then sponge it with
salt solution and afterwards with peroxid of hydrogen. If the ureter can be
more easily operated on through the abdominal incision, perform the operation
of ureterorrhaphy, uretero-ureterostomy, uretero-cystostomy, if in the lower
part of the ureter. Then make extraperitoneal drainage and close the peri-
toneum over the seat of operation. Intraperitoneal drainage down to the seat
of injury may also be used, especially if there has been pus in the wound or
urine.
In case the wound is in the upper segment of the ureter where a loin in-
cision would better expose the ureter, it is advisable to treat and close the
peritoneal wound as already indicated and then to open the loin and do the
ureteral operating through the lumbar incision.
If after opening the peritoneal cavity it is found that the peritoneum and
the contents of its cavity are not involved, no intraperitoneal drainage is re-
quired and the wound can be closed and all the work done by the extraperitoneal
route, drainage being kept up through the outer incision until urinary leakage
has ceased.
In any case, wherever the operation is performed, a ureteral catheter should
be passed by cystoscopy up and through the injured portion of the ureter be-
fore the operative work is begun, and it should be retained afterwards for
draining the urine from the kidney past the seat of the ureteral operation.
Operative Injuries
Operative injuries of the ureters are quite common and should be repaired
as indicated at the time of the accident.
Accidental injuries usually occur in: Operations on the female generative
organs such as fibromyotomy, salpingectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, oophorec-
tomy, vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy ; operations during labor and use of
forceps ; operations on the rectum or sigmoid.
Symptoms. — The symptoms of operative wounds of the ureter are apt to
be obscure and indefinite, until the escape of urine becomes manifest either in
the vagina, or in the peritoneal cavity. leakage into the peritoneal cavity is
followed by a train of symptoms varying according to the normal or septic con-
dition of the urine. Acute general peritonitis may arise in either case; but it
will surely follow infection with septic urine, in which case the symptoms of
INJURIES OF THE URETERS 627
general peritonitis will be present. Normal urine, under favorable conditions,
may be tolerated by the general peritoneal cavity, becoming partially absorbed,
or occasionally draining through the abdominal incision.
Localized peritonitis, subacute or chronic, may develop as the result of the
accumulation of urine in a definite area of the peritoneal cavity, especially when
susceptibility to infection is increased by the presence of adjacent raw surfaces
or of loose adhesions. The usual outcome of this localized inflammatory process
is abscess formation, circumscribed in character and ending in the discharge of
pus and urine and the establishment of a septic urinary fistula at the site of the
spontaneous or artificial rupture of the abscess.
Diagnosis. — The diagnosis of operative injuries of the ureter is usually
easy, on account of the direct ocular evidence of the accident. When its occur-
rence has not come at once to the operator's attention, when the ureter has been
ligatured by mistake in place of or together with the uterine artery, or has
become occluded by the compression of ligatured adjacent tissues, the diagnosis
is not so easy. In the first instance, no discharge of urine through the vagina
is noted until an abscess has formed, or it has ruptured, or until the sloughs
have begun to separate and a fistula has formed ; whereas in the second instance,
an occluded ureter would give rise t6 renal pain and ureteral catheters would
find the obstruction. Both ureters have been completely divided during the
performance of major abdominal operations, without giving rise to any imme-
diate symptoms.
Prognosis. — The prognosis of operative injuries of the ureter is favorable
both as to the prolongation of life, and also as to the preservation of the kidney,
provided the injury is at once detected and properly repaired. Complete
division of the ureter has been treated successfully by prompt ureteral anasto-
mosis by one of the methods described farther on. Incomplete division of the
ureter naturally offers even more encouraging prospects as to the preservation
of the ureteral lumen and functions, provided prompt repairs be made. The
prognosis is, of course, far more grave when septic peritonitis has set in, or
when an acute infection has developed in the kidney. In such cases, an imme-
diate operation is called for.
Treatment. — The management of ureteral injuries varies according to ex-
tent and direction of the lesion. The wound may be incomplete, with a longi-
tudinal, transverse or oblique tear of the duct, or the ureter may be completely
severed.
In incomplete longitudinal wounds of the ureter, spontaneous repair of the
lesions may take place after establishing thorough drainage. It is advisable,
however, to suture the ureter if accessible, after passing a ureteral catheter
through the injured area from the bladder. Interrupted sutures of fine chromic
gut are preferred. I do not believe in the Lembert method, as I fear it may
cause stricture. Many prefer not to use sutures.
628 THE URETERS
In uniting very short transverse wounds, where one third of the circum-
ference of the duct, or less, is included in the lesion, ureterorrhapby is per-
formed. Instead of a stricture forming, the ureter will then present a dilata-
tion at the level of the wound.
When the duct is completely severed, uretero-ureterostomy, uretero-
cystostomy, or uretero-pelvic anastomosis should be performed according to
the position of the injury, whether it be near the middle, upper or lower end
of the ureter. When the continuity of the ureter is destroyed, it is essential
to determine the presence or absence of an extensive loss of substance. Even when
the two ends are rather widely separated, they can often be approximated. In
virtue of its elasticity, the ureter can actually be stretched to an average extent
of about 8 cm. for tlie entire canal without diminishing its caliber or interfer-
ing wuth its fimctional activity.
In performing an end-to-end anastomosis, uretero-ureterostomy, the Poggi
operation is the one of choice. In this case the ureteral ends should be cut off
squarely before uniting the two segments.
When the wound in the ureter is partial and oblique with fairly even
edges it can be united by suture or can be allowed to heal without suture;
but in either case with a retained catheter in the ureter. It is in the
cases of the oblique wounds in which an end-to-end anastomosis is to
be performed that Bovee's operation may be of great service, as the unin-
jured side of the ureter can be cut through in a line corresponding to the
oblique line of the wound and then the Bovee anastomosis made. All these
methods are explained in the chapter on the Operative Surgery of the
Ureter.
Contraindications to the suturing of ureteral wounds are general weakness
of the patient, long duration of the operation in case of an operative trau-
matism, and very severe urinary infection. In these cases, temporary external
drainage down to the seat of injury, together with a retained ureteral catheter,
may be resorted to in case the injury is incomplete.
INFLAMMATION OF THE URETER
Etiology. — Inflammation of the ureter may be primary or secondary. Pri-
mary ureteritis is very rare. It may develop after an injury to the ureter, or
about a stone impacted in tlie duct.
Secondary ureteritis may result from an extension by contiguity from a
neighboring inflamed organ, or by continuity from some other part of the
urinary tract. When it results from an extension by contiguity in men, it
usually complicates a pelvic adenitis or proctitis. Such cases are very rare and
the inflammation is more marked as a periureteritis than as a simple ureteritis.
In women, the extension by contiguity is more common, on account of the in-
INFLAMMATION OF THE UKETER
629
timate relations between the lower part of the ureter and the internal female
genitals, and ureteritis has been found secondary to septic metritis due to child-
birth and other causes, to a salpingitis, pelvic cellulitis, infected beniatoma
and cancer of the uterns.
Secondary ureteritis is, however, usually the result of an extension by continu-
ity,either down from the kidney or up from the bladder. It is accordingly spoken
of as ascending or descending, and
it is still a question which of the
two is the more frequent. Descend-
ing ureteritis is secondary to pye-
litis, pyelo-nephritis, or pyoneph-
rosis, which are due to obstruction,
renal calculus, tuberculosis or tu-
mor. The ascending ureteritis fol-
lows a chronic cystitis associated
with obstruction, such as vesical
calculus or tumor; hy])ertrophy,
cancer or stone of the prostate ; or
stricture of the urethra of congeni-
tal, gonorrheal or traumatic ori-
gin. (See Fig. 3(17.)
Secondary ureteritis may also
be due to a partial or complete
paralysis of the bladder, due to in-
juries or sclerosis or tumors of tlie
spinal cord, which give rise to
retention of urine, cystitis and
pyelitis.
Pathology. — In cases of acute ureteritis, the ureter shows a swollen mucosa
and narrowing of the lumen. This stage is rarely seen.
In chronic ureteritis, two varieties of ureters are seen. In the cases in
which obstruction is the predominating feature, especially if situated low
down in the canal and the ureter has had a chance to dilate before infec-
tion has taken place, the canal is a dilated, elongated, thin-walled and sac-
culated tube. The kinks between the sacculations are held by adhesions
so that the latter are jwnnanent. On the other hand, when the infec-
tion has taken place before the walls have had a chance to dilate, the
ureter is a thick, rigid tube with occasional strictures due to inflammatory
thickening.
It is remarkable what a degree of dilatation can take place in a short time
in cases in which there is back pressure of urine, when the infection of the
ureters has set in quickly. Fig. 398 shows the ureter of a patient on my
Fio. 397.
D Associated Ptoneph-
Showuig the irregular dilated condition of
Ihe ureter and the dilated condition of the pelvis.
(From Pousaon.)
630
THE UEETERS
service at the Cohimbiis Hospital who fractured Iiis spine one month before
death. The ureters are large, sacculated and inflamed, while his kidneys are
in a quite advanced state
of pyonephrosia.
Strictures of the ureter
are most commonly found
in the parts of the canal
which are naturally the nar-
rowest. The lesions of the
iinicous lucnibrane resemhlc
those of chronic cystitis,
besides which there are two
jieculiar conditions that are
occasionally obaer\ed, nu-
merous small cyst a and
leukoplakia.
Symptoms. — As ureter-
itis is generally simply an
extension of an inflamma-
tion from some other or-
gan, it possesses almost no
characteristic symptoms, ex-
cepting perhaps pain re-
sembling a renal colic.
Pain is. always a symptom
of ureteral obstruction.
Abdominal palpation will
sonietimea detect an indu-
Uretbb in rated or dilated duct. In-
nis DuRA-
. Fbacture flamed ureters are also often
case.) £pj[ ijy rectum or vagina.
Pyuria is preseut, but it is difficult to differentiate the pus coming from the
ureter from that coming from the renal pelvis. Cystoscopy may show the
mouths of the ureter to be red and swollen, or dilated.
Treatment. — Preventive treatment consists in treating the bladder when
it is inflamed. After the diagnosis has been made, the important part of the
treatment is to remove the causative factor of obstruction by operations, such
as urethrotomy, cystotomy and jirostatcctomy. If the kidneys are much in-
volved, they should lie tn'atcd by tlie method already outlined in the chapter
on Suppurative Diseases iif the Kidney. Irrigations of the ureters by the ure-
teral catheter can lie made with solutions of silver nitrate from 1:8,000 to
1: 1,000, or injections lirough the catheter of a small amount of J to 1 per
398. ~ Dilation of the Renal Pelvis ani
Case of Acute Ubeteiiitih of One Mo>
ION IN A Patient Dtinq One Month ai^eh
T THE Spine. Autopsy specimen. (Author's
TUMORS AND CTSTS OF THE URETER
cent of protargol, or argyrol 10 per cent. Urotropin, salol, benzoate of i
are recommended as internal urinary antiseptics.
TITMORS AND CYSTS OF THE URETER
TUMOKS
fot
the
Ion
the
kid
632 THE URETERS
and occluded the ureter, and cancer of the cervix uteri, that has also involved it
(Fig. 400, author's case).
Symptoms. — The principal symptoms are hematuria, swelling and pain,
the same as in tumor of the kidney. Hematuria is usually the first symptom
and may not be associated with pain. It generally comes on without cause, is
profuse and thoroughly mixed wuth the urine.
The swelling can sooner or later be detected and may lead to renal reten-
tion, in which case the kidney can often be outlined as well. Pain may be
present as a dull ache or it may be of a colicky nature.
Examination. — Examination of the urine may show red blood cells, ure-
teral epithelia, atypical cells and tumor fragments. Later, if infection takes
place, pus will also be present.
Examination of the bladder may show tufts of the growth springing out
of the ureter. Ureteral catheterization will show an impediment in the ureter.
Recto-abdominal palpation may disclose the growth if it is at the lower end of
the ureter, while abdominal palpation may reveal it when situated in the upper
part of the canal.
After infection takes place, pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis will develop
and there will be an elevation of temperature, besides which the kidney can
probably be found enlarged on palpation. Palpation of the adjacent organs will
also give us some clew to a secondary involvement from the uterus or gut
Prognosis. — The prognosis is bad, as a pyelitis resulting in a pyonephrosis
will destroy the adjoining kidney tissue.
Treatment. — Nephrectomy and total ureterectomy. When the growth in-
volves a segment of the bladder about the ureter, that part of the ureter and
also the adjoining part of the bladder wall should be removed.
Cysts of the Ureters
Etiology. — Cystic growths are usually found in the lower part of the duct.
They are supposed to develop either from enlarged mucous glands or the epi-
thelial spaces of Brunn, or else to be caused by parasites. The cause is, there-
fore, not yet determined. They are most probably caused by parasites, as pso-
rosperms due to coccidia have been found in both the ureter and the renal
pelvis. Small hydatid cysts are sometimes caught and retained in the ureter
in cases in which a hydatid cyst of the kidney has broken into the renal pelvis.
The most interesting case of chronic cysts of the ureters that I have known was
one of Bond Stow's, in which not only were chronic ureteral cysts present in the
ureters, but the patient had double ureters on both sides, all of which con-
tained cysts.
Pathology. — The interior of the ureter is usually in a state of catarrhal
ureteritis and appears studded with minute vesicles the size of a pea, of a
yellow-browm color, which contain a transparent fluid.
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE URETER: URETERAL CALCULI 633
Symptoms. — These cysts may give rise to no symptoms or there may be
some pain or hematuria.
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE URETER: URETERAL CALCULI
Etiology. — A stone may form primarily in the ureter, but such primary
ureteral calculi are very rare. They are generally small and of a phosphatic
composition. Nearly all ureteral stones are secondary, that is, they are formed
in the kidney and while descending along the ureter have become impacted at
some point, usually one of the narrow parts of the passage.
The etiology of ureteral stones is, therefore, that of renal calculi; but we
have to mention here the factors favoring impaction which are the size, the
irregular outline and the rough surface of stones. These set up a continuous
irritation of the ureteral wall, followed by spasm ; later inflammatory changes
of the wall, until at last ulcerations and cicatricial strictures are produced, all
of which contribute to make the impaction tighter and more permanent.
Previous attacks of ureteri-
tis and kinks of the canal
also favor impaction.
Once impacted, the stone
grows by the deposit of ad-
ditional layers and usually
assumes an oblong shape.
The above-mentioned lesions
of the wall may go on to
pressure atrophy, to per-
forations with periureteral
abscess and urinary infil-
tration, although abscess
formation and urinary ex-
travasation are exceedingly
rare.
While impaction may
occur at any point in the
duct, the accident is more
common at its narrowest
parts, which are either im-
mediately below the renal
pelvis, just above the en-
trance into the bladder or in the middle third of the duct. In the lower
portion of the duct, a calculus may be arrested near the ischiimi, near the outer
bladder wall, in the part passing through the bladder wall; or a calculus may
FiQ. 401. — Positions of
Ureteral Calculi
That the Author
Has Encountered.
(Origmal.)
634 THE URETERS
be in the vesical portion of the ureter, protruding into the bladder cavity. Fig.
401 shows the position of stones that I have encountered in practice.
Character of Calculi. — Calculi met with in the ureter vary considerably as
to form, composition, size and number. They are usually no larger than a
cherry pit, but they have been met with as large as a hen's egg. Their compo-
sition resembles that of renal and vesical calculus (uric acid, urates, phosphates
and calcium oxalates), their consistency varying with their chemical character.
They are usually single, but may be multiple with facets adjusted to each
other. Civiale observed seven stones arranged in this fashion and Cru-
veilhier mentions a series forming a long chain from the renal pelvis to the
bladder.
Symptoms. — All ureteral calculi do not always present the same clinical
symptoms. They may be of the transient variety, passing through the canal
in from a few hours to a few days, accompanied by colicky pains and often
hematuria; the complete obstructive type giving rise to anuria in certain con-
ditions, and latent calculi that remain in the ureter for a long time and permit
the passage of urine by their sides. In some cases, there are no symptoms of
ureteral calculi, whereas in otlier cases they are most alarming. We can dis-
miss the consideration of transient calculi in a few words by saying that they
are simply small renal calculi passing through the ureter ; that their symptoms
are then those of renal calculi and are considered in that chapter.
We will now pass to tlie consideration of latent ureteral calculi and reserve
that of the complete obstructive calculi causing anuria for the last, as it is the
most important.
Latent ureteral calculi are not always small concretions, as one of the
largest calculi in Israel's records measured seven inches in length and two and
one half in circumference and had given rise to but few symptoms. In latent
cases, the ureter is only partially occluded and consequently some urine leaks be-
tween the stone and the ureteral walls. If these cases are not relieved surgical-
ly, the obstruction is sufficient to give rise to uronephrosis and later to pyo-
nephrosis, if infection takes place, as it usually does. There may be slight pain
along the course of the ureter in these cases and a history of renal colics and of
calculi liaving been passed, but no other symptoms. The course of chronic cases
of ureteral stone is generally long and may cover a number of years.
Diagnosis. — The diagnosis of ureteral calculi in latent cases is always dif-
ficult and depends upon a thorough examination of the patient. It was still
more difficult before radiography was introduced. Xow, when we are suspicious
of a ureteral calculus, the patient is radiographed and the shadows of calculi
Jooked for. It is sometimes difficult to interpret the findings, first, because
certain ureteral calculi on account of their composition do not cast any shadows ;
second -and more frequently, because many objects cast a shadow near and ap-
parently inside the ureter that are not calculi. Many of the calculi are stopped
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE URETER: URETERAL CALCULI 635
in the iliac portion near the point where the ureter crosses the big blood vessels
and here calcareous concretions in the wall of the artery, phleboliths in the
vein, small bony prominences and calcified glands have all been mistaken for
calculi, as are the deceptive shadows given by a defective plate. In one case
in which some of the best radiographists in the country told me that there was
a stone in the ureter at the pelvic brim, I found at operation that there was sim-
ply a spindle-shaped collection of pus at this point. Sometimes shadows are
seen near the ureter and then the question arises whether they are really calculi,
and, if they are, whether they are contained in a sacculation of the ureter or
in a supernumerary ureter.
In order to ascertain the real condition, cystoscopy and ureteral catheteriza-
tion are very important. If the ureteral catheter is stopped at the point where
the calculus is supposed to be, and if a wax-tipped catheter shows a definite
scratch, the location of the calculus may be quite accurately determined. If
all the data agree, then the diagnosis becomes more likely. If there is a differ-
ence between the X-ray findings and those of ureteral catheter, the examination
should be repeated. In doubtful cases we can resort to an exploratory incision,
provided the symptoms warrant it, which will also serve as the first step of the
operation in case a calculus is found. X-ray plates should be made with a
catheter in the ureter, as this shows the relation between the suspected stone
and the ureter quite definitely.
Anuria is the alarming symptom of ureteral calculus. Both ureters are
sometimes blocked by calculi, causing anuria, but such an event is very rare.
It usually occurs after the blocking 'of one ureter. Fonnerly such cases were
described as reflex anuria; but I now firmly believe that the unilateral block-
ing of a ureter causes surgical anuria only when the other
kidney is anatomically absent, or its functionating power is
temporarily or permanently destroyed. This is important to
remember as having a bearing upon the emergency treat- Fio. 402. — ^Actual
ment of calculous anuria. It is not necessary for a large c^naNcT Rwe^to
stone to block the canal in order to have anuria, as the great- Calculous Anu-
est danger comes from a medium-sized stone that completely ^^x oussons
obstructs the canal (Fig. 402).
We shall not describe here in full the symptoms of calculous anuria. They
are those of anuria in general. The duration of calculous anuria varies con-
siderably, according to cases; sometimes, after a few hours, the calculus is
voided with symj)toms of ureteral colic and a postanuric polyuria may be ob-
served, when it should be considered a transient case. In other cases, the
anuria persists for days and even for two weeks. (See chapter on Xephro-
lithiasis, page 522.)
The diagnosis of cases of calculous anuria must be made quickly, as a mis-
take may be very costly. The questions we have to consider are the following:
<v5i>
636 THE URETERS
Is the anuria due to calculous disease and is the blocking bilateral or unilateral ?
If the latter, is there another kidney and what is its condition ? Lastly, what
should be the nature of the operation ?
It might be well to relate here the general course of events that I have no-
ticed in the handling of such cases by the general practitioner and the urinary
surgeon.
When a patient on arising in the morning cannot pass water and goes
through the day without urinating, toward evening he becomes rather alarmed
over his condition, especially if, after trying to urinate, he cannot pass a drop
and he has no sensation of pain nor vesical fullness. He sends for his physician
who comes and passes the catheter and finds no urine in the bladder. The
physician then asks him if he has had any pain or colic in the side or has ever
had such an attack before. He may remember that he has had pains in the
loins the night before or at some other time, or he may not. The physician then
prescribes acetate of potash, gr. x or xv, or diuretin, gr. xv, every three hours,
or theocin, a grain every hour. He palpates the kidneys and if one or both
are tender he applies cups. If there are any symptoms of uremia or edema,
he may give him some cathartic, as elaterium, gr. ^, or jalap powder, gr. xxx, or
a hot pack, or some pilocarpin. These having no effect, he has a consultation
on the following day and the urinary surgeon is called. Sometimes the urinary
surgeon is not called for several days until he has passed through the hands
of several physicians and uremia is threatening or present. The urinary sur-
geon takes the patient's temperature, pulse and blood pressure, and palpates the
kidneys and the ureters over the abdominal portion, and in the pelvic portion
by recto-abdominal palpation in men and vagino-abdominal in women. If he
detects an enlargement of both kidneys, or a tenderness over both kidneys in
the loin or over the lower ends of the ureters by pelvic examination, he suspects
the case to be one of bilateral calculous anuria ; whereas, if he finds such symj>-
toms of enlargement and tenderness on but one side, he considers it a probable
unilateral calculous anuria.
He then examines the bladder by cystoscopy. If he finds the bladder empty
and not inflamed, he looks for the mouths of the ureters and watches to see if
there is any urine coming from them. If they are not secreting, he catheterizes
the ureters. In case the catheter meets with an obstruction in both ureters he
considers the case one of bilateral calculous anuria. In case that the catheter
goes to the pelvis of the kidney on one side and no urine escapes and the second
catheter enters the other ureter for a certain distance and then meets with an
obstruction beyond which it does not pass, he believes that he has to do with
unilateral calculous anuria, and that the patient has a functionally destroyed
kidney on one side, and a functionally blocked kidney on the other side. In
case the catheter goes to the pelvis of the kidney on each side and no urine
escapes the anuria is not due to obstruction.
FOHEIGN BODIES IN THE URETER: URETERAL CALCULI 637
Treatment. — The medical treatment of transient ureteral stones or other
foreign bodies of the ureter is the same as that outlined for renal colic due to
stone (q. v.). The pain is treated with morphin and chloroform inhalations; if
near the bladder, by massage of the ureter, by rectum in men and by the vagina
in women. Severe hemorrhage can be treated with ergot. It would, however,
be a most rare occurrence. If stones do not pass out, they become latent calculi
and the obstruction of the flow of the urine will then probably cause a gradual
destruction of the kidney on that side through pyelitis and pyonephrosis, and it
is therefore advisable to remove the stone by ureterotomy. Nephrectomy must
be performed only when the kidney has undergone considerable sclerosis and
atrophy and has no more functional value.
In the case of the unilateral calculous anuria, the surgeon immediately
performs a nephrotomy on the kidney with the blocked ureter and then awaits
developments. If the calculus passes, as it probably will, then he allows the
kidney to heal; but if the calculus is not passed, then he performs a ureterot-
omy and removes it.
If the patient has a bilateral calculous anuria, he might think it advisable to
do a nephrotomy on both sides, or else, if one kidney was more enlarged and ten-
der than the other, he might consider it wiser to do a nephrotomy on the kidney
more involved first, and the one less involved at another time.
If he performs first a nephrotomy on one side, he follows it in a day or two
with a nephrotomy of the other side. Personally, if I ever have a case of bi-
lateral calculous anuria, I will do a double nephrotomy unless the patient is in
such bad condition that it would be dangerous to operate on more than one side
at a time.
In cases of anuria, the operation is an emergency one. It has been pro-
posed to push an impacted stone back into the renal pelvis by the ureteral cathe-
ter, but this is not practicable. The intervention is nephrotomy, as has already
been said, either unilateral or bilateral, depending on whether one or both
kidneys are involved. After the establishment of proper drainage of the kid-
ney, the symptoms of anuria disappear and the intense congestion usually
subsides sufficiently in a few days to allow the calculus to pass. If it is not
passed, then a secondary ureterotomy should be performed to remove it, after
having again catheterized the ureter to discover if it is still present. These steps
seem to me preferable to a primary ureterotomy.
One of the most interesting cases of latent ureteral calculi that I have had
was one of double ureteral calculus situated on either side about three inches
below the pelvis of the kidney.
The patient had had several attacks of pain on the right side during a
period of two years, as well as an occasional feeling of uneasiness. There had
been no symptoms on the other side. The urine showed a few pus cells from
the lower urinary tract, a few blood cells, renal epithelia and hyaline and granu-
638 THE TTEETERS
lar casta, showing aseptic interstitial renal chants. Oystoscopic examination
showed a healthy bladder. The ureters were catiietcrized and no obstruction was
found. Radiography showed a stone in each ureter three inches below the
pelvis {Fig. 403), The patient was treated for some time by flushings of vari-
ous mineral waters and internal remedies and the question then arose as to
the best operative procednre in his case. The probabilities were that the ealonii
Fia. 403.— Cahe o
would gradually work themselves down to near the bladder and there remain
unless operated u[)on. It, therefore, seemed advisable to operate in the posi-
tion in which they then were. I accordingly did a double loin ureterotomy at
one operation, removed both calculi, closed both ureteral wounds by ligature,
leaving a drain in each wound down to the ureteral opening. One ureter closed
in ten days, the other in four weeks.
The other foreign bodies in the ureter are of much less importance. First
to be considered are blood or pus clots and ini|iBcted mucous secretions. Second,
foreign bodies that have been introduced through the ureter, as pieces of a
broken catheter. Blood dots or some foreign material entering from the out-
TUBERCULOSIS OF THE URETER 639
side, as spicules of bone, tissue or clothing, due to traumatism, may cause ob-
struction ; the former through becoming surrounded by urinary salts and form-
ing a calculus, the latter through forming the nucleus of a calculus or by
causing a raw surface on which urinary salts can be deposited in connection with
mucus or pus. Both of these conditions of traumatism would be more likely
to occur when strictured or sacculated ureters are wounded than in the normal
state and are causative factors.
TUBERCULOSIS OF THE URETER
Etiology. — The study of tuberculosis of the ureter is to-day of but little
importance, as the disease usually occurs first in one kidney and then descends
through the ureter to the bladder, and the rule of renal surgery is to remove
a tuberculous kidney as soon as the diagnosis is made, providing the other
kidney is sufficiently healthy to carry on the process of elimination. A tuber-
culous ureter is therefore but an appendage of a tuberculous kidney and should
be considered as such. It usually atrophies as soon as the kidney heals, ceases
to functionate, or is removed. Primary tuberculosis of the ureter almost
never occurs and secondary tuberculosis is therefore the form to be considered.
Secondary, tuberculosis of the ureter has been known to follow tuberculosis
of some of the neighboring tissues, as tuberculosis of the spine ; but it is almost
always secondary to a tuberculous infection of the bladder or kidnev. In the
former instance, it is called ascending, and, in the latter, descending tubercu-
losis. It is very difficult for a tuberculous infection to travel up from the blad-
der against the urinary current, whereas it is comparatively easy for it to
descend from the kidney, t^reteral tuberculosis is consequently in most cases
a secondary descending process from the kidney. As renal tuberculosis is uni-
lateral in over fifty per cent of the cases that w^e see clinically, ureteral tuber-
culosis will probably be found on but one side in the same proportion of cases.
The entire length of the ureter is more commonly involved than local areas
of the canal. When the lesions are situated, however, in but one part of the
ureter, they are usually found near the upper or lower end, in which latter case,
as when it involves the entire canal, the infection extends to the bladder.
Pathology. — Tuberculous ureteritis begins wuth miliary granulations upon
the surface of the mucosa, which later coalesce and ulcerate. Deep-seated tu-
berculous infiltration may take place, giving rise to elevations and protrusions
into the canal w^hich may obliterate the lumen. The whole extent or only iso-
lated foci of the ureteral tract may be involved. (Complete obstruction may
occur through cicatrization, or occlusion of the canal by the protrusions asso-
ciated with deep-seated infiltration, and the ureter may finally become merely a
thick, fibrous cord.
As the tuberculous changes may be arrested at any period in the process.
640
THE URETERS
the appearance of the ureter and kidney at autopsy varies according to the local-
ity and character of the involvement. In some casea, the two ureters and kid-
neys may present an entirely different aspect.
If the process is localized, the tuberculous thickening usually oceura at the
ends of the ureters, in which case the canal above may be dilated and its sur-
face occupied by su-
perficial ulcers (Fig,
404). If the upper
part of the canal is
involved, the effect ia
the same aa if the
whole ureter were
thickened and dila-
tation takes place in
the renal pelvis.
More frequently, the
whole ureter is in-
volved, the tubercu-
lous infiltration with
thickening and mixed
infection resulting in
a short, thick ureter.
The tuberculous
infiltrations develop
so rapidly and are at
times so packed in
the canal, that oc-
clusion, unilateral
anuria and atrophy
of the kidney on the
affected aide occur.
If the process is
slower and the ob-
struction less, the
urine continues to
flow through the ureter, but the impediment will suffice to cause back pressure
and pyonephrosis. Tuberculosis of the lower' part of the ureter extends to the
bladder, where it is seen in the form of tubercles and ulcers about the mouth of
the ureter on the trigone.
Symptoms. — The sjTnptoms of ureteral tuberculosis closely resemble those
of renal tiiljereuloais in that they are usually not marked and often absent.
Tlie characteristic renal pains may be present in a pronounced form, or else
Fia. 404. — Tuberculosis of tub Ureter. The right shows a ttrictive
juBt below the pelvis and a tuberculous thickening juat above the
bladder, Betweeu these two points is a dilatation of the csnsl aod
a flat tuberculous ulcer.
STRICTURE OF THE URETER 641
entirely absent, when the disease progresses slowly. Renal colics sometimes
occur, due to passing masses of debris from the kidney through a strictured
ureter. Sometimes there is a dull pain radiating from the iliac fossa toward
the groin or the bladder, or else up toward the lumbar region. This pain may
be intensified by deep pressure over the kidney. Pain in the bladder with
tenesmus and frequency of urination, which occurs when the process has reached
the bladder, may be the first symptom of tuberculous ureteritis.
Examination. — The thickened ureter can sometimes be felt through the
abdominal wall and is tender on pressure ; whereas, in more advanced cases, it
is a tough fibrous band. In women, bimanual palpation will sometimes show
per vaginanij a large tender ureter, when the lower end is affected. In men,
it is more difficult to palpate the lower end of the ureter by rectal touch, al-
though, if pressed upon, it may give rise to a pain radiating along the course
of the duct to the bladder or kidney. A cystoscopic examination shows small
ulcers about the mouth of the ureter if the whole duct or its lower end is involved.
Diagnosis. — The diagnosis depends upon our being able to palpate the thick-
ened ureter in some parts of its course, together with the presence of a tuber-
culous kidney on that side and the presence of ulcerations in the bladder around
the orifice of the ureter, as seen through the cystoscopy The passage of the
ureteral catheter shows the narrowing of the lumen of the canal, and the urine
drawn from the pelvis on that side contains tubercle bacilli.
Prognosis. — Tuberculosis of the ureter may undergo resolution as well as
the kidney. After the corresponding kidney has been destroyed or removed,
the ureter may be transformed into a band of fibrous tissue, or it may continue
to discharge or form a pus sac in a part or the whole of the canal.
Treatment. — Remove the kidney if it be tuberculous, with a part or all of
the ureter, if the other organ is normal. I have never had any trouble with the
ureter after nephrectomy in these cases. I ligate it and cauterize the lumen of
the stump just below the renal pelvis. I feel, however, that it is safer to attach
the ligated segment to the skin or the external fascia in the loin, so as to be able
to find it easily if pus or urine should accumulate in it.
STRICTURE OF THE URETER
Etiology. — Contractions of one or both ureters may occur at either end of
the canal or in its middle. There are two forms of stricture — the congenital and
the acquired. The congenital form is usually situated at the junction of the
ureter with the pelvis. The acquired stricture usually occurs at one of the
normally narrow points of the canal. Acquired stricture may occur at any age.
It may be due to irregularities of the vascular supply, the canal being crossed
and strangulated by an anomalous vessel. The stricture may also result from
scar-tissue contraction following an ulceration in tuberculous ureteritis (Fig.
642
THE tlRETERS
405) or an impacted calculus of the ureter. It may also be due to tuberculous
deposits with thickening of the canal. In other cases, it may be caused by a
periureteral thickening or adhesions,
or due to an injured ureter with an
accumulation of pus or urine about it.
A stricture of one portion may be asso-
ciated with the dilatation of another.
In women, the right side is principally
affected.
Pathology. — A valve of mucous
membrane is frequently found at the
junction of the ureter and the renal
pelvis, giving rise to obstruction. This
may be either congenital, or acquired
by pathological changes in the mucosa
of the renal pelvis or the ureter itself.
Ureteral valves have been obser^'ed in
kinked and twisted ureters at the point
of flexion.
In tuberculosis of the ureter,
strictures are seen as the result of
contraction of scar tissue after ul-
cerations. In other tuberculous cases,
thickened ureters are found which
are more marked in some places than
in others, so that the lumen ia either
very nuich narrowed or totally oc-
cluded (Fig. 405). Irregularities and
saccular dilatations with narrowing
in places are seen in ureters as the
result of long-standing inflammations
(Fig. 397).
Symptoms. — The symptoms are vague, ill-defined and misleading. The
associated complications are often more striking than the trouble itself. A
partially obstructed ureter often gives rise to an enlargement and displacement
of the corresponding kidney, in which case the organ can be felt as enlarged and
tender on pressure. It may be accompanied by symptoms of malaise and ten-
derness, which condition subsides later temporarily. Occasionally the ureter
above the stricture can be outlined as a very much dilated duct ; but it occurs
very rarely and I have never been able to palpate the ducts through the abdo-
men, even when autopsy has shown them to be much enlarged. Sometimes
attacks of pain occur in the kidney on that side when small calculi, masses of
Fia. 405. — Tbiciinino, Dii.atioh, Ulcera
TIOH AND STRICTUBBS THAT ARE SKEN II
Fio. 404, More Clbablt Shown. (Author'
FISTULAS OF THE URETERS 643
crystals or tuberculous detritus are passing through the strietured canal. Gastro-
intestinal symptoms are sometimes observed, as are also peculiar sensations in
the rectum.
Diagnosis. — Strictures of the ureter never exist without pathological con-
ditions of other parts of the tract and the symptoms of this condition are iden-
tical with those of renal retention or hydronephrosis. The existence of the
stricture and its exact location is frequently unknown until discovered by ure-
teral catheterization or in the course of surgical procedures.
Treatment. — Gradual dilatation by ureteral catheter may be of service in
strictures that are neither very tight nor unyielding, but it is often useless and
may cause traumatism. It should not be resorted to if it causes pain or fever.
A longitudinal ureterotomy followed by a transverse suture is the most satisfac-
tory procedure, unless there is too much thickening.
In stricture of the upper part of the canal, the duct may be divided and the
end of the distal segment implanted into the lower part of the pelvis ; whereas,
when it is near the bladder, the end of the proximal segment may be implanted
into the bladder in the same way. Resections with end-to-end sutures are indi-
cated in stricture of the middle third of the canal. Nephrectomy can be per-
formed in advanced cases of pyonephrosis in which the kidney is almost
destroyed.
In conclusion, it may be said that the grave results of neglected ureteral
stricture justify an exploratory operation in the loin whenever symptoms of
ureteral stenosis are present that cannot be accounted for by the regular methods
of routine examination.
FISTULAS OF THE URETERS
Fistulas of the ureters are commimications between the ureters and either
the skin or some hollow viscera in the abdomen or pelvis.
Etiology. — The causes of fistulas are either in the ureter or from the out-
side. The internal causes are the result of a perforation of the ureter, due to a
tuberculous ulcer or an epithelioma, which has caused a local destruction of
the wall; or else it is due to a stone which has caught in the canal and either
perforated it or caused a slough, resulting in the urine leaking into the sur-
rounding tissues. The sloughing of the ureter may also occur, due to a gravid
uterus pressing upon it during pregnancy, especially when there has been a
prolonged labor. It usually occurs on the left side where it is pressed upon by
the fetal head.
Traumatic fistulas may be the result of any injury inflicted accidentally
or during operation.
Pathology. — The urine, having leaked into the neighboring tissues, gives
rise to urinary abscess, which points either on the surface of the body or some
644 THE URETERS
mucous surface. The fistulous opening is either transverse or longitudinal, of
variable shape and size. If longitudinal, the urine leaks from the sides of the
duct; but if the woimd has been transverse and complete, it will escape from
the upper end, which may retract after the injury. Transverse wounds are
usually the result of a surgical injury.
The place in which the abscess discharges is the distal end of the fistulous
tract, as the abdominal wall anteriorly or posteriorly; or into the bowel, duo-
denum, colon, rectum; or into the stomach, the latter being extremely rare.
Fistulas may also open into the vagina or into the uterus; and in some cases,
when the rupture of the ureter is at the point where it enters the bladder, both
the ureter and the bladder may empty into the vagina. The ureteral-vaginal
and the ureteral-uterine fistulas are the result of lesions of the lower portion of
the duct, while the cutaneous fistulas are nearly always the result of injuries
to the upper portion.
When the wounded ureter makes a fistulous opening into the uterus or the
vagina, the communication may be direct from one cavity to the other without
any fistulous tract; whereas, in the middle and upper third of the ureters, an
abscess always forms outside of the canal, resulting in the tract extending from
the point of leakage in the ureter to the point of discharge. When the ureter
has been severed and the two segments lie in the abscess cavity, the lower may
become gradually atrophied. The fistulous tract is thickened, indurated and
perhaps lined with granulation tissue, the same as the tract of any sinus.
Sjrmptoms. — Constant leakage of urine is always present. The quantity
escaping from a fistula which is the result of a complete transverse injury to the
canal is greater than that coming from a ureter which has had only an injury
of one side of its wall. After a kidney has been removed, if the ureter has not
been tied, a urinary fistula may occur at the cut end of the duct and the urine
may leak up through it from the bladder. This, however, is very rare, and is
due to a dilated ureter, the result of obstruction lower down the urinary tract.
Ureteral fistulas rarely heal spontaneously. These fistulas are often com-
plicated by recurrent abscesses, which tend to bring the patient's health below
par. Strictures of the ureter also frequently occur at its point of leakage, and
the resulting interference with the urinary flow may be so marked as to lead
to hydronephrosis and suppurative disease of the kidney.
Diagnosis. — It is difficult to differentiate between a leakage coming from the
upper part of the ureter and one from the pelvis of the kidney; it can simply
be surmised by noting the direction of the fistulous tract, as it would require
an operation and dissection along this tract to be sure as to the seat of the fis-
tula. It is easier to distinguish the ureteral from the bladder fistulas, as in
the latter case, if methylene blue is injected into the bladder, it will escape as
a blue fluid into the fistulous opening. The tract of the ureteral fistula can
also be discovered by injecting methylene blue into the tissues and noting if
FISTULAS OF THE URETERS 645
it escapes from the uterine canal or the vagina in cases where such fistulous
openings are suspected.
Prognosis. — The greatest danger of these fistulas is the formation of a
stricture of the canal, causing obstructions which give rise to "suppurative dis-
eases of the kidney.
Treatment. — The management of ureteral cutaneous fistulas ranges from
wearing some receptacle on the surface of the body to collect the escaping urine,
to the removal of the kidney. Ureteral leakage caused by traumatism in the
course of an abdominal operation should be repaired by suture. If it is a com-
plete division of the ureter, the ends should be united by end-to-end or lateral
anastomosis ; whereas lateral leaks can often be repaired by suture. When these
fistulas occur spontaneously, it is almost always due to impacted calculus, which
should be removed and the duct then repaired by suture. While this operation
is being performed and until healing takes place, a ureteral catheter should be
retained in the canal. Sometimes if a catheter is simply retained in the canal
for some time, it will allow a healing of a lateral injury. If the kidney has
developed a suppurative process that is dangerous to life, it can be removed.
If the urine continues to leak from the bladder through the ureter after a
nephrectomy, the ureter should also be removed. Another method of treating
such a case would be by the Watson operation, which comprises a lumbar in-
cision, then ligating the ureter, opening the pelvis of the kidney by a vertical
incision through the convexity of the kidney, inserting a drainage tube into
the kidney pelvis and draining directly into the receptacle on the back of the
patient This would often save a large amoimt of functionating renal tissue
that is lost by performing nephrectomy.
CHAPTER XXXIII
OPERATIONS ON THE URETER
The opei;^tions on the ureter are as follows :
Ureterotomy: Incising the ureter for ureteral calculus or stricture.
Ureterorrhaphy : Repairing partial ureteral wounds, that is, a ureter not
completely severed, as those made during operations.
Uretero-ureterostomy : Implanting ureter into ureter. End-to-end anasto-
mosis, usually performed for complete wounds of the ureter.
Ureterostomy: Implanting the end of the cut ureter into the skin.
Uretero-cystostomy, trans- and extraperitoneal: Implanting the ureter into
the bladder. Usually performed for wounds of the ureter made during
operation.
Uretero-vaginal anastomosis.
Uretero-intestinal anastomosis.
Ureterectomy: The removal of a part or the whole of the ureter. The for-
mer usually prior to an anastomosis, the latter after a nephrectomy for a
tuberculous kidney.
Xephro-ureterectomy : The removal of both kidney and ureter at the same
operation.
URETEROTOMY
Ureterotomy consists in cutting into the ureter, usually in the case of stone
or stricture. In the first instance, it is spoken of as uretero-lithotomy.
Ureterotomy for Stone
Ureterotomy for stone, or uretero-lithotomy, will be the first considered, as
it is performed in all parts of the canal and consequently shows all the various
incisions that are employed.
The patient should be cystoscoped and the ureters catheterized. The in-
cision is then made in the region that will give the easiest approach to the
stone.
For stone in the upper part of the ureter, the regular curved lumbar incision
is made in the kidney triangle, as for nephrotomy, with the patient lying face
646
URETEROTOMY
647
downward with a pillow or sand bag under tlie abdomen, or on the healthy
side with the loin supported. The ureter is felt for below the kidney. This
can be easily found and delivered, especially if there
is a catheter in the ureter. Tiie ureter can then be
freed and o-xposed from the kidney to the crest of the
ilium by steadying the iireter with one hand and sev-
Fia. 406.— Instrdueht? for Utte-
TER OfESATIOHS TO BE UsED IN
ADDITION TO thobb Albeadt
Mentioned for Kidnet Of-
BiUTioNS. I. BluDt hook. S,
Ureteral clamp. 9, Sharp-poJat-
Fio. 407 A.~Ureterotokt fx>r Stone. Curved lumbar incuioD
ehowing the deliverj- at the ureter below the kidney. (After
Pierre Duval.)
ering the tissues over it on the outer s-ide with a thin knife c
407, A a-^ "-
scissors (Fig.
648 OPERATIONS ON THE TJKETEH
For a stone in the middle or iliac portion of the canal, the patient is placed
on his back and an incision made down to the peritoneum, either through
Fia. 408. — Ubkterotout fob Stone. Patient on his back and the mciHion made thtough tlie oblique
and trans versat is muscles in the iliac reidoii, expoiing tbe ureter as it crosses the pelvic brim and
iliac veas^. The same exposure is obtained by an incision through tbe lower portion of the r«ctua
abdominis muscle.
the oblique and trans-
versalis muscles, just
above Poupart'a liga-
ment (Fig. 408), or
through the belly of
the rectus muscle on
that side.
For the operation
on the lower or pelvic
ureteral segment, the
same incision should
be made, but the pa-
tient should be placed
in the Trendelenbiiig
position and the epi-
gastric artery ligated
and cut {Fig. 409).
The perineal in-
cision, with a dis-
section up between
Fio, 409. — Urbtsbotoht ran Stonb. Patient on his back, but in the , j i_
Trendelenburg position. The same incision is seen and two Ugatures '"6 prostate and the
are noted about the epiRaatric artery, which when ligaled and cut will i-gctum is another
give a better field for working on the lowest segment of the ureter. t i r
(After Pierre Duva[.) method 01 perform-
UHETEROTOMY
649
ing i.reterotomy on the lowest pelvic portion of tlie ureter in men. The
vaginal incision la often employed for stones in this part of the canal in
The part of the ureter running through the bladder wall is best approached
by a suprapubic opening of the bladder.
The calculus is usually at the lower end of the ureter. In aseptic cases,
there is some thickening at the level of the calculus and some dilatation above
it; whereas, in septic
cases, there is an in-
danunation, thickening
and perhaps a localized
peritonitis and a stric-
ture below tlie calcu-
lus. It is necessary
to remove the stone to
have the ureter drain
the kidney well.
Tflohniqtte of Op-
eration through Ab-
dominal Incisions
{Abdominal Ureterot-
omy).— The patient ia
cyatoscoped and the
ureter catheterized, the
catheter usually pass-
ing by the calculus.
If it does not pass the
stone, it will go as far
as the point where the
calculus is located,
EXTHAPEEITON EAL
Operation. — The ure-
ter is approaclied by
separating tlie perito-
neum from the lateral
or posterior abdominal
walls and drawing it
with its contents to the
opposite side until the
duct is seen in the re-
gion in which the stone is situated. The duct is then comprPsi=ed above the
calculus with a piece of gauze, tape or a clamp to prevent urine from leaking
Fia.410. — Uhbtbrotout for Stone. Thesanie poatioD and iuriajon
aa in Fig. 409. A bulgiiiK ol the urelcr near the bladder with an
iDciiioD in its wall shows a deep-seated calculus. A clamp has
been placed above it to keep the uriue from the wound during the
operation. (Joanbrau- L'Ass. Frani;Biae d'Urolagie.)
(
OPEEATIONS ON THE TIRETEH
into the wound, and the calculus is extracted by forceps; or it may be dis-
lodged with a pair of blunt-pointed curved scissors (Fig. 411),
Fia. 411. — tTRETEROTOHT FOB Stone. The delivery of the calculus, the clamping ot the ureter, and
the Buturing of the abdominal wait ahono here applies to any part of the ureter. In the upper
fiRure the calculus is beinK dialodgcd by bluat-pointcd curved scissura, although forceps or very
small dull curettes are generally used. The ureteral catheter can now he pushed up the canal and
the duct closed by interrupted autiares of No. 1 chromic gut in a thin, round needle. (Jeanbrsu.
L'AsB. Fran^aiae d'Urotogic.)
In pus eases, it is necessary to proceed with greater care, as there is present
a peri -ureter it is, the tissues arc thicker and the traumatism connected with the
operation is conseqnently greater.
In ease there is no pus about the calciilus, the ureter may be opened just
UEETEROTOMY 651
above it and the stone removed; but in case there is considerable pu3 in the
cavity in which the stone la held, the duct should be opened over the entire
length of the calciilua.
Closing of the Ureter. — The ureter in clean cases is closed with inter-
rupted sutures of the finest chromic catgut threaded in a fine round intestinal
needle. As the duct is dilated above the stone, there is sufficient space for pass-
ing the sutures.
Many do not believe in sutures and prefer to leave the wound open. At
the present writing, I think that it is better in all cases to close the canal en-
tirely, or at each end, and to pass a drain down to it through the abdominal
wall. Pus can drain along the ureter and, if the wound breaks down, the open-
ing will not be so large as when the entire incision is left open. It is much
easier to close the ureter when a ureteral catheter has been passed up the ureter
before the operation (Fig. 411). If this has not been done, a catheter can be
Fio. 412. — Uhbterotout foh Stotix. A ureteral catheter is sn aid in suturing the ureter, but wheo
it is not used, any small woven catheter should be passed into the ureter from tlie wound and
removed as soon as tlie sutures are placed prior to ligating them. A ureteral catheter is prefer-
able, however, both as an aid when suturing the duct, as a drain for the kidney, and to prevent
contraction of the Geld of operation. (Jeanbrau. L'Ass. Fran^aise d'Undogie.)
passed down through the canal from the field of operation, as it is easier to
suture the canal when an instrument is in it. The sutures are interrupted and
pass through the entire wall excepting the mucous coat. In case a catheter has
been introduced from the field of operation, it should bo withdrawn before the su-
652
OPERATIONS ON THE URETER
tures are ligated (Fig. 412). In any case, a ureteral catheter passed through the
urethra and bladder bj the field of operation should be retained for some time.
Closing of the Abdomen. — The drainage and the closing of the abdom-
inal wound should be the same in septic as in aseptic cases, except that the
wound should not be closed
■ tightly up to the drainage
tube; but space should be
left for better placing the
drain, as drainage will
probably have to be kept
up for four to fourteen
days or longer. The ure-
•:« teral catheter may have to
remain in the ureter from
a week to a month, ac-
cording to the healing proc-
ess. The ureteral catheter
should be changed everj'
few days or at least once a
week, for the sake of clean-
liness, even when it is
working well. The renal
pelvis can be washed out
once or twice a day, ac-
cording to the drainage,
with warm water, followed
by silver, 1 : 4,000, or pro-
targol, 1 : 400.
Tkanspebitomeai,
KouTE. — In women, the
transperitoneal route seems
to be the one of choice for
pelvic work on the ureter
for two reasons: First, be-
cause the injuries to the
—Incision
B BbOAD LiaAUKNT, EXPOSINO
THE Uheteh on One Side. The round ligsmeut has been
cut through and the vessels about the uretisr are seen. In this
locality, ureterotomies, ureterorrhaphiea. ureteral auaatomosi
uretero-vcsical anastomoflia, uretero-inteatinal anastomosis ci
aUbedone. When oneoftheaeoperationshas been performed,
BD eitrapcritoneal incision can be made (or drBinage through Ureters Usually happen dur-
the loin, groin, or vagina and the peritoneum can be closed j„^ nrwratioTis and are of-
T the operative field. (After Pierre Duval.)
ing operatio
ten seen ; and second, he-
cause by the abdominal incisions, either through the oblique group of muscles or
through the rectus, more difficulties are found in separating and drawing aside
the peritoneum from the pelvic wall by the extraperitoneal operation than in men.
In the case of discovering later that a ureter has been injured during opera-
URETEROTOMY
653
tion, it is easier to open the abdomen again and retrace one's stepB than to try
to find a partially wounded ureter or the segments of one that has been com-
pletely severed by the extraperitoneal route.
It is important in performing such operations in tlie female to remember
that the pelvic portion of the ureter runs from the bifurcation of the iliac ves-
sels to the base of the bladder, and that the portion of it in these cases that is
liable to be injured is behind the broad ligament
Fig. 413 sliows a dissection through the broad ligament exposing the ureter
on the left side. The round ligament has been cut through and the vessels
about the ureter are seen. In this locality, ureterotomy, ureterorrhaphy, ure-
teral anastomosis, uretero-vesical anastomosis, uretero-infestinal anastomosis
can all be done. Af-
ter they have been
performed, the peri-
toneum can be closed
over the operative
field and a drain
passed down to the
line of peritoneal
closure through the
abdominal incision.
In cases with pus or
pus in the urine, it
is advisable, before
bringing the perito-
neum over the plas-
tic work on the ure-
ter, to make counter
openings to the sur-
face above Poupart's
ligament if the op-
eration is near the
bifurcation of the
iliac vessels, or
through the vault
of the vagina on
that side if the op- Fiu. 4H. — Perineal L'hetehotout. Palieat in the litholomy poei-
. ■ - tion. The prostate is the upper angle of the wound; the fascia over
eration is near or ^^^ geroinal vesicle opened; the vesicle and the vag pulled to one
connected with the "de and ureter hooked up and incised over the calculus. (Author's
, , , J operation.)
bladder.
Perineal Ureterotomy. — A calculus in the part of the male ureter just above
the bladder is considered bj some to be the best approached through the Zneker-
654
OPERATIONS ON THE URETER
kandl perineal incision that is employed for the removal of the prostate or
seminal vesicles, as the ahdominal operation, especially when made through
the oblique muscles, is liable to be followed by hernia. The patient is placed
in the lithotomy position and the incision made in front of the anus, up be-
tween the prostate and the rectum and just beyond the prostatic base. The
ureter is found just beneath or to the inner side of the seminal vesicle, with
the vas deferens passing in front of it. It is seized by a blunt hook, the sem-
inal vesicle and the vas are retracted, an incision is made over the calculus and
the stone is removed from forceps (Fig, 414),
Drainage is made through the perineum, after which any urine leaking from
the wound runs through the sinus remaining in this region, which usually
closes slowly. The
drain is left in but a
few days.
Vaginal Route. —
The lower part of the
canal outside of the
bladder wall is best
approached in women
through the vagina.
The steps of the opera-
tion are as follows:
Patient in the gyatxo-
logical position. The
ureter should be cathe-
terized, A transverse
incision is made in the
vagina from the cor-
responding side of the
cervix uteri, or a verti-
cal one just beside it.
After the vaginal wall
has been cut through,
the catheter and calcu-
lus can usually be felt
by the finger tip intro-
duced through the in-
cision. If not, the tis-
sues should be pushed
down by suprapubic pressure with the other hand. The ureter should now be
caught by a blunt hook and pulled down, and a traction suture passed about
it by means of a blunt-pointed needle, so as not to wound the uterine artery.
TO. 41S.— Patient in the Gtnecolooical Pobition. An
eiaion u eeeo in the vaeinal wall by the side of the cervix uti
The ureter has been hooked up and incised over the calculus.
URETEROTOMY
655
The ureter should then be steadied and a longitudinal incision made in it
over the stone (Fig. 415). The calculus should then be removed with forceps,
and the catheter pushed through the canal up to the renal pelvis in case this
could not be done at the beginning of the operation. The ureteral wall should
then be closed bj sutures and a drain placed close to the vaginal incision. The
postoperative treatment is the
same as that already de-
scribed.
Vesico-nretero-litliotomy.
— Vesico-uretero-lithotomy is
the operation for removing
a calculus from the portion
of the ureter passing through
the bladder wall. This part
of the canal is about three
quarters of an inch in length
and is best approached by
the bladder route.
The steps of the opera-
tion are as follows: Tren-
delenburg position. Supra-
pubic cystotomy. Pass a
fine-grooved probe into the
ureter from the bladder; in-
cise the ureter up to the
stone {Fig. 416). Insert
the blades of a very thin
pair of forceps, grasp the calculus and withdraw it. Sometimes it is easier to
do this with a very small curette, as in removing urethral calculi. The removal
of the stone is sometimes facilitated by cotinterpressure with the finger in the
rectum.
Complications. — When a stricture is situated below a stone in any part of
the canal, this should be severed longitudinally after the calculus has been
removed, as otherwise the ureteral incision might result in a fistula. This can
easily be done in the upper part of the ureter, but sometimes in the lower part
of the canal it is necessary to ent the stricture with a urethrotome (internal
ureterotomy).
Ureterotomy for Stricture
Techniqne of External Ureterotomy for Strictture. — Stricture of the ure-
ter usually occurs near tlie upper end of the canal, that i!<, near the kidney,
although it may occur in any part of it. The incision in the abdominal wall
G. — Patient ih thi
WITH THE BlADDEB OpENED Sl-PHAPUBIfALLY. The uretpF
and the part of (he hiadder wall through vihich it paasca
have been cut through and the stone is clearly seen.
656 OPERATIONS ON THE UEETER
depends on the locality of the narrowing and is therefore made either in the
lumbar or the iliac regions.
The ureter ia first eatheterized with a No. 6 French catheter, which enables
the operator to find the stricture, as the catheter stops at this point. It can
also be estimated by the distance that it passes up after the distal end has en-
tered the mouth of the ureter. The ureter is found by palpation just below
tlic lower pole of the kidney when the stricture is high up ; over the bifurcation
of the iliac vessels when it occurs in its middle por-
tion; or between this bifurcation and the bladder
in the true pelvis and consequently in the latter
two instances the inguinal incision or the incision
through the rectus abdominis is made.
After the stricture has been exposed, a ureteral
clamp is placed above the narrowing, and the sur-
rounding tissues are walled off with gauze; after
which a longitudinal incision is made through (he
stricture in the wall of the canal. The ureteral
catheter is then pushed through the strictiired por-
tion and the sutures are passed through the ureteral
wall longitudinally.
Fio. 417.— Ubbtbbotowt fob -pive sutures are usually employed, which go
Sthictcre. {!) Showing the ,1,11 r , „ 1
strictureineiaedloDgitudJnally through ail the layers of the wall, except the mucous
and (he mannerof passing the menibrane. The first suture is inserted iust above
Buturea. one irom the upper to 1 ,- ■ . - 1
the lower ansle o' the wound the upper angle of the incision and conies out just
and two on each ride, making (^j^^^ ^^ j j ^ SUtures are then
five ID all. (2) Showing the ^
Buturee ligatcd. making the passed through the walls on either side. The su-
"bTo" r",2m"; ""'' "<• ""» ''e"""*' "^'''^ ■»»''" "'« "™ »« "■"i™
wider. (After Albarnui.) transverse and the strictured portion consequently
wider than before (Fig. 417).
A cigarette drain or rubber tube is then inserted down to the point of opera-
tion, and the ureter and the abdominal wall should be closed up to this drain.
This is withdrawn on tlie third day. The ureteral catheters, if employed, should
be retained for two weeks. The kidney pelvis is washed out once a day
with a solution of 1 : 2,000 solution of silver nitrate, or 1 : 500 solution of pro-
targol. The skin sutures are removed at the end of a week. Some operators
do not consider it necessary to retain the ureteral catheter after operating, as
tlie strictured part of the urethra is so much enlarged by the operation.
URETERORRHAPHY
TJreterorrhapliy is an oi>eration for repairing partial wounds of the ureter
occurring during operations.
UKETERORRHAPHY 657
Partial or incomplete ureteral wounds are those that do not include the
entire circumference of the duct. When the injury has divided the ureter into
two pieces, one connected with the bladder and the other with the kidney, it
is called a complete wound and the operation consists in suturing together the
two ends of the ureter, to which the name uretero-ureteral anastomosis or ure-
tero-ureterostomy has been given.
Wounds of the ureter are for the most part accidental, occurring usually
during vaginal and suprapubic hysterectomies for malignant growths, although
sometimes the surgeon deliberately cuts through the ureter in the removal of
a tumor. It is sometimes cut through higher up in freeing adhesions and in
removing the adnexa. Sometimes the ureter is displaced forward by a fibroma
in front of the uterus and is therefore subjected to injury. The ureters are
occasionally, although much less frequently, injured through other than oper-
ative accidents.
In the case of longitudinal wounds of the ureter, their edges tend to remain
in contact ; whereas in oblique or transverse wounds, in which the ureter is not
completely divided, the wound gaps and is oval.
When the ends are completely separated, they can easily be brought together
again, except when too much of the ureter has been injured or removed or when
the operator is not able to find the injured segments.
Everv' wound of a ureter, complete or incomplete, not sutured, may form a
fistula which later either heals spontaneously or persists; consequently a cica-
tricial stricture may also result, complicated by renal retention and uretero-renal
infection. The fistula may open into the vagina, or through the abdominal wall.
The wound in the ureter may be surrounded by a mass of inflammatory tissue.
Above the fistula the ureter is dilated. The part of the ureter between the fis-
tula and the bladder is usually thickened but permeable. A cicatricial stricture
may also result, complicated by renal retention and uretero-renal infection.
The greatest danger in wounding the ureter during a laparotomy is through
infection of the peritoneal cavity by septic urine and a consequent septic
peritonitis.
Technique of Ureterorrhaphy. — First, free the ureter and compress it to
prevent urinary leakage. It can be compressed above the injury with a piece
of gauze, tape or ureteral clamp. The ureteral wound having been exposed,
it can be united by longitudinal, transverse or oblique interrupted sutures
of fine chromic gut, care being taken not to perforate its mucous wall.
The operation for the union of a longitudinal tear is that of ureterotomy
for stricture (Fig. 417). The operation for a transverse wound necessitates the
making of two incisions a sixth of an inch long, one upward and one downward
from the middle of the transverse wound and then proceeding as follows : The
first suture should be from just above the upper angle of the longitudinal cut
to just below the lower angle. The second suture should be introduced through
658
OPERATIONS ON THE T'RETER
eitber side of tlie longttiulinal cut just above the angle that it forms with the
transverse wound and comes out in the corresponding position below. Another
Bittiire slioitkl then be placed through the transverse wound on eitlier side near
its ends (Fig. 418, ,t and B). This also resuita in a transverse line of sutures
making the ureter wider than before
at this point.
"la. 418. — Uhbtbrobbhapht. (A) A t
t«ar, A longitudiDal inciaioD one sixth of an
inch in tenctli eit^ndB upwturl aud dowmrard
trotp its middle point. (B) Five suturea are
then passed: one from the upper to the loner
angle: one tbrough either side of the longitudi-
nal out just above the angle it forras with the
traosverse wound, and one other on eaeh aide
of the transverse incision near its end. When
Ugated. a trans vcree wound results larger
than the remaiader of the canal. (Aft«r Al-
■la, 419,— Poaoi's Opbbation. A. The mannn-
of placing tbc sutures prior to invagiuBtiag the
upper segment into the loner. B, The auaa-
tomosis completed and the suturea in place.
URETERO-XJRETEROSTOMY
{End-to-end Anastomosis)
The operation of uretero-ureterostomy is performed when the ureter has
been completely severed in abdominal operations. The operatiima arc the
Poggi, the Van Hook and the Bovee. Of these, the Poggi oiteration ajipeals
to me the most (Fig. 419),
The Poggi Operation. — The ends are approximated. Both ends are cut
transversely in case they are irregular. The distal end is stretched and then
a slit is made on its anterior surface one sixth of an inch long, to enlarge it
sufficiently to allow the upper end to enter it. A plain catgut suture is passed
one eighth of an inch from the cut surface through the posterior wall of the
upper segment from within outward, resembling an inverted " U." The ends
are then brought down and through the posterior wall of the lower segment.
from within outward, at a corresponding distance from the cut surface; then
the upper segment is pulled into the lower segment and the ends of the sutures
tied behind, after which the sides are sutured together with No. 1 chromic gut.
The anterior slit is also sewed together, including the invaginated segmeiii,
UEETEROSTOMY
659
with two sutures of the same size. None of these holding sutures go through
the mucous membrane, as is the case with the plain gut suture.
Van Hook's Metbod. — In this procedure, which involves a shortening of
the duct, the peripheral end of the ureter is ligatcd near the line of division
and a longitudinal incision is then made
below the ligature. The incision should
be twice as long as the diameter of the
ureter. The central end is slit for five to
six millimeters, to keep it gaping, and a
" TJ " suture is applied, passing from with-
in outward. The two ends of this thread
enter the peripheral stump of the ureter
through the wound, passing through the
walls, from within outward, below the lat-
eral slit. The central fragment of the
ureter is invaginated into the peripheral
fragment by pulling it into the opening
and tying the two ends of the suture on
the outside wall. The anastomosis is com-
pleted by suturing the longitudinal wound
of the lower segment on each side of the
graft (Fig. 420).
Bovto's Method. — This procedure was devised with the object of preventing
the occurrence of constriction, which is apt to follow after anastomosis by the end-
in-end, the end-in-side and the
transverse end-to-end method
of ureteral union (Fig. 421),
In Bovee's oblique end-to^nd
junction, the divided ends
of the ureter are triranie<i
cbliquely, brought together
and united by two rows of in-
terrupted sutures not pene-
trating the mucosa.
After these operations, the peritoneum is sutured and a drain is inserted
through the abdominal wall on a level with the suture, after which the abdom-
inal wound is closed up to the drain.
Fio. 420.— Van Hook's
OpEBATtOM. A, The
poBition of the trac-
tion suture id the prox-
imal ead of the ureter.
B, The loDgitudiiua
incLiioii in the distal
end into which the
proximal end ia to be
invagtnated.
URETEROSTOMY
Ureterostomy is the name given to the grafting of the proximal end of the
ureter into the skin.
660 OPERATIONS ON THE URETER
The grafting of the proximal segment of a ureter into the skin after an in-
jury is the simplest method of establishing the elimination of urine from the
corresponding organ. This operation is a very simple one, but the results
have been far from satisfactory and most of the patients have survived the
operation but a short time. I consequently cannot recommend the operation
and think that a nephrostomy with direct drainage from the renal pelvis into
the loin, or even a nephrectomy, promises better results. ThQ patients usually
die of pyelo-nephritis or pyonephrosis, due to renal infection after this
procedure.
When an injury is due to an accident during a laparotomy, some ligate the
distal fragment and bring the proximal fragment into the lower angle of the
abdominal incision. This operation is, however, best applied to cases in which
the external opening can be made in the lumbar region. The ureter, having
been compressed above the seat of injury, is freed from its normal position and
the end is brought into the lower segment of the wound, as has already been
mentioned. In fixing the ureter, we must allow for a sufficient length of the
duct to drain the kidney and take care not to form a loop of sufficient length to
have it sag and retain urine.
Two small incisions, a quarter of an inch long, are made opposite one an-
other in the end of the canal to fit the skin opening better. The ureter end is
then made fast to the skin by any suture not going through the entire ure-
teral wall.
A ureteral catheter should be left in for some days. The lumbar wound is
closed as usual. The operation is unsatisfactory and I do not recommend it.
URETERO-CYSTOTOMY
Uretero-cystotomy consists in operating upon the ureter for injuries near
the bladder, which usually occur in women during a hysterectomy operation,
and making an anastomosis of this canal with the bladder. It is performed
by the transperitoneal, extraperitoneal and transvesical routes.
Transperitoneal Method. — A median laparotomy is performed (Fig. 413).
The lower segment of the ureter is ligated and the end cauterized. It is some-
times difficult to find the upper segment that we intend implanting in the blad-
der, as it retracts ; in which case the iliac vessels should be cut down upon and the
ureter found and freed down as far as its end. Two slits, one sixth of an inch
long, are then made on either side in the end of the proximal portion of the canal
and an inverted " U " suture is passed through the ureter on either side, the
vault of the inverted " U " being on the inside of the ureter. The ends of these
sutures are threaded on thin curved needles. A diagonal slit is now made on
the posterior lateral wall of the bladder and a ureteral catheter is passed up
from below and out of the bladder incision into the ureter. The ends of the
UBETERO-CYSTOTOMT
661
" II " sutures are passed through the bladder wall on the two sides of tlie in-
cision, from within outward, and the end of the ureter is pulled into the
bladder. The ends of the sutures are then pulled taut and tied on the out-
side of the vesical wall. In this way, the opening of the ureter in the bladder
is held well open. The bladder is then closed up to the ureter on either side
with fine silk sutures, care being taken not to make pressure upon it sufficient
to cause obstruction of the duct (Fig. 422). The
ureteral catheter is retained in the canal and
the urethral catheter in the bladder. Great care
must be taken to keep the operative field well
walled off to avoid urinary leakage. The ab-
FlO. 422. — TttAN8PIIUT0NBA.L MBTHOB
tures tbrougb the ureter and bladder.
Uaddcr wall.
dominal wall should then be closed. Drainage can be established through tlie
vagina by passing pointed scissors up to the side of the cer\nx uteri and through
the vault of the vagina on that side. and inserting a tube, cigarette drain or wick.
The flat dorsal or the dorsal reclining position is recommended after operation.
Various other methods of implantation are used by means of buttons and
different devices. The simple method of stabbing a hole in the bladder from the
outside with a scalpel, pushing the end of the ureter into it with thumb forceps
and suturing the outer wall of the ureter to that of the bladder on either side,
has been successful in many cases without the use of a ureteral catheter.
Extraperitoneal Uretero cystotomy. — Tliis route is a difiicult one to follow
out in women, as the ureter is usually cut during a hysterectomy in the region
of its greatest exposure, which is just behind the uterine vessels ; after which
it retracts. It would therefore be necessary either to close the peritoneum
and then separate the tissues extraperitoneally until the ureter is found; or
else to make another incision in the side of the abdomen, which would weaken
the wall considerably and predispose to hernia. vVfter an operation on the
adnexa and especially after a hysterectomy, the transperitoneal route is easier.
In men, injuries or any other conditions requiring an extraperitoneal uretero-
662 OPERATIONS ON THE URETER
cystotomy are very rare. It appears, therefore, that the transperitoneal ure-
tero-cystotomy is the better (Fig. 413).
Uretero-vaginal Anastomosis. — A uretero-vaginal anastomosis is not recom-
mended, as it is usually followed by hydronephrosis. The best result that can
be obtained by this operation is a uretero-vaginal fistula, which is not desirable.
Transvesical Uretero-cystotomy. — Transvesical uretero-cystotomy is also
not recommended. This operation consists in making a suprapubic cystotomy,
inserting a grooved director into the ureter, grasping and pulling the ureter
into the bladder and incising and separating its ends, as in the case of the trans-
peritoneal operation. After this, the ends should be sewed to the muscular
wall of the bladder from its inside, or else the peritoneum should be opened
above the bladder and the suture passed through the bladder wall from the
inside and ligated on its outside through the peritoneal incision. In this opera-
tion, there is great danger of infection of the peritoneum by the urine and it
cannot be recommended.
URETERO-INTESTINAL ANASTOMOSIS
(Grafting of Ureters to Intestine)
This operation is performed:
1. For accidental wounds of the ureter, when neither uretero-ureteral anas-
tomosis nor vesical grafting appear feasible.
2. For the cure of ureteral fistula. (Chaput.)
3. After total cystectomy. (Kiister.)
4. In exstrophy of the bladder. (Simon.)
Ureteral grafting into the intestine is a serious operation, with a very high
immediate and remote mortality, which may be estimated as thirty-five to forty
per cent. The high operative mortality is due to local infection about the anas-
tomosis giving rise to abscess, fistula and stricture in cases immediately after
the operation or to a renal infection at a later date.
Selection of Intestinal Segment. — The rectum, sigmoid flexure, cecum and
ascending and descending colon, have been principally used for this purpose.
The operation is usually performed by the intraperitoneal route, although
occasionally the ureter has been grafted to the colon or rectum by the extra-
peritoneal route.
Uretero-colostomy. — This oi)eration can be performed by either the extra-
or intraperitoneal route. The steps are:
Expose the ureter ; free the ureter ; suture the ureter to the colon.
The first two steps have been described under the extra- and intraperitoneal
incisions in ureteral surgery (Figs. 409 and 413).
Operative Technique. — The ureter is freed and brought in contact with
the portion of the colon chosen for the seat of the anastomosis. The intestinal
URETERECTOMY
663
iither
wall is freshened and uncovered at thia point. The parietal peritoneum is
incised from the region of the ureter to that of the colon and the two sides
dissected back. The ureter is placed in this space and brought in contact with
the intestine.
At one and one half centimeters from its cut end, a suture is passed through
the outer layer of the ureteral wall, fixing it to the lateral wall of the colon,
after which the free edges of the peritoneum are brought over the ureter and
the wall of the colon is also sewed over it in such a way as to bury it.
On the anterior surface of the colon a quadrilateral flap is made on
side of and across the longi-
tudinal hand of the gut,
two centimeters long and
one centimeter wide, ex-
tending through the serous
and muscular coat.
The incision of the flap
is made on either side and
below hut not above, which
part ia left intact.
The flap is then re-
flected upward. The mu-
CQU3 coat of the gut is then
cut through in the same
lines of incision and folded upon itself and attached by sutures at its upper
edge in such a way as to form a mucous valve {Fig. 423, .4).
The end of the ureter is placed on the front of the mucous surface of the
valve and fastened there by suture {Fig. 423, B).
The reflected aero-muscular flap is then brought down over the mucoxis
valve and the end of the ureter, and is sewed to the edges of the wound in the
inteatine below and on ita aides, thus burying the ureter (Fig. 423, C).
It will he seen that the ureter then has an oblique tract and a valve at its
new orifice.
URETERECTOMY
Excision of the ureter is performed in tuberculosis of the kidney and iireter
and in suppurative cases in which the ureter ia involved on account of fistulas,
strictures and ureteral retention of urine or pua. Ureterectomy may be primary
or secondary. In the first instance, the ureter is removed with the kidney and
in the second instance after the removal of the organ. It may be partial or
total, the former when only a segment ia removed prior to some anastomosis.
Technique of Ureterectomy. — The iireter should first be catheterized from
below up, or from above down, and any fistulas present should be curetted and
Fio. 423. — Uhbtbbo-colobtout. A, The line of incisioii of the
flap through the serous and musculax coata of the colon. B,
The colon Sap lifted up and a muscua flap of the same die
folded oa itsdf and fastened above. The ureter ia seen buried
in the side of the intestiiml wall and fastened to the muscus
flap. C. The sero-muBculor flap brought down id place and
sutured to the line of incision. (Pierre Ehival.)
664 OPERATIONS ON THE TTEETEE
washed out with peroxid. A curved incision is recommended from the kidney
angle do^-n along the erector spinte muscle, past the anterior superior spine of
the ilium to the external horder of the rectus abdominis muscle, nearly to its
insertion (Fig, 424). The different muscular planes are then cut through down
to the subperitoneal fat. The ureter is then felt for in the lumbar region, where
it is more exposed ; but in case it is not found there, it should be sought in the
iliac fossa. In looking for the ureter, the fingers of tlie operator's hand should
Fra. 424. — iLEO-LCMDAl
gently work their way under the peritoneum with their backs pointing to the
abdominal wall while making traction on the peritoneum with the other hand.
The ureter ie usually quite easily discovered on account of the hard feel trans-
mitted to it by the contained catheter. Sometimes, however, the ureteral catlie-
ter is stopped in its course by tuberculous thickenings of the ureter, by strictures
and by fistulous tracts causing a narrowing of the canal below them. In that
case, the ureter should be cut down ujwn at the highest point to which the
catheter has passed and the work can be begun at this point. In any case, after
the ureter has been found, a traction suture should be passed about it and it
should be separated down to the point at which it joins the bladder. A ligature
is then placed around the ureter, tliree quarters of an inch from the vesical
wall, and the ureter is seized and lifted up, a gauze pad is placed beneath th(*
nreter to protect the surrounding tissues and the duct is cut through with scis-
sors; after this the lumen o£ the stump is cauterized by carbolic acid or a Paque-
lin cautery. The u])per segment of the ureter should then be dissected out.
In case there are adhesions along the tract, it may be necessary to dissect the
ureter out with scissors; whereas, in the case of a fistula, it may be necessary
to approach it from above as well as from below. The fistulous tract leading
from the ureter must be curetted afterwards to remove all the granulations, in
order that it may heal. The entire wound should be closed or a sufficient space
can be left above or below to allow the passing of a gauze wick for drainage, if
there is an area of periureteral suppuration present.
NEPHEO-URETERECTOMY
NEPHRO-URETERECTOMT
In case the kidney and the ureter are removed at the same time, the kidney
is first freed and is held as a tractor while the ureter ia stripped down to the
bladder. In this case, the patient lies, from the beginning of the operation, on
the healthy side until after the kidney has been liberated, when he should be
turned on his back and the operation continued either fiat or partially Treu-
Fio. 425. — Mephbo-ttrbtbbictoht. Transverse inciaion id the median line. The kidney lemoved
and hangiDg. The iingerB of one himd are in tbo incision aad free the ureter down to the posterior
surface of the broad Ugameut, where it is ligated and out away. (From KcUy's "Operalive
GyneooloBy.")
delenburg and then perhaps more fully Trendelenburg, as the bladder ia ap-
proached, A space for drainage should be left above and below, and it should
be closed in the middle.
This operation is sometimes done from below upward when there is a large
stone, stricture or impassable tuberculoua thickening in the lower ureter near
666 OPERATIONS OK THE URETER
the bladder. The only time I have performed this operation was in the case
of a ureteral stricture low down in the ureter with a nonfunctionating kidney
above it.
In case the kidney has already been removed and there are no fistulas in
Fia. 426. — NEPHRO-nBETEHFCTOMT. Shows the operator's two fingers dowo to the vaginal wall on one
Bide of the cervii uteri and the fingers of an asaistant pressing sKainst them through the vagina.
The sharp-pointed blades of a pair of scissors are then thrust up through the vaginal wall between
the fingpfB. The atunip of the ureter ia then pushed down thmunh the inciaion and again Uipted
tutber down and cut away. (From Kelly's "Operative Gynecology.")
NEPHRO-TJRETERECTOMY 667
the loin and the pathological conditions are in the iliac portion of the ureter,
the incision through the abdomen anteriorly may suffice for removing the re-
maining ureter. In other cases, there can be two incisions, one in the loin and
one in the groin, with a bridge of tissue between the two; in which case, the
kidney has to be removed through a vertical lumbar incision and the entire ure-
ter through the groin. In women, the Howard Kelly method of removing the
kidney through a transverse incision and the ureter through the vagina is both
practicable and instructive (Figs. 425, 426). The kidney is freed, its vascular
pedicle ligated and it is delivered through the transverse incision.
(2)
INDEX
Abdomen, examination of, i. 308.
Abdominal supports, i. 415.
Abnormalities of kidneys, i. 40.
Abscess of kidney, i. 473.
of penis, ii. 526.
of prostate, ii. 199.
perinephritic, i. 466.
Accelerator urinae, L 26, 27*
Acetone in urine, i. 86.
Actinomyces, i. 115.
Actuarius, i. 2.
Acuminata, iL 537.
Adenoma, malignant, L 482.
of kidney, i. 481.
of penis, ii. 528.
Adenitis, inguinal. See Bubo.
Age of patients in diagnosis, i. 297.
Agurin, i. 436.
Air cystoscopes, i. 203.
Aix la Chapelle, ii. 707.
Albumin in urine, i. 76.
discovery of, i. 3.
Albumose in urine i. 78.
Albuminuria, Bence-Jones, L 78.
Albarran, i. 5.
cystoscope of, i. 202.
operation of, for uronephrosis, i. 617.
Albargin, ii. 379.
Alcock's canal, i. 25, 31.
Alcohol, nephritics and, i. 434.
Alcoholic beverages, i. 326.
Alcoholic coma, uremia and, i. 448, 450.
Alcoholic excesses, urethritis and, ii. 352.
Alimentary glycosuria, i. 365.
Alkaline carbonated waters, i. 339.
muriated waters, i. 339.
saline mineral waters, i. 340.
Allison table, i. 146.
Alopecia, luetic, ii. 688.
Ammonia, uremia and, i. 452.
Ammonium carbonate, uremia and, i. 440.
Amyloid casts, i. 108.
Amyloid kidney, i. 437.
diagnosis of, i. 439.
etiology of, i. 437.
pathology of, i. 438.
pyocyaneus bacillus and, i. 438.
symptoms of, i. 438.
treatment '^f, i. 439.
Ancient urology, i. 1.
Andrews, Wyllis, hydrocele operation of, ii.
582.
Anesthesia, i. 7.
combined method of, i. 352.
in urology, i. 350.
Angioma of kidney, i. 481.
Animal inoculation, i. 113.
Annular kidney, i. 385.
Anorchism, i. 586.
Antiseptic method of Lister, i. 6.
Antiseptic solutions for cystitis, ii. 46.
for gonorrhea, ii. 378.
Antispasmodic mixture for urethritis, ii. 390.
Anuria, calculous, i. 522.
diagnosis of, i. 275.
etiology of, .i. 273.
kidney injury and, i. 393.
retention of urine and, differentiated, i.
259.
symptoms of, i. 275.
treatment of, i. 276.
Anus, imperforate, ii. 312.
Apenta water in cystitis, ii. 48.
Apoplexy, uremia and, i. 448.
Apparatus and instruments, sterilization of,
i. \ry3.
Apparatus recommended for office, i. 139.
Appendicitis, bladder enlargement and, ii. 2.
nephrolithiasis and, i. 513.
Appendix, bladder displacement due to, ii.
109.
Appointm< nt form. i. 148.
Argentamin, ii. 379.
Argonin, ii. 379.
669
670
INDEX
Argyrol, ii. 379.
Arsenical preparations, ii. 716.
Arseno-benzol (see also salvarsan), ii. 715.
Arteriosclerosis, chronic interstitial nephri-
tis and, i. 425.
Arthritis, gonococcal, ii. 516.
Asepsis, i. 7.
Aspergillus, diabetia balano-posthitis and, ii.
541.
Aspiration, i. 263.
dropsy and, i. 437.
of kidney, 1. 548, 583,
of urine, ii. 253.
Astringent solutions in urethritis, ii. 380.
Athletic bandage, ii. 613.
Atoxyl, ii. 715.
Ayres's extractor, ii, 144.
Ayurveda of Sucrutu, i. 1.
" B. and B. mixture," ii. 103.
for cystitis, ii. 47.
Bacteria in blood, i. 135.
in cystitis, ii. 35.
mode of entrance of, into the urine, i. 111.
Bacteriological discoveries, i. 5.
Bacteriological examination of urine, i. 115.
Bacteriology of urine, i. 110.
Baeteriuria, i. 282, 286.
Balanitis, ii. 538.
gonococcal, ii. 539.
secondary, ii. 539.
syphilitic, ii. 539.
treatment of, ii. 541.
Balano-posthitis, chronic, ii. 540.
diabetic, ii. 540.
Balano-preputial sulcus, i. 08.
Ballottement of kidney, i. 371.
Balsamics, ii. 370.
Balsams in cystitis, ii. 46.
Bandage, scrotal or T, ii. 611, 612.
Barium solution, i. 91.
Bartholin, glands of, i. 57.
gonorrhea and, ii. 513.
Bartholinitis, ii. 506.
Basham's mixture in cystitis, ii. 48.
Baths, i. 344.
Behavior, general, in examination, i. 306.
" Belladonna and potash mixture," ii. 44.
Bellini, i. 2.
Bence-Jones albuminuria, i. 78.
B^niqu6 sound, i. 179, 180, ii. 430.
Benzoate of soda, i. 554.
nephritis and, i. 429.
Benzoates in cystitis, ii. 47.
Bertini, columns of, L 37.
Bevan's operation for retained testis, ii. 596.
Bigelow and lithotrity, i. 4.
Bigelow*s lithotrite, ii. 135.
Bigelow*8 method of removing calculi, ii. 92-
Bi-coud4 catheters, i. 163.
Bike jock bandage, ii. 613.
Bile pigment in urine, i. 88.
Bilharzia infection and bladder tumors, ii. 59.
Bilirubin in urinary sediment, i. 98.
Bitter laxative waters, i. 341.
Bladder, atony of, causes of, i. 256.
treatment of, i. 265.
cavity of, i. 50.
congenital malformations of, ii. 8.
cystoscopic appearance of, i. 221.
diseases of, nephrolithiasis and, i. 512.
distended, i. 47.
distention of, due to spinal lesion, i. 259.
disturbances of, due to extravesical causes,
etiology of, ii. 105.
illustrative case of, ii. 111.
symptoms of, ii. 105.
varieties of, ii. 105.
cancer of uterus, ii. 113.
displacement backward, ii. 108.
downward, ii. 109.
forward, ii. 107.
lateral, ii. 108.
upward, ii. 110.
Fallopian tubes, ii. 119.
hematocele, ii. 119.
hernia, ii. 109.
hydatid cysts, ii. 114.
intestinal interference, ii. 120.
lateral, ii. 108.
omentum, ii. 125.
ovarian tumors, ii. 113.
pelvic inflammations and adhesions,
ii. 116.
pelvic tiunors and cysts, ii. 110.
prolapsed uterus, ii. 108.
sarcoma of uterus, ii. 113.
uterine displacement, ii. 105.
vermiform appendix, ii. 123.
"edema bullosum " of, i. 226.
enlarged, appendicitis and, ii. 2.
hydatid cysts and, ii. 2.
tuberculous peritonitis and, ii. 2.
epithelia from, i. 103.
examination of, inspection in, iL 1.
instruments used for, IL 3.
palpation in, ii. 1.
percussion in, ii. 2.
exstrophy of, i. 562.
fistula of, ii. 16.
INDEX
671
Bladder, foreign bodies in^ diagnosis of, ii.
81.
etiology of, ii. 79.
extraction of, by lithotrite and cysto-
scope, ii. 82.
fistulas and, ii. 79.
incrustation of, ii. 81.
pathological anatomy of, ii. 80.
secondary lesions due to, ii. 81.
symptoms of, ii. 81.
treatment of, ii. 82.
gangrene of, ii. 38.
hematuria and, i. 280.
hernia of, crural, ii. 30.
cystocele as a, ii. 32.
etiology of, ii. 26.
inguinal, ii. 27.
perineal and vaginal, ii. 31.
urethral, ii. 32.
varieties of, ii. 26.
incontinence due to adhesions of, i. 271.
inferior vesical fissure in, ii. 16.
inflammation of. See Cystitis,
internal sphincter of, i. 50.
irrigations of, ii. 48.
ligaments of, i. 48.
operations on, Ayres*s extractor in, ii. 144.
dressing after, ii. 162.
hemorrhage during, ii. 150.
instruments used in, ii. 128.
varieties of:
autoplastic operation, ii. 129.
colpocystotomy, ii. 169.
cystectomy, partial, ii. 156.
cystoscopic, ii. 140.
extra vesical, ii. 129.
foreign bodies, removal of, ii. 143.
intravesical, ii. 133.
litholapaxy, ii. 135.
lithotrity, ii. 133.
MaydPs operation, ii. 133.
perineal cystotomy, ii. 166.
perineal lithotomy, ii. 167.
prostatectomy and prostatotomy, ii.
155.
resection of bladder wall, ii. 160.
suprapubic cystotomy, ii. 144.
technique of, ii. 148.
total extirpation, ii. 170.
tumors, fulguration of, ii. 141.
perineal cystotomy incision and, ii.
168.
removal of, ii. 140, 150.
ulcers, curetting of, ii. 142.
ureteral transplantation, ii. 132.
Bladder, orifices of, i. 61.
pathological findings in, i. 222.
perivesical processes and, i. 226.
phantom (artificial), i. 227.
prostatic hypertrophy and, ii. 230.
relations of, i. 45.
rupture of, urethral rupture and, ii. 332.
ruptured, repair of, ii. 144.
sensitive, cystoscopy and, i. 216.
stone in, i. 224. See also Vesical Calcu-
lus,
structure of, i. 49.
superior vesical fissure in, ii. 16.
trabeculse of, i. 223.
traumatism of, diagnosis of, ii. 22.
extraperitoneal, ii. 24.
intraperitoneal, ii. 24.
penetrating wounds as, ii. 19.
prognosis in, ii. 23.
subparietal ruptures as, ii. 20.
treatment of, ii. 23.
tuberculosis of. See Tuberculosis of the
Bladder,
tumors of. See Tumors of the Bladder.
excretion in, ii. 42.
ulcer of. See Ulcer of the Bladder,
vessels and nerves of, i. 51.
washing of, i. 211.
wounds of, extraperitoneal, ii. 22.
intraperitoneal, ii. 22.
pathological anatomy of, ii. 20.
symptoms of, ii. 21.
Blasucci catheter, i. 261.
Blood, cryoscopy of, i. 380.
in relation to urology, i. 132.
Blood oasts, i. 106.
Blood cells in urinary sediment, i. 99.
Blood count, i. 133.
Blood dust, i. 132.
Body-holder on operating table, i. 676.
Boerhaeve, i. 2.
Boiling of instruments, i. 153.
Bone syphilis, treatment of, ii. 713.
Boro-glycerid, i. 161.
BOttcher's sperm crystals, i. 120.
Bottini incisor, ii. 275.
Bottini operation on prostate, ii. 275.
Bowels, care of, i. 336.
Bougie Si boule, i. 318.
Bougies, ii. 430.
Bov6e*s method in uretero-ureterostomy, i.
659.
Bozeman, ureteral catheterization by, i. 4.
Bozzini, i. 3.
Bransford Lewis cystoscope, i. 206.
672
INDEX
Braun-Buerger cysto-urethroscope, i. 192.
Bread in diet of urological cases, i. 324.
Breakfast in urological cases, i. 327.
Brenner, i. 3, 5.
cystoscope of, i. 200.
Bright, Richard, i. 4.
Bright's disease of the kidneys, i. 418.
Bru injection, ii. 382.
BrUck's diaphanoscope, i. 3.
Bubo, ii. 350, 679.
Menorrhagia and, ii. 656.
chancroid and, ii. 557.
chancroidal, ii. 557.
chronic, ii. 558.
syphilis and, ii. 558.
d'embl^, ii. 658.
enucleation and, ii. 561.
etiology of, ii. 556.
filarial, ii. 559.
gummata and, ii. 557.
Hodgkin's disease and, ii. 558.
inflammatory, ii. 558.
neoplastic adenitis and, ii. 558.
poultices and ice bags for, ii. 560.
spica bandage for, ii. 559.
symptoms of, ii. 555.
syphilis and, ii. 556.
treatment of, ii. 559.
operative,, ii. 560.
tubercular adenitis and, ii. 558.
virulent, ii. 656.
Buerger cysto-urethroscope i. 192.
Bulbo-cavernosus, i. 27.
Butterfly dressing, ii. 367.
Cachectic leucocytosis, i. 135.
Cadet, i. 3.
Cffilius Aurelianus, i. 2.
Calcium oxalate in urine, i. 96.
Calcium phosphate in urine, i. 97.
Calculus, anuria and, i. 522.
cystitis and, ii. 53.
cystoscopy and, i. 224.
diet for, i. 360.
micturition and, i. 241.
of kidney, tuberculosis of kidney and, i.
541.
of prostate, ii. 185.
perinephritic abscess and, i. 472.
sutures as nuclei of, ii. 161.
Thompson's searcher for, ii. 6.
urethral. See Urethral Calculus.
vesical, prostatic hypertrophy and, ii. 245.
Calculous anuria, i. 522.
Cannula, grooved, ii. 457.
Capitonnage of pelvis of kidney> hydronephro-
sis and, i. 569.
Carabafla water in cystitis, iL 48.
Carbohydrates in urine, i. 79.
Carbonates in urinary sediment, i. 97.
in urine, i. 90.
Carcinoma of Cowper's gland, ii. 497.
of kidney, i. 482.
of prostate, ii. 268.
of testis, diagnosis of, ii. 629.
etiology of, ii. 627.
pathology of, ii. 627.
prognosis of, ii. 629.
symptoms of, ii. 628.
treatment of, ii. 629.
of uterus, bladder disturbance due to, ii.
113.
Cards for histories, i. 298.
Case history, i. 297.
Casper, i. 5.
Castration, ii. 636.
prostatic atrophy following, ii. 267.
Casts, formation of, i. 104.
Catheter fever, i. 289.
Catheter life, ii. 250.
complications of, ii. 256.
epididymitis and, ii. 257.
illustrative cases of, ii. 258.
kidney abscess and, ii. 258.
uremia and, ii. 258.
urethral fever and, ii. 257.
urethritis and, ii. 257.
Catheterization, technique of, ii. 6.
Catheterization of ureters, i. 227.
Catheters, d demeure, i. 166.
bi-coud^, ii. 4.
care of, i. 158.
coud^, ii. 3.
elbowed, i. 165.
en chemise, ii. 303, 466.
examination with, ii. 5.
eye of, i. 164.
lubricant for, i. 2G3.
Malecot's, i. 167.
mandrins in, i. 166, ii. 4.
metal, i. 168, ii. 5.
passing of, i. 165.
Pezzer's, i. 167.
plugged, i. 168.
retained, i. 160.
self-retaining, i. 167.
shape of, i. 162.
soft-rubber, ii. 5.
straight, 1. 165.
woven, ii. 3, 4.
INDEX
673
Cauliflower growths, preputial, ii. 537.
Olestine Vichy, ii. 48.
Celsus, Roman medical writer, i. 1.
Centrifuge, i. 92.
Centrifugation, i. 116.
Cereals in diet of urological cases, i. 324.
Cerebral edema, uremia and, i. 440.
Chancre, chancroid and, distinguished, ii.
677.
phagedenic, ii. 536.
treatment of, ii. 542*
wafer, ii. 536.
Chancroid, ii. 535.
treatment of, ii. 542.
(Chancroidal urethritis, i. 124^ ii. 408.
Charridre scale of soimds, i. 176.
Cheese in diet of urological cases, i. 326.
Chetwood operation for prostatic hypertro-
phy, ii. 279.
Cheyne-Stokes breathing in interstitial ne-
phritis, i. 307.
in uremia, i. 445.
Chlorid-free diet, i. 433.
Chlorids in urine, i. 89.
uremia and, i. 441.
Chloroform, i. 350.
Cholesterin, i. 98.
Chordee, ii. 350.
treatment of, ii. 374.
" Chordee of the bladder,'* ii. 652.
Chromogens, i. 361.
Chyluria, i. 98, 282.
Circumcision, ii. 547.
Civiale, first lithotrity by, i. 4.
Clinic and hospital, equipment for, i. 150.
Clitoris, i. 69.
Coagulability of blood, degree of, i. 135.
Cocain, i. 353.
Cocain poisoning, i. 356.
Coccygeus muscle, i. 20.
Coffee and tea, i. 324.
Coitus, hypospadias and, ii. 315.
preventing infection through, ii. 363.
Coley, hydrocele operation of, ii. 583.
Cold, nephritis and, i. 419.
Cold or Mignon lamp, i. 204.
Colic, renal, i. 505.
Colles's fascia, i. 25.
Colon bacillus, i. 114.
in bacteriuria, i. 287.
in blood, i. 135.
Colpocystotomy, ii. 169,
vesical calculus and, ii. 94.
Compresses, i. 142.
Compressor urethrse muscle, i. 30.
Condom, ii. 363.
Conii vasculosi, i. 59.
Copaiba, skin eruptions from, ii. 371.
Copaiba emulsion, ii. 373.
Corona glandis, i. 68.
Corona veneris, ii. 682.
Corpora emylacea of prostate, ii, 185,
Corpora cavernosa, i. 67.
bony and calcareous plates in, ii. 553.
gummata of, ii. 553.
inflammation of, ii. 552.
Corpus spongiosum, i. 67.
Corpuscles of blood, i. 132.
Cotton balls (dressings), i. 142.
Cotugno, i. 3.
Coud6 catheters, i. 163.
Cowperectomy, ii. 498.
Cowperitis, acute, ii. 494.
abscess in, ii. 495.
course of, ii. 495.
etiology of, ii. 494.
treatment of, ii. 496,
chronic, ii. 496.
diagnosis of, ii. 496.
general hygienic measures in, ii. 497.
treatment of, ii. 497.
Cowper's glands, i. 56.
affections of, ii. 494.
present status of, ii. 498.
cancer of, ii. 497.
Cowperectomy in, ii. 498.
ducts of, i. 196.
Crural hernia of bladder, causes of, ii. 30.
illustrative case of, ii. 31.
symptoms of, ii. 30.
treatment of, ii. 30.
Cryoscopy, i. 7.
clinical applications of, i. 380.
kidney function and, i. 379.
of urine and blood, i. 380.
uremia and, i. 448.
Cylindroids, i. 108.
Cystectomy, partial, ii. 156.
Cystic kidney, tuberculosis of kidney and, i.
544.
Cystin, i. 99.
Cystitis, acute, ii. 38.
treatment of, ii. 43.
chronic, ii. 39.
exacerbations of, ii. 40.
treatment of, ii. 45.
classification of, ii. 34.
constitutional symptoms of, iL 42«
differentiation of, ii. 41.
diphtheritic, ii. 38.
674
INDEX
Cystitis, diverticula in, ii. 36.
electricity and, ii. 52.
etiology of, ii. 34.
gangrene and, ii. 38.
gonorrhea and, ii. 38.
granular, ii. 38.
gynecological troubles and, ii. 53.
hematuria and, ii. 41.
hemorrhagic, i. 224, ii. 41.
tuberculosis and, ii. 99.
interstitial, ii. 38, 41.
membranous, ii. 38.
nitrate of silver irrigations in, ii. 50.
nodular, ii. 38.
pain in, ii. 40.
paretic or paralytic, ii. 40.
pathology of, ii. 36.
pericystitis and, ii. 42.
post-operative, ii. 52.
posture and, ii. 39.
precipitate urination from^ ii. 39.
pressure and, ii. 38.
pyuria and, ii. 41.
sigmoiditis and, ii. 43.
strangury in, ii. 41.
symptoms of, ii. 38.
tenesmus and, ii. 41.
treatment of, ii. 43.
local, ii. 48.
of cause, ii. 53.
tuberculosis and, ii. 53.
tuberculous, ii. 40.
tumor of bladder and, ii. 41.
vesiculitis and, ii. 656.
Cystocele, ii. 32.
Cystogen in cystitis, ii. 47.
Cystophotographs, ii. 89.
Cystoscopes, air and water, compared, i. 236.
air direct observation and single catheter-
izing, i. 203.
Bransford Lewis, i. 206.
combined direct and indirect teaching, i.
207.
combined observation and double catheteria-
ing, i. 204.
comparison of, i. 200.
findings with, i. 218.
Guiteras teaching form of, i. 208.
indirect, i. 201.
indirect observation and double catheteriz-
ing, i. 205.
irrigating, i. 201.
light in, i. 214.
Nitze's, i. 201.
operating and photographic, i. 202.
Cystoscopes, snare attachment to, ii. 140.
sterilization of, i. 159.
Cystoscopic operations, ii. 140.
Cystoscopy, bladder trabeculse and, i. 223.
cystitis and, i. 223.
difficulties in, i. 216, 229.
direct and indirect, compared, i. 236.
distension hematuria and, i. 217.
evolution of, at author's clinic, i. 235.
filling bladder in, i. 212.
history of, i. 198.
in male and female, compared, i. 237.
introducing instrument in, i. 212.
kidney disease and, i. 373.
normal pictures in, i. 220.
patient's position in, i. 212.
questions regarding, i. 236.
reaction after, i. 236.
single kidney and, i. 386.
stricture and, i. 216.
technique of, i. 210, 379.
tuberculosis of kidney and, i. 530.
tuberculous infection through, ii. 95.
ureteral catheterization and, i. 230.
ureteral orifices in, i. 221.
washing bladder in, i. 211.
Cystotomy, catheter examination before, iL 5.
perineal, ii. 166.
after-treatment of, ii. 168.
suprapubic, ii. 144.
apparatus and instruments for, ii. 144.
closing incision after, ii. 160.
formation of a valve by, ii. 155.
prostatic hypertrophy and, ii. 154.
technique of, ii. 148.
vesical tuberculosis and, ii. 154.
Cysto-urethrotomy, ii. 458.
Cysts, abdominal, hydronephrosis and, i. 567*
bladder disturbance due to, ii. 110.
of kidney. See Kidney, Cysts of.
Dactylitis, luetic, treatment of, ii. 713.
Dartos, i. 25.
Decapsulation of kidney, i. 412, 413, 590.
Dementia paralji^ica, lues and, ii. 700.
Dermatitis, scrotal, ii. 563.
Dermoid cysts of spermatic cord, ii. 639.
Desormeaux, i. 3.
Diabetes, chronic interstitial nephritis and*
i. 426.
general consideration of, i. 364.
uremic coma and, i. 449, 450.
Diabetes mellitus, complications of, i. 366.
diet in, i. 367.
etiology and pathology of, i. 365.
INDEX
675
Diabetes mellitus, prognosis in, i. 366.
symptoms of, i. 366.
treatment of, i. 366.
Diabetic balano-postbitis, ii. 540.
chronic, treatment of, ii. 643.
Diabetic glycosuria, i. 365.
Diabetic phimosis, ii. 540.
Diacetic acid in urine, i. 86.
Diaphanoscope, i. 199.
Diet in urological cases, i. 323.
nephritis and, i. 435.
Dietl's crisis, i. 410.
Digital fossa (testes), i. 69.
Dilators, covers for, i. 187.
Kollmann, i. 183, 184.
irrigating, i. 185.
Oberiander^s, i. 182.
technique of, i. 185.
urethral, i. 182.
urethritis and, ii. 394.
Dinner in diet of urological cases, i. 327.
Diplococcus of gonorrhea, i. 125.
Discharges from genito-urinarjr tract, i. 117.
in female, i. 130.
table of, i. 128.
Distended bladder, i. 47.
DiverticulsB in bladder, ii. 36.
Donne's test for pus, i. 283.
Doremus urometer, i. 84.
Douche bath, i. 345.
Douglas, pouch of, 1. 24.
Drainage tubes, i. 437.
Dressing equipment, office, i. 142.
Dropsy, chronic nephritis with, i. 422,
Ducrey, bacillus of, i. 124.
Dumbbell crystals, i. 96.
Dysuria, i. 249, 303.
conditions giving rise to, i. 251.
nervous, i. 250.
prostatic hypertrophy and, ii. 237.
Earthy waters, i. 340.
Ebers's papyrus, i. 1.
Echinococcus cyst, ii. 115.
prostatic, ii. 181.
Ectopia of testis, ii. 591.
Ectopy of intact bladder, ii. 18.
Eczema marginatum, ii. 564.
Eczema of penis, ii. 523.
scrotal, ii. 663.
Edema bullosum, ii. 38.
Edema bullosum vesics?, i. 226.
Edema in nephritis, i. 424.
scrotal, ii. 666.
illustrative cases of, ii. 566.
Edema, treatment of, i. 436.
Eggs in diet of urological cases, i. 324*
Einhorn's saccharometer, i. 82.
Ejaculatory duct, common, i. 63.
epithelia from, i. 103.
Elbowed catheters, i. 163.
Electric outfit for urological therapeutics, i.
146.
Electricity, cystitis and atony of bladder and,
ii. 52.
prostatorrhea and, ii. 219.
Electrolysis, urethral, ii. 398.
Electrolytic cure of stricture, ii. 468.
Elephantiasic orchitis, ii. 610.
Elephantiasis of penis, ii. 528.
of scrotum, ii. 668.
operation for, ii. 571.
pseudo-, ii. 570.
Enchondroma of testes, diagnosis of, ii. 632.
pathology of, ii. 631.
prognosis in, ii. 632.
symptoms of, ii. 632.
treatment of, ii. 632.
Endocarditis, gonococcal, ii, 516.
Endocervicitis, i. 131.
chronic, ii. 611.
illustrative case of, ii. 117.
metritis and, bladder disturbances due to*
ii. 116.
Enema, nutritive, i. 329.
Enesol, ii. 715.
Enteroclysis, i. 346.
Enteroptosis, movable kidney and, i. 405.
Enuresis nocturna, sudden micturition in, i«
269.
treatment of, i. 270.
Eosinophilia, i. 133.
Epidectomy, ii. 623, 635.
Epididymis, i. 58.
Epididymitis, ii. 603.
acute, examination for, ii. 606.
prognosis in, ii. 607.
catheter life and, ii. 257.
chronic inflammatory, ii. 617.
etiology of, ii. 604.
luetic, ii. 694.
treatment of, ii. 713.
pathology of, ii. 605.
prostatectomy and, ii. 303.
symptoms of, ii. 605.
treatment of, ii. 610.
tuberculous. See Testis, Tuberculosis of.
Epididymo-orchitis, acute, ii. 607.
treatment of, ii. 610.
Epilepsy, uremia and, i. 448, 450,
676
INDEX
Epispadias, etiology of, ii. 321.
operative treatment of, ii. 322.
prognosis in, ii. 321.
symptoms of, ii. 321.
Thiersch's operation for, ii. 322.
Epithelia in urine, i. 100.
Epithelial casts, i. 106.
Epithelioma of penis, ii. 529.
of prostate, ii. 268.
Equipment, urological, i. 137.
Erb's spinal paralysis, ii. 699.
Erethism, vesiculitis and, ii. 657.
Erysipelas, scrotal, ii. 565.
Erythrocytes, i. 133.
Esbach*s method for quantitative estimation
of albumin, i. 77.
reagent, i. 77.
"Essential polyuria," i. 271.
Ether, i. 350.
Ethyl chlorid, i. 353.
Eucalyptol in cystitis, ii. 47.
Evacuator in litholapaxy, ii. 135.
Examination of patients, i. 308.
external genitals in, i. 312.
prostate and vesicles in, i. 314.
Examining table, i. 144.
Exercise, abdominal, i. 331.
back, i. 331.
chest and arm, i. 332.
outdoor, i. 335.
pulley weight, i. 331.
Exploratory incision, kidney function and, i.
382.
Exstrophy of bladder, approximation method
for, ii. 10.
autoplastic method for, ii. 12.
deviation method for, ii. 11.
etiology and pathogenesis of, ii. 9.
genital organs in, ii. 9.
hydronephrosis and, i. 502.
illustrative case of, ii. 12.
MaydPs operation for, ii. 11.
pathological anatomy of, ii. 8.
pelvis in, ii. 9.
symptoms of, ii. 10.
treatment of, ii. 10.
ureters in, ii. 9.
Extirpation of bladder, ii. 170.
Extirpation of genital tract, total, ii. 673.
Extravasation of urine, ii. 330.
stricture and, ii. 416.
Fallopian tubes, bladder disturbances due to,
ii. 119.
illustrative cases of, ii. 119.
Family history, i. 300.
Fat globules in urinary sediment, i. 98.
Fatty casts, i. 107.
Fehling's test for sugar, i. 79.
Female, discharges in, i. 130.
Female perineum, i. 32.
Fermentation test for sugar, i. 81.
Ferrein, pyramids of, i. 37.
Fibroid tumors of penis, ii. 527.
Fibroids, bladder disturbances due to, ii.
108, 110.
Fibroma of kidney, i. 481.
of testis, ii. 632.
Filarial buboes, ii. 559.
Filiform bougies, i. 319.
Finger's operation of uretero-pyeloplasty, L
619.
Fish in diet of urological cases, i. 325.
Fistulas, kidney wounds and, i. 400.
umbilico-vesical, ii. 16.
urethral. See Urethra, Fistulas of.
urinary, ii. 416.
vesical, ii. 43, 79.
Floating kidney, i. 403.
Fluid diet in nephritis, i. 434.
in urological cases, i. 327.
Forceps, i. 143.
Foreign bodies in bladder. See Bladder, For-
eign Bodies in.
Formalin, i. 153.
Formalin vapor, sterilization by, i. 155.
Fort, electrolytic method of, ii. 468.
Fossa navicularis in male urethra, i. 55.
Fossa ovarica, i. 42.
Four-tailed bandage in nephrotomy, i. 595.
Franco, Pierre, i. 1.
Freezing methods for anesthesia, i. 353.
Frenum of penis, i. 68.
Fruits in diet of urological cases, i. 324.
Fulguration of bladder tumors, ii. 75, 141.
Fuller's prostatectomy, ii. 291.
Fungus or hernia testis, ii. 633.
Funiculitis, ii. 639.
Furniture for office, i. 139.
Galen, i. 2.
Gall-stone, nephrolithiasis and, i. 513.
Gangrene of bladder, ii. 38.
of penis, ii. 526.
scrotal, ii. 565.
Gauze dressings, i. 142.
General symptoms in urological examination,
i. 304.
Genital tract, total extirpation of, ii. 673.
Genitals, examination of external, i. 312.
INDEX
677
Genito-urinaiy organs, female, relations of,
i. 12.
male, relations of, i. 11.
Genito-urinary tract, general anatomy of, i. 9.
location of, i. 15.
Gibson's operation for malignant growths of
prostate, ii. 306.
Giemsa's stain for Spirocheta pallida, i. 123.
Gittler of Leipsic, i. 2.
Glands of Mery. See Cowper's Glands.
Glans penis, i. 68.
Gleet, ii. 413. See also Urethritis, Chronic
Gonococcal.
Globulin in urine, i. 78.
Globus, major and minor, of epididymis, i.
58.
Gjucose in urine, i. 79.
Glycerin in injections, ii. 383.
sterilization of, i. 161.
Glycosuria, general considerations of, i. 365.
Gmelin's test for bile pigments, i. 88.
Goldhom's stain for Spirocheta pallida, i.
123.
Gomenol, i. 161.
in cystitis, ii. 51. .
in tuberculosis of bladder, ii. 104.
Gonococcal (or specific) urethritis. See un-
der Urethritis.
Gonococcal vulvo-vaginitis in children, ii.
513.
complications of, ii. 514.
symptoms of, ii. 513.
treatment of, ii. 514.
Gonococcus, i. 125, ii. 348.
discovery of, i. 5.
in blood, i. 135.
in urine, i. 112.
Gonorrhea, bubo and, ii. 556.
cystitis and, ii. 38.
epididymitis and, ii. 604.
in children, ii. 513.
in the female, abortive treatment of, ii.
509.
acute urethritis from, treatment of, ii.
509.
bartholinitis and, ii. 506, 513.
bladder in, ii. 508.
chronic urethritis from, ii. 510.
corporal endometritis and, ii. 512.
endocervicitis and, ii. 511.
etiology of, ii. 501.
examination and diagnosis of, ii. 505.
oophoritis (ovaritis) from, ii. 508.
ophthalmia and, ii. 513.
ovary in, ii. 504.
Gonorrhea in the female, pathology of, ii*
503.
peritonitis and, ii. 508.
pregnancy and, ii. 508.
rectal, ii. 508.
salpingitis and, ii. 508, 512.
statistics of, ii. 501.
sterility and, ii. 509.
symptoms of, ii. 505.
systemic infections and, ii. 516.
treatment of, ii. 509.
tubes and, ii. 503.
uterus in, ii. 503, 506, 511.
vaccine therapy for, ii. 514.
vulva and vagina in, ii. 512.
leucocyte count in, i. 134.
systemic infections from, ii. 516.
tuberculosis of bladder and, ii. 96.
vaccine therapy for, ii. 514.
Gonorrheal cystitis and tuberculosis of blad-
der, ii. 102.
Gonorrheal pyelitis, i. 463.
Gonosan, ii. 371.
Gouley tunneled sound and guide, ii. 444.
urethrotome, ii. 435.
Gout, orchitis and, ii. 610.
Ooutte militairef ii. 357.
Gram's differential stain, i. 127.
Granular casts, 1. 105.
Groin, pain in, i. 302.
Gruenfell's polypus snare, i. 191.
"Guide" in urethrotomy, ii. 440.
Guinea pig inoculations, i. 376.
Guiteras grooved cannula, ii. 457.
operation for formation of new scrotum, ii.
572.
prostatectomy operation, ii. 288.
prostatic douche tube, ii. 212.
recto-vesical prostatectomy, ii. 292.
teaching cystoscope, i. 208.
urethroscope, i. 188.
Gummata, precocious, ii. 687. See also Lues.
Gunshot wound of bladder, ii. 20. '
Guyon's curve in dilators, i. 183.
instillating syringe, i. 174.
Haller, aberrant vas of, i. 59.
Hands, care of, i. 157.
Harris's index, i. 407.
Haste, avoidance of, in examinations, etc., L
295.
Heintz's method in estimation of uric acid, i.
85.
Heller's test for albumin, i. 76.
for hematin, i. 88.
678
INDEX
Hematocele, diagnosis of, ii. 584.
etiology of, ii. 583.
pathology of, ii. 584.
symptoms of, ii. 584.
treatment of, 584.
Hematocele of pelvis, bladder disturbance
due to, ii. 119.
Hematoidin in urinary sediment, i. 98.
Hematuria, i. 277.
cystitis and, ii. 41.
detection of, i. 278.
distension, cystoscopy and, i. 217.
essential, i. 489.
etiology of, i. 277.
hypernephroma and, i. 487.
kidney disease and, i. 369.
kidney injuries and, i. 392, 394.
localization of, i. 279.
nephrolithiasis and, i. 507.
salvarsan and, ii. 718.
tumors of bladder and, ii. 64.
urethritis and, ii. 354.
wounds of bladder and, ii. 22.
Hemin crystals, test for, i. 88.
Hemoglobin, percentage of, i. 132.
Hemoglobinuria, i. 277.
Hemokonia, i. 132.
Hemorrhage, checking operative, ii. 150.
Hemorrhagic cystitis, i. 224, ii. 41.
tuberculosis and, ii. 99.
Henle, ascending and descending loops of, i.
37.
Hermaphroditism, ii. 519.
Heredity, in urinary diseases, 1. 300.
movable kidney and, i. 406.
Hernia, atrophy of testis from, ii. 587.
bladder disturbance due to, ii. 109.
hydrocele and ii. 583.
tuberculosis of vesicles and, ii. 666.
varicocele and, ii. 642.
Hernia or fungus testis, ii. 633.
Herpes progenitalis, ii. 534.
Hiccough, prostatectomy and, ii. 305.
Highmore, body of, i. 59.
Hindoos and ancient urology, i. 1.
Hippocrates, i. 1.
Hippuric acid, i. 86.
History of case, i. 297.
age of patient, i. 298.
character of menstruation, i. 303.
of urination, i. 303.
of urine, i. 303.
civil state, i. 299.
discharge, i. 302.
family history, i. 300.
History of case: occupation, i. 298.
principal symptoms, i. 301.
race, i. 299.
History of patients, i. 149.
Hodgkin's disease, bubo and, ii. 558.
Holzien's solution, i. 210.
Horend Langleberg bandage, ii. 612.
Homy growths, penis and, ii. 528.
Horseshoe kidney, i. 40, 384.
diagnosis of, i. 385.
Horwitz, Orville, extirpation of penis by, iL
532.
Hospital and clinic, equipment for, i. 150.
Hospital diet, i. 327.
Hot Springs, Ark., ii. 707.
Hyaline casts, i. 105.
Hydatid cysts, bladder, enlarged, and, iL 2.
bladder disturbances due to, ii. 114.
illustrative cases of, ii. 115.
of kidney, i. 496.
prostatic, ii. 181.
Hydrocele, acute, ii. 576.
treatment of, ii. 580.
Andrews (Wyllis) operation for, ii. 682.
bilocular, ii. 579.
chronic, treatment of, ii. 580.
Coley's operation for, ii. 583.
complications of, ii. 579.
congenital, ii. 578.
diffuse, ii. 579.
encysted, ii. 578, 583.
excision of, ii. 581.
hernia and, ii. 583.
incision of, ii. 581.
infantile, ii. 578.
Jaboulet's operation for, ii. 581.
Jacobson's table of, ii. 574.
medical treatment and local applications
for, ii. 580.
multilocular, ii. 579.
pathological anatomy of, ii. 576.
periorchitis and, ii. 576.
puncture and injection method of opera-
tion for, ii. 580.
symptoms of, ii. 577.
syphilis and, ii. 576.
translucency test for, ii. 577.
treatment of, ii. 579.
tuberculosis and, ii. 578.
varieties of, ii. 574.
Volkman's opera tiqn for, ii. 581.
Hydronephrosis, acquired, i. 562.
clinical character of, i. 565.
complications of, i. 566.
congenital, i. 560*
INDEX
679
Hydronephrosis, course of, i. 566.
cysts and, i. 567.
diagnosis of, i. 566.
etiology of, i. 560.
hematuria in, i. 565.
kentrotomy in, i. 569.
movable kidney and, i. 413.
nephrectomy in, i. 568.
nephrotomy in, i. 568.
pain in, i. 565.
pathology of, i. 563.
prognosis in, i. 567.
pseudo-traumatic, i. 392.
puncture contraindicated in, i. 568.
pyeloplication in, i. 569.
resection of pelvis for, i. 569.
suppurative conditions and, i. 566.
symptoms of, i. 564, ii. 315.
treatment of, i. 567.
surgical, i. 568.
ureteral catheterization in, i. 568.
uretero-pyeloneostomy in, i. 568.
Hydrosalpinx, ii. 504.
Hydrotherapy, i. 344.
Hypernephroma, symptoms of, i. 487.
Hypodermic needles, sterilization of, i. 160.
Hypodermic syringes, i. 144.
sterilization of, i. 160.
Hypodermoclysis, i. 347.
Hypogastric arteries, i. 45.
Hypospadias, balanic, ii. 314.
Beck's operation for, ii. 317.
coitus and, ii. 315.
diagnosis of, ii. 316.
Duplay's operation for, ii. 318.
etiology of, ii. 314.
operative treatment of, ii. 316.
penile, ii. 315.
perineal, ii. 315.
prognosis in, ii. 316.
urethritis and, ii. 305.
Hysterectomy, ureteral catheterizing before,
i. 229.
Hysterical anuria, i. 275.
Ice bags, i. 346.
Icthargon, ii. 379.
Impotence, douche for, ii. 213.
prostatitis and, ii. 208.
tuberculosis of vesicles and, ii. 665.
Incontinence of urine, clinical features of i.
269.
diagnosis of, 1. 269.
exstrophy and, ii. 10.
treatment of, i. 270.
Incontinence of urine, varieties and causes of,
i. 267.
India, frequency of calculus in, i. 499.
Indican in urine, i. 87.
Indicanuria, i. 361.
etiology of, i. 361.
symptoms of, i. 362.
treatment of, i. 362.
Indol, i. 361.
absorption of, i. 361.
Infections and leucocytosis, i. 134.
Infiltrates, urethral, ii. 410.
Inflammatory leucocytosis, i. 133.
Infusion jars, i. 143.
sterilization of, i. 160.
Inguinal adenitis. See Bubo.
Inguinal glands, ii. 554.
Inguinal hernia of bladder, ii. 27.
course and complications of, ii. 28.
diagnosis of, ii. 28.
illustrative cases of, ii. 29.
prognosis in, ii. 29.
symptoms of, ii. 29.
treatment of, ii. 29.
vesical calculus and, ii. 87.
Injection Bru, ii. 382.
Injections, i. 168.
Inosite in urine, i. 83.
Instillations, i. 174.
Guyon syringe for, i. 174.
into bladder, ii. 50.
Ultzmann's instnunent for, i. 174.
Instruments, general care of, i. 158.
reconmiended, i. 139.
technique of using, i. 163.
used in operations on kidney, i. 571.
Instruments and apparatus, sterilization of,
i. 153.
Internal pudic artery, i. 31.
Interstitial cystitis, ii. 41.
Intertrigo, scrotal, ii. 564.
Intestinal fistulas of umbilicus, ii. 18.
Intravenous injection, i. 348.
lodids in lues, ii. 714.
in nephritis, L 430.
lodin compress, buboes and, ii. 559.
lodin test for bile, i. 88.
Irish moss as a lubricant, i. 161.
Irrigating Kollmann dilators, i. 173.
Irrigations, i. 169.
by hydrostatic pressure without a cathe*
ter, i. 170.
Janet method for, i. 171.
of urethra, ii. 383.
rectal, i. 341.
680
INDEX
Irrigations, with dilators, i. 173.
with piston syringe and catheter, i. 170.
Irrigator jars, sterilization of, i. 160.
Irritable testis, ii. 634.
Ischio-cavernosus muscles, i. 28.
Ischuria, i. 249.
Israel's operation for uronephrosis, i. 618.
Italians, liability to calculus of, i. 499.
urinary diseases of, i. 300.
Jaboulet's operation for hydrocele, ii. 681.
Jacobson's classification of hydrocele, ii. 574.
Janet irrigations, i. 171, ii. 49, 211, 383.
Jewish race, urinary diseases of, i. 300.
Kidney, abnormalities of, i. 40.
abscess of, i. 473.
etiology, i. 474.
examination in, 1. 476.
pathology of, i. 475.
symptoms of, i. 476.
treatment of, i. 476.
anatomy of, 1. 33.
angles and triangles of, i. 571.
annular, i. 385.
anomalies of, i. 383.
in mobility, i. 384.
in number, i. 385.
in position, i. 383.
in shape, i. 384.
vascular, i. 388.
attachment of, i. 403.
ballottement of, i. 371.
blood supply of, i. 39.
chronic suppurative diseases of, i. 453.
compensatory hypertrophy of, i. 391.
cysts of, agglomerate form of, i. 494.
hydatid form of, i. 496.
large serous, i. 492.
ovarian cysts Jand, i. 493.
diagnosis of, i. 370.
disease of, cystoscopy and, i. 373.
nature of, i. 375.
radiography in, i. 375.
ureteral catheterization and, i. 373.
efficiency tests of, i. 7.
examination of, i. 309, 369 et acq.
inspection and palpation in, i. 371.
percussion in, i. 372.
fascia of, i. 36.
functional capacity of, i. 377.
estimating of, i. 377.
comparative flow of urine through the
ureteral catheters in, i. 378.
cryoscopy test in, i. 379.
Kidney, functional capacity of, estimating of,
exploiratory incision in, i. 382.
methylene blue test in, i. 380.
pbloridzin test in, i. 381.
hematuria and, i. 280.
horseshoe, i. 384.
injuries of, i. 390.
complications of, i. 394.
detachment of kidney in, i. 392.
diagnosis of, i. 394.
fistulee following, i. 400.
fracture of ribs and, i. 392.
illustrative cases of, i. 396.
incised, pimctured and gunshot wounds
as, i. 399.
operative results in, i. 396.
physical signs of, i. 393.
prognosis in, i. 395.
pseudo-traumatic hydronephrosis after, f.
392.
regeneration after, i. 390.
shock after, i. 393.
subparietal, i. 391.
symptoms of, i. 391.
local, i. 393.
urinary, i. 392.
treatment of, i. 396.
instruments used in operating on, L 571.
lobulation of, i. 384.
location of, i. 19.
movable, i, 403.
abdominal supports in, i. 415.
body index and, i. 406.
complications of, i. 414.
decapsulation for, i. 412.
diagnosis of, i. 413.
Dietrs crisis in, i. 410.
enteroptosis and, i. 405.
etiology of, i. 404.
exercise for, i. 417.
Harris's index in, i. 407.
heredity in, i. 406.
nephrectomy in, i. 417.
nephrolithiasis and, i. 512.
physical examination for, i. 412.
prognosis in, i. 415.
symptoms of, i. 410.
gastro-intestinal, i. 411.
nervous, i. 411.
pain in, i. 410.
traumatism and, i. 406.
treatment of, i. 415.
tuberculosis of kidney and, i. 543.
tumor and, i. 414.
urination in, i. 411.
INDEX
681
Kidney, movable, Weir-Mitchell cure in, i.
415.
operative surgery of, i. 570.
body holder for, i. 576.
explorations in, i. 582.
incisions in, i. 572.
operations in, i. 584.
delivery of kidney, i. 579.
nephrectomy, i. 601.
anterior or transperitoneal, i. 614.
by morcellement, i. 610..
by transverse incision, i. 613.
partial, i. 610.
secondary, i. 601.
subcapsular, i. 601.
nephropexy, i. 684.
nephrostomy, i. 598.
renal decapsulation, i. 590.
position of patient in, i. 575.
technique of, i. 577.
pelvis of, i. 36.
regeneration of, i. 390.
relations of, i. 34.
scar formation in, i. 390.
single and nonfunctionating, i. 374.
stone in, i, 499. See also Nephrolithiasis,
structure of, i. 37.
suppurative diseases of, tuberculosis and, i.
629.
tuberculosis of, aspiration in, i. 548.
calculus and, i. 541.
capsule in, treatment of, i. 549.
caseating form of, i. 528.
climate and, i. 555.
complications after operation for, i. 551.
conclusions on, i. 658.
cutaneous and ophthalmo-reaction tests
in, i. 593.
cystic kidney and, i. 544.
cystoscopy and, i. 539.
diagnosis of, i. 536.
differential diagnosis of, i. 641.
drugs in, i. 553.
etiology of, i. 626.
fever in, i. 536.
guinea-pig inoculations in, i. 538.
hematuria in, i. 536.
historical data on, i. 525.
illustrative cases of, i. 555.
lesions associated ^vith, i. 533.
method of life in, i. 553.
miliar\' form of, i. 527.
nephritis, hemorrhagic, and, i. 543.
nonfunctionating or derelict kidneys and,
L 552.
Kidney, tuberculosis of, pathology of, i. 527.
perinephritic abscess and, i. 550.
polyuria in, i. 536.
primary form of, i. 527.
pyuria in, i. 536.
reno-renal reflex in, i. 535.
secondary suppurative processes in, i. 527.
smegma bacillus and, i. 538.
symptoms of, i. 633.
general, i. 536.
objective, i. 636.
pain in, i. 535.
subjective, i. 534.
tenderness in, i. 537.
tenesmus in, i. 635.
treatment of, i. 544.
history of, i. 545.
medical, i. 552.
operative, i. 546.
nephrectomy statistics in, i. 559.
peritonitis following, i. 651.
results of, i. 551.
tubercle bacillus in, i. 638.
tuberculin test in, i. 539.
tumor in, i. 536.
tumor of kidney and, i. 542.
ureter in, removal of, i. 548.
ureteral catheterization in, i. 540.
ureteral occlusion following, i. 530.
urination in, frequency of, i. 535.
urine in, i. 537.
tubes and blood vessels of, i. 38.
tumors of, i. 480.
abscess and, i. 488.
benign, i. 480.
adenoma, i. 481.
angioma, i. 481.
fibroma, 1. 481.
lipoma, i. 481.
myxoma, i. 481.
bladder-tumor and, i. 488.
calculus and, i. 4S8.
hematuria and, i. 280.
hydronephrosis and, i. 488.
liver-tumor and, i. 488.
malignant, i. 481.
diagnosis of, i. 487.
etiology of, i. 481.
pathology of, i. 482.
adenoma, i. 482.
carcinoma, i. 482.
hypernephroma, i. 484.
rhabdomyoma, i. 484.
sarcoma, i. 483.
prognosis of, i. 489.
682
INDEX
Kidney, tumors of, malignant, symptoms of,
i. 486.
treatment of, i. 489.
metastases from, i. 490.
nephrolithiasis and, i. 512.
pyonephrosis and, i. 488.
splenic tumors and, i. 489.
tuberculosis of kidney and, i. 488, 542.
tumors of pelvis of, i. 491.
Kidney pad, i. 432.
Kolhnann's dilators, i. 183, 184, ii. 426.
Laboratory, i. 148.
Labyrinth (in kidney), i. 37.
Lactate of strontium, nephritis and, i. 429.
Lactose in urine, i. 83.
Lafayette mixture, ii. 372.
Largin, ii. 379.
Larynx, lues and, ii. 695.
Laurent peniunbra polarizing saccharometer,
i. 80.
Laxatives, i. 336.
Leiter, i. 3.
Lepra bacillus, i. 113.
Leucin and tyrosin in urinary sediment, i. 97.
Leucin in urine, i. 89.
Leucocytes, varieties of, i. 133.
Leucocytosis, i. 133.
and infections, i. 134.
Leucorrhea, i. 131.
gonorrhea in female and, ii. 505.
Levator ani muscle, i. 20.
Levulose in urine, i. 83.
Lieben's test for acetone, i. 87.
Ligaments of pelvic floor, i. 19.
of bladder, i. 48.
Lipoma of kidney, i. 481.
of spermatic cord, ii. 638.
Lipuria, i. 98.
Lister's " antiseptic method," i. 6.
Lithia waters for urological cases, i. 340.
Litholapaxy, ii. 135.
Lithotomy, perineal, ii. 167.
suprapubic, ii. 150.
vesical calculus and, ii. 93.
Lithotrite, Thompson's, ii. 134.
Lithotrity and litholapaxy without the cys-
toscope, ii. 133.
Littlejohn serum for lues, ii. 710.
Littr4, glands of, i. 56, 196, ii. 356.
periurethritis and, ii. 477.
Lobulated kidney, i. 40, 384.
Local anesthesia, i. 352.
Locomotor ataxia, ii. 699.
Lohnstein's saccharometer^ L 82.
Loin, pain in, i. 301.
Lubricants, ii. 392.
author's formula for, i. 162.
for catheters, i. 263.
sterilization of, i. 161.
Lubrichondrin, i. 185.
Lues, ii. 675. See also Syphilis.
acneiform lesions in, ii. 683.
Aix la Chapelle and, ii. 707.
alopecia in, ii. 688.
annular syphilids in, ii. 681.
ataxic paraplegia of, ii. 699.
Bacelli's solution for, ii. 710.
baths in, ii. 707.
bubo and, ii. 679.
cerebral gumma of, ii. 696.
condylomata in, ii. 680.
contagion in, ii. 720, 721.
corona veneris in^ ii. 682, 710.
cure of, ii. 720.
cutaneous tertiary lesions of, ii. 690.
definition of, ii. 675.
dementia paralytica and, ii. 700.
description of, ii. 676.
ecthymatous eruption in, ii. 685.
Eichler's method for, ii. 708.
epididymis and, ii. 694.
epilepsy of, ii. 697.
Erb's spinal paralysis and, ii. 699.
exposure, incubation and first stage of, ii.
676.
eye in, ii. 688.
fumigations in, ii. 710.
genito-urinary system in, ii. 693.
grand and petit mal of, ii. 697.
gummata in, ii. 692.
of cord, ii. 699.
of testes, ii. 694.
precocious, ii. 687.
headaches due to, ii. 695.
hemiplegias of, ii. 696.
hereditary, ii. 714.
history of, ii. 675.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, regime for, ii. 707.
hygiene and, ii. 721.
impetiginous lesions of, ii. 685.
injections for, ii. 708.
insontium, ii. 677.
inunctions in, ii. 706, 708.
keloids in, ii. 692.
Keyes's treatment of, ii. 704.
larynx and, ii. 695.
lenticular lesions of, ii. 682.
Littlejohn serum for, ii. 710.
looomotor ataxia and^ iL 699.
INDEX
683
IJOeSt lungs and, ii. 695.
macular syphilids in, ii. 680.
mercurial injections into the veins for, ii.
710.
mercury in, ii. 704, 720.
mixed treatment for, ii. 709.
mouth and teeth in, ii. 722.
mouth and throat in, ii. 687.
mucous patches in, ii. 688.
on genitals, ii. 689.
nail affections in, ii. 688.
nervous system and, ii. 695.
neuralgia and, ii. 700.
neuritis and, ii. 700.
Noguchi's skin test for, ii. 723.
of spermatic cord, ii. 641.
onychia in, ii. 688.
osteoperiostitis in, ii. 693.
palate and, ii. 694.
palmar syphilids in, ii. 710.
papular lesions of, ii. 681.
papulo-squamous lesions of, ii. 682.
paralysis. (Erb's spinal) in, ii. 699.
paraplegia due to meningo-myelitis of, ii.
698.
paresis and, ii. 700.
paresthesia in, ii. 698.
periostitis in, ii. 693.
pigmentary lesions of, ii. 687.
posterior spinal sclerosis and, ii. 699.
prevention of, ii. 722, 723.
prognosis in, ii. 689.
psoriasis vulgaris and, ii. 682.
psoriatic lesions of, ii. 682.
pustular syphilids in, ii. 683.
respiratory tract and tertiary, ii. 694.
rupia in, ii. 686, 691.
saddle-nose from, ii. 694.
salivation in, ii. 705.
sarcocele in, ii. 694.
secondary, ii. 679.
serpiginous syphilids in, ii. 692.
sexual intercourse and, ii. 721.
skin discolorations in, ii. 692.
special manifestations of, ii. 687.
tabes and, ii. 699.
tertiary, ii. 689.
testes in, ii. 693.
thermal springs and, ii. 707.
third period of quiescence in, ii. 689.
treatment of, ii. 701.
alopecia in, ii. 711.
angina in, ii. 711.
arsenical preparations in, ii. 715,
atoxyl in, ii. 715.
Lues, treatment of, constitutional, ii. 703.
diet list in, ii. 722.
information for patients in, ii. 720.
initial lesion in, ii. 701.
mode of life in, ii. 722.
moist papules in, ii. 711.
mucous patches in mouth in, ii. 711.
salivation in, ii. 712.
salvarsan ("606") in. See Salvar-
san.
serum, ii. 710.
treatment of secondary, ii. 704.
treatment of special secondary manifesta-
tions, ii. 710.
treatment of tertiary, ii. 712.
bone syphilis and, ii. 713.
dactylitis and, ii. 713.
enesol in, ii. 715.
epididymitis and, ii. 713.
iodids in, ii. 714.
iodism in, ii. 714.
nervous lesions in, ii. 713.
orchitis and, ii. 713.
pharyngitis and, ii. 713.
rhinitis and, ii. 713.
tubercular syphilids and, ii. 690.
Turkish baths and, ii. 721.
imfavorable cases of, ii. 720.
variolaform eruption in, it. 685.
" Luetic phthisis," ii. 695.
Lukomsky's case of hermaphroditism, ii. 519.
Lupus of penis, ii. 524.
Lunch in diet of urological cases, i. 327.
Lymph scrotum, ii. 568.
Lymphadenoma of testis, ii. 632.
Lymphangitis, penis and, ii. 525.
Lymphatic and suppurative affections of
penis, ii. 525.
Lymphocytes, i. 133.
Lymphocytosis, i. 133.
Macular syphilids, ii. 680.
McGiirs suprapubic prostatectomy, ii. 291.
Magnesium fluid, i. 91.
Maisonneuve, i. 3.
urethrotome of, ii. 437.
Malaria, nephrolithiasis and, i. 512.
orchitis and, ii. 610.
pyelo-nephritis and, i. 459.
Malecot*s catheter, i. 167.
Malpighi, pyramids of, i. 37.
Malpighian corpuscle, i. 38.
Mandrins, i. 166, ii. 4.
Marriage, gonorrhea and, ii. 401.
Martin's operation for sterility, ii. 615.
684
INDEX
Massage, of seminal vesicles, ii. 663.
Massage vibrator, i. 146.
Mauriac, diffused chancre of^^ii. 545.
Maydl's operation for exstrophy, ii. 11.
operation for transplantation of ureters
with intestine, ii. 133.
Measles, prostatic abscess and, H. 202.
Meat in diet of urological cases, i. 325.
Meatotomy, ii. 433.
urethritis and, ii. 393.
Meatus, i. 68. .
anomalies of, ii. 309.
chancre of, ii. 702.
congenital stricture of, ii. 310.
Mediaeval urology, i. 2.
Melancholia, retained testicle and, ii. 590.
Melanin in urine, i. 80.
Meningitis, uremia and, i. 448, 450.
Menstruation, gonococcal infection during, ii.
363.
Mercuric oxycyanid, i. 153.
Mercurol, ii. 380.
Mercury, preparations of, ii. 704.
Mesure of Venice, i. 2.
Metabolism, diseases of, i. 358.
Meteorism, kidney injuries and, i. 394.
Methylene blue test in examination of kidney
function, i. 380.
Metritis and endometritis, bladder disturb-
ances due to, ii. 116.
Micrococcus urese, i. 115.
discovery of, i. 5.
Micturition, calculus and, i. 241.
catheterization and, ii. 6.
causes affecting, table of, i. 245.
character of, i. 303.
diet and, i. 246.
dilatation of sigmoid and, i. 245.
disease outside urinary tract and, i. 244*
disturbances of, i. 239.
changes in urinary stream, i. 253.
dysuria, i. 249.
frequency of urination, i. 239.
etiology of, i. 240.
treatment of, i. 248.
incontinence of urine, i. 267.
painful micturition, i. 252.
retention of urine, i. 255.
frequent, tuberculosis of kidney and, i. 535.
impediments to, i. 241.
inducing, at examination, i. 313.
paretic cystitis and, ii. 40.
periurethral abscess and, i. 242.
posture and, ii. 39.
precipitate, in cystitis, ii. 39.
Micturition, prostatic hypertrophy and, L
243.
prostatitis and, i. 242.
salpingitis and, i. 245.
seminal vesiculitis and, i. 244.
stone and, ii. 40.
strictures and, i. 243.
tuberculous cystitis and, ii. 40.
tumors of bladder and, ii. 66.
pelvis and, i. 245.
urethritis and, i. 242.
uterine displacements and, i. 244.
vesical tuberculosis and, i. 241.
vesical tumor and, i. 241.
Mignon or cold lamp, i. 3, 189, 204.
Migraine, uremia and, i. 444.
Milk diet in nephritis, i. 433.
Milk leg, ii. 467.
Mineral waters in cystitis, ii. 48.
in urological cases, i. 338.
Mixed leucocytosis, i. 133.
Modem urology, i. 3.
Molds, i. 115.
Morgagni, crypts of, ii. 356.
Movable kidney, i. 403. See also Kidney.
operation for, i. 584.
^lucin, in urine, i. 79.
test for, i. 282.
Mucous cystic tumors of penis, ii. 527.
Mucous patches, ii. 688.
preputial, ii. 537.
Mucus in urine, i. 79, 282.
Mumps and orchitis, ii. 609.
Myocarditis, gonococcal, ii. 516.
Myoma of testis and epididymis, ii. 633.
Myxoma of kidney, i. 481.
of testis and epididymis, ii. 633.
Xeedles, i. 143.
Xeedling the kidney, in nephrolithiasis, I.
516.
Neisser's gonococcus, ii. 348.
discovery of, i. 5.
Nephralgia, nephrolithiasis and, i. 612.
Nephrectomy, i. 601.
accidents in, i. 605.
after-treatment of, i. 650.
Albarran*s method in, i. 609.
anterior or transperitoneal, i. 614.
anuria after, i. 606.
closing the wound in, i. 612.
complications after, i. 606.
danger of, i. 604.
first, by Paeslee, i. 4.
hemorrhage after, i. 604.
INDEX
685
Nephrectomy, hemorrhage from an accessory
artery in, i. 605.
from vena cava in, i. 606.
in hydronephrosis, i. 508.
in movable kidney, i. 417.
in nephrolithiasis, i. 517.
in tuberculosis of kidney, i. 546, 547.
indications for, i. 377.
infection of wound after, i. 607.
morcellement, i. 610.
peritoneum in, wounding of, i. 605.
pleura in, opening of, i. 605.
secondary, i. 608.
shock after, i. 607.
statistics of, in renal tuberculosis, i. 559.
subcapsular, i. 608.
suppurating sinuses after, i. 607.
transperitoneal or anterior, 1. 614.
transverse incision in, i. 613.
ureter in, treatment of, i. 605.
Nephritis, acute, i. 419.
acute-transient form of, i. 420.
cold and, i. 419, 420.
diagnosis of, i. 422.
etiology of, i. 419.
hyperacute form of, i. 420.
pathology of, i. 419.
scarlatinous form of, i. 421.
subacute form of, i. 420.
suppurative, form of, i. 478.
symptoms of, i. 420.
treatment of, i. 428.
d frigore, i. 420.
alcohol in, i. 434.
aspiration for dropsy of, i. 437.
decapsulation for, i. 412.
benzoate of soda in, i. 429.
chlorid-free diet in, i. 433.
chronic, 1. 422.
treatment of, i. 429.
chronic interstitial, cardiac stage of, i. 427.
compensation stage of, i. 427.
diabetes and, i. 426.
diagnosis of, i. 427.
etiology of, i. 425.
pathology, i. 426.
prognosis in, i. 428.
symptoms of, i. 427.
uremic stage of, i. 427.
chronic parenchymatous, course of, i. 424.
diagnosis of, 1. 425.
etiology and pathogenesis of, 1. 422.
pathology of, i. 423.
symptoms of, i. 424.
cysts due to interstitial^ i. 492.
Nephritis, decapsulation of kidney for, i. 430.
diffuse, i. 425.
edema in, h 436.
fluid diet in, i. 434.
hematuria and, i. 280.
hemorrhagic, tuberculosis of kidney and, L
543.
hygiene in, i. 435.
iodids and, i. 430.
kidney pad for, i. 432.
lactate of strontium for, i. 429.
milk diet in, i. 433.
nonsuppurative, i. 418.
organotherapy in, i. 430.
traimiatic, i. 394.
treatment of, i. 428.
general, i. 431.
symptomatic, i. 436.
Nephrolithiasis, anuria and, i. 522.
appendicitis and, i. 513.
diagnosis of, i. 504.
diet in, i. 513.
differential diagnosis of, i. 511.
etiology of, i. 499.
examination in, i. 507.
exploratory nephrotomy in, i. 511.
gall-stone and, i. 513.
hematuria in, i. 507.
malaria and, i. 512.
mortality after operation in, i. 521.
nephralgia and, i. 512.
nephrectomy for, i. 617.
nephrostomy and, i. 517.
occurrence of, i. 501.
operative treatment of, i. 514.
pain in, i. 504.
pathology of, L 502.
pyelotomy for, i. 515.
pyuria in, i. 507.
radiography and, i. 509.
reflex pains of, i. 506.
reno-renal reflex in, i. 506.
septic and aseptic, 1. 509.
symptoms of, i. 504.
temperature and pulse after operation for,
i. 519.
treatment of, i. 513.
tuberculous kidney and, i. 511.
urine after operation for, i. 520.
urine in, i. 508.
varieties of, i. 500.
Nephropexy, i. 584.
after-treatment of, i. 589.
in hydronephrosis, i. 569, 617.
Nephrostomy, i. 598.
686
INDEX
KephroBtomy, drainage after, i. 600.
in nephrolithiasis, i. 517.
in tuberculosis of kidney, i. 546.
in tumors of bladder/ ii. 76.
Nephrotomy, i. 590.
complications of, i. 595.
drainage after, i. 597.
hemorrhage in, i. 595.
in hydronephrosis, i. 568.
in nephrolithiasis, i. 516.
in tuberculosis of kidney, 1. 546.
sinuses after, i. 597.
Nephro-ureterectomy, i. 665.
Nervous lesions of lues, treatment of, ii. 713.
" Nervous polyuria," i. 272.
Neuralgia of testicle, ii. 634.
Neuralgic herpes, preputial, ii. 535.
Neurasthenia, prostatitis and, ii. 203, 208.
retained testis and, ii. 589.
Nitric acid test for albimiln, i. 76.
Nitrous oxid, in anesthesia in urological cases,
i. 351.
Nitze, i. 3, 5.
cystoscope of, i. 201.
operating cystoscope of, ii. 143.
Nitze-Albarran cystoscope, i. 203.
Noguchi's skin test for lues, ii. 723.
Nocturnal pollutions, prostatitis and, ii. 208.
Nonspecific urethritis, i. 121.
Nubecula, i. 73.
Nucleo-albumin in urine, i. 76.
Nutrition, i. 304.
Nylander's test for sugar^ i. 80.
Oberl^der, dilators of, i. 182, ii. 426.
on urethritis, ii. 356.
Occupation of patients in diagnosis of cases,
i. 298.
Odor in diagnosis of cases, i. 305.
Office, arrangement of, i. 137.
arrangement of author's, i. 144.
management of, i. 148.
Oliguria, i. 276.
kidney injury and, i. 393.
Omentum, bladder disturbances and, ii. 125.
illustrative cases of, ii. 126.
Onychia, luetic, ii. 688.
Oophoritis, gonorrhea and, ii. 508.
Operating table, i. 675.
Ophthalmia, gonorrhea and, ii. 513.
Opium poisoning, uremic coma and, i. 448,
450.
Orchidectomy, ii. 636.
Orchitis, acute, complications of, ii. 609,
scarlet fever and, ii. 610.
Orchitis, acute, etiology of, ii. 604.
luetic (syphilitic), diagnosis of, ii. 626.
etiology and frequency of, ii. 625.
pathology of, ii. 625.
symptoms and course of, ii. 626.
treatment of, ii. 627, 713.
malaria and, ii. 610.
Paquelin cautery in, ii. 613.
pathology of, ii. 605.
rheumatism and, ii. 610.
smallpox and, ii. 609.
symptoms of, ii. 605.
typhoid and, ii. 609.
Organotherapy in nephritis, i. 430.
Osteoma of testis and epididymis, ii. 633.
Otis, i. 3.
urethrometer of, ii. 419.
urethrotome of, ii. 435.
Outside visits, equipment for, i. 140.
Ovarian cysts, kidney cysts and, i. 493.
Ovarian tumors, bladder disturbances and, iL
113.
Ovaritis, gonorrhea and, ii. 508.
Oxalate, calcium crystals, i. 96.
Oxaluria, diet in, i. 364.
etiology of, i. 363.
treatment of^ i. 363.
Paeslee, first nephrectomy by, i. 4.
Pain, diagnosis from, i. 301.
kidney trouble and, i. 369.
Painful micturition, i. 252.
Pampiniform plexus, i. 60, ii. 641.
Paquelin cautery, orchitis and the, ii. 613.
Paracelsus, i. 2.
Paracentesis, i. 263.
Parafrenitis, ii. 478.
Paraphimosis, ii. 543.
treatment of, ii. 551.
Paravesical fossa, i. 48.
Par6, Ambrose, i. 2.
Paresis, general, ii. 700.
Parotitis and orchitis, ii. 609.
Pasteur and Micrococcus ureie, i. 5.
Patients, examination of, i. 308.
Pawlik, ureteral catheterization by, i. 4.
Pearl bodies in prostate, ii. 186.
Pectiniform septiun in penis, i. 68.
Pediculosis, ii. 565.
Pelvic cellulitis in male, ii. 198.
Pelvic fascia, i. 22.
Pelvic infiammations and adhesions, ii. 116.
Pelvis, i. 19.
blood vessels of, i. 25.
fracture of, bladder rupture and, ii. 24.
Pelvis of kidney, i. 36.
INDEX
687
Pelvis of kidney, tumors of, i. 491.
Penis, i. 67.
abnormalities of, 11. 518.
abscess of, ii. 526.
adenoma of, ii. 528.
amputation of, ii. 531.
blood vessels of, i. 69.
cellular inflammation of, ii. 526.
congenital' blind pouches of, ii. 520.
corona of, i. 68.
cutaneous affections of, ii. 523.
deformed, ii. 518.
hermaphroditism and, ii. 519.
Boudareff's case, ii. 519.
Lukomsky's case, ii. 619.
dislocation of, ii. 523.
eczema of, ii. 523.
elephantiasis of, ii. 528.
epithelioma of, ii. 529.
extirpation of, ii. 532.
fracture of, ii. 522.
' gangrene of, ii. 526.
homy growths of, ii. 528.
lupus of, ii. 524.
lymphangitis of, ii. 525.
lymphatic and suppurative affections of, ii.
525.
lymphatics of, L 69.
nerves of, i. 69.
roots of, i. 67.
sarcoma of, ii. 534.
scabies of, ii. 524.
scirrhous cancers of, ii. 529.
strangulation of, ii. 521.
structure of, i. 69.
tuberculosis of, ii. 525.
tumors of, ii. 527, 529.
wounds of, ii. 521.
Penitis, ii. 352, 626.
Peptonized milk, i. 329.
Pericystitis, ii. 38, 42.
Perineal and vaginal hernias of the bladder,
ii. 31.
Perineal body, i. 26.
Perineal cystotomy, ii. 166.
after-treatment of, ii. 168.
Perineal lithotomy, ii. 167.
Perineorrhaphy in male, ii. 488.
Perinephritic abscess, calculus and, i. 472.
course of, i. 471.
diagnosis for source of, i. 469.
diagnosis of, i. 468.
etiology of, i. 466.
examination in, i. 468.
nephrolithiasis and, u 522.
Perinephritic abscess, psoas abscess and, i. 472.
symptoms of, i. 468.
treatment of, i. 472.
tuberculosis of kidney and, i. 560.
Perineum, anatomy of, i. 26.
female, i. 32.
pain in, i. 302.
Periorchitis, ii. 576.
Perirenal tissue, i. 36.
Perirenal tumors, i. 491.
Peritoneum, i. 23.
Peritonitis, gonorrhea in female and, ii. 508.
kidney injuries and, i. 394.
leucocyte count in, i. 134.
Periurethral abscess, in female, ii. 503.
micturition and, i. 242.
stricture and, ii. 410.
urethrectomy for, ii. 468.
Periurethritis, chronic, ii. 476, 479.
etiology of, ii. 474.
extension of, ii. 475.
extravasation of urine in, ii. 477.
illustrative case of, ii. 478.
Littr^'s glands and, ii. 477.
membranous, ii. 480.
multiple abscesses in, ii. 478.
obstruction . and, ii. 476.
parafrenitis and, ii. 478.
pathology of, ii. 476.
slow leakage of urine and, ii. 479.
symptoms of, ii. 477.
treatment of, ii. 479.
Perivesiculitis, ii. 654.
Permanganate irrigation, ii. 386.
Perspiration, urine compared with, i. 437.
Petit's triangle, i. 577.
Pezzer's catheter, i. 167.
Phagedenic chancre, ii. 536.
Phagedenic ulceration in lues, ii. 702.
Phagocytosis, i. 134.
Phantom bladder, i. 227.
Pharyngitis, luetic, treatment of, ii. 713.
Phenol, i. 87.
Phenyl-hydrazin test for sugar, i. 81.
Phimosis, ii. 543.
diabetic, ii. 640.
Phloridzin test for functional capacity of kid-
ney, i. 7, 381.
Phosphates in urinary sediment, i. 97.
in urine, i. 282.
Phosphatic diathesis, vesical calculus and, ii.
83.
Phosphaturia, i. 367.
calculi and, i. 367.
diet in, i. 368.
688
INDEX
Phosphaturia, treatment and, i. 368.
Phthisis, luetic, ii. 695.
Physiological leucocytosis, i. 133.
Piston syringes, sterilization of, i. 169.
Pitard, Jean, i. 2.
Plaster, surgical, i. 143.
Pneumaturia, i. 286.
Poggi operation in uretero-ureterostomy, i.
658.
Pollakiuria, i. 239.
Polyorchism, ii. 586.
Polypus snare, i. 191.
Polyuria, i. 271.
etiology of, i. 240, 271.
kidney injury and, i. 393.
Posthemorrhagic leucocytosis, i. 135.
Posthitis, ii. 538.
Posture, in diagnosis of urological cases, i.
305.
Potassium ferrocyanid test for albumin, i. 77.
Potassium salts, uremia and, i. 440.
Potash and niter mixture, ii. 370.
Poultices, anodyne, ii. 611.
ice bags and, in bubo, ii. 560.
Pregnancy, gonorrhea and, ii. 508.
movable kidney and, i. 405.
Prepuce, i. 68.
acuminata in, ii. 537.
balanitis of, ii. 538.
chancroid of, ii. 535.
circumcision of, ii. 547.
gonorrhea and, ii. 534.
herpes of, ii. 534.
mucous patches on, ii. 537.
paraphimosis of, ii. 543.
phimosis of, ii. 543.
posthitis of, ii. 538.
operative treatment in diseases of, ii. 546.
Preston, i. 3.
Priapism, vesiculitis and, ii. 657.
Procidentia uteri, hydronephrosis and, i. 563.
Prolapse of uterus, bladder disturbance due
' to, ii. 108.
illustrative case of, ii. 109.
Prolapse of rectum, vesical calculus and, ii. 87.
Piotospathori, work on urine by, i. 2.
Prostate, abscess of, ii. 265.
cold variety of, ii. 203.
discharge of, ii. 203.
etiology of, ii. 199.
illustrative cases of, ii. 202.
measles and, ii. 202.
neurasthenia and, ii. 203.
operations on, ii. 206.
prognosis of^ ii. 203.
Prostate, abscess of, symptoms of, ii. 199.
treatment of, ii. 205.
anatomy of, i. 63, ii. 173.
anomalies of, ii. 176.
blood supply of, i. 67.
calculus of, diagnosis of, ii. 187.
radiography in, ii. 188.
varieties of, ii. 185.
enlarged, cystoscopy and, i. 216.
enucleation of, ii. 284.
micturition and, ii. 40.
examination of, ii. 173.
hematuria and, i. 279.
injuries of, etiology of, ii. 178.
prognosis of, ii. 179.
symptoms of, ii. 178.
treatment of, ii. 179.
instruments used in operations upon, ii. 274.
lymphatics of, i. 67.
malignant growth of, diagnosis of, ii. 271.
etiology of, ii. 268.
Gibson*8 operation for, ii. 306.
illustrative cases of, ii. 272.
pathological anatomy of, ii. 268.
prognosis in, ii. 270.
symptoms of, ii. 269.
treatment of, ii. 277.
massage of, i. 316, ii. 211.
nerves of, i. 67.
operations on, ii. 274.
preparation of patients for, ii. 295.
relations of, i. 65.
structure of, i. 65.
tuberculosis of, atrophy and, ii. 267.
etiology of, ii. 220.
examination and diagnosis of, ii. 223.
pathological anatomy of, ii. 221.
prognosis in, ii. 225.
s^Tnptoms of, ii. 223.
treatment of, ii. 225.
vesicles and, examination of, i. 314.
Prostatectomy, after-treatment of, ii. 300.
Alexander operation in, ii. 288.
choice of method in, ii. 293.
chromic gut in, ii. 305.
complications during and after, ii. 302.
conclusions upon, ii. 301.
epididymitis and, ii. 303.
Fuller's operation in, ii. 291.
Goodfellow's operation in, ii. 288.
Guiteras's recto- vesical, ii. 292.
hemorrhage in, ii. 302.
history of, ii. 280.
infrapubic or perineal intraurethral, ii«
288.
INDEX
689
Prostatectomy, kidney and stomach stimula-
tion after, ii. 301.
Lilienthars two-stage operation in, ii. 305.
McGllPs operation in, ii. 291.
pericystitis and, ii. 302.
prostatotomy and, ii. 165.
results of, ii. 305.
sexual function and, ii. 293.
shock after, ii. 302.
suprapubic, ii. 291, 293.
technique of, ii. 296.
tympanites after, ii. 304.
urinary control after, ii. 293..
vomiting and distension after, ii. 303.
Watson and Cunningham operation in, ii.
288.
Young's perineal, ii. 281.
ZuckerkandPs operation in, ii. 281.
Prostatic age, ii. 235.
Prostatic atrophy, calculi and, ii. 201.
castration and, ii. 267.
follicular prostatitis and, ii. 264.
forms of, ii. 260.
illustrative cases of, ii. 262 et seq,
pathology of, ii. 261.
symptoms of, ii. 262.
treatment of, ii. 267.
tuberculosis and, ii. 267.
Prostatic calculus, course of, ii. 186.
hour-glass form of, ii. 186.
symptoms of, ii. 186.
Prostatic cysts, congenital, ii. 181.
diagnosis of, ii. 182.
illustrative case of, ii. 183.
retention and, ii. 181.
symptoms of, ii. 181.
treatment of, ii. 184.
varieties of, ii. 181.
Prostatic douche, ii. 212.
Prostatic epithelia, i. 104.
Prostatic hypertrophy, aspiration in, ii. 253.
bladder changes due to, ii. 230.
burning on urination in, ii. 236.
calculus and, ii. 245.
catheter life in, ii. 250.
climate and, ii. 250.
cystitis and, ii. 53.
cystoscopy in, ii. 243.
differentiation of, ii. 244.
diluents and diuretics in, ii. 248.
dysuria in, ii. 237.
encapsulated or adenomatous, ii. 230.
etiology of, ii. 226.
examination and diagnosis of, ii. 239.
frequency of urination in, increased, ii. 235.
Prostatic hypertrophy, frequency of urination
in, night, ii. 236.
kidney examination in, ii. 243.
micturition and, i. 243.
nonencapsulated form of, ii. 232.
parenchymatous prostatitis and, ii. 247.
pathology of, i. 226.
preprostatic stage of, ii. 234.
residual urine in, ii. 242.
retention of urine due to, i. 238, 258.
strictures and, ii. 246.
suprapubic cystotomy for drainage in, ii.
154.
symptoms of, ii. 234.
treatment of, local, ii. 250.
nonoperative, ii. 247.
operative, ii. 274.
Bottini operation, ii. 275.
Chetwood operation, ii. 279.
prostatectomy, ii. 281.
palliative, ii. 247.
tumors and, ii. 247.
of bladder, ii. 69.
urethra and, ii. 229.
Wallace on, ii. 232.
Prostatic incisor, ii. 275.
Prostatic tractor, ii. 283.
Prostatitis, acute, treatment of, ii. 204.
acute parenchymatous, treatment of, ii.
205.
chronic, i. 127.
bathing and exercise for, ii. 217.
dilatation in, ii. 210.
douche in, ii. 212.
etiology of, ii. 206.
exacerbations of, ii. 208.
gonococci and, ii. 208.
impotence in, ii. 208.
instillations in, ii. 214.
irrigation for, ii. 211.
massage in, ii. 211.
neurasthenia in, ii. 208.
nocturnal pollution in, ii. .208.
pathology of, ii. 207.
prostatorrhea in, ii. 207, 208.
recto-prostatic douche in, ii. 214.
sexual excesses and, ii. 207.
symptoms of, ii. 207.
treatment of, ii. 209.
internal, ii. 216.
local, ii. 210.
records important in, ii. 209.
urethritis, chronic, and, ii. 214.
follicular, atrophy and, ii. 264.
treatment of, ii. 204.
690
INDEX
Prostatitis, follicular, urethral condition in,
ii. 265.
follicular and parenchymatous, ii. 191.
complications of, ii. 197.
Cowperitis and, ii. 197.
cystitis and, ii. 197.
diagnosis of, ii. 197.
etiology of, ii. 191.
hypertrophy and, ii. 197.
infections and, ii. 192.
pathology of, ii. 192.
prognosis of, ii. 198.
symptoms of, ii. 195.
urethritis and, ii. 197.
vesiculitis and, ii. 197.
micturition in, i. 242.
parenchymatous, ii. 207.
rectal psychrophore and, ii. 219.
subacute or catarrhal, ii. 190.
treatment of, ii. 204.
Prostatome, ii. 275.
Prostatorrhea, i. 120.
diagnosis of, ii. 218.
douche for, ii. 213.
etiology of, ii. 217.
functional impotence and, ii. 218.
pathology of, ii. 217.
symptoms of, ii. 218.
treatment of, ii. 219.
urethritis and, ii. 362.
Prostatotomy, perineal, ii. 106.
Protargol, ii. 379.
Proteus vulgaris, i. 115.
Protozoa in blood, i. 136.
Pruritus, scrotal, ii. 564.
Pseudo-elephantiosis of scrotum, ii. 570.
Pseudo-traumatic hydronephrosis, i. 392.
Psoas abscess, perinephritic abscess and, i.
472.
Psoriasis vulgaris, lues and, ii. 682.
Psych rophores, i. 346, ii. 219.
Pubo-prostatic ligaments, i. 48.
Pudic artery, internal, i. 31.
Pudic nerve, internal, i. 32.
Pulse and temperature in diagnosis of uro-
logical cases, i. 306.
Purdy electric centrifuge, i. 93.
Purges, i. 337.
Pus, Donne's test for, i. 283.
in urinary sediment, i. 99.
Pus casts, i. 107.
Pyelitis, diagnosis of, i. 456.
etiology of, i. 453.
examination in, i. 455.
gonorrheal, i. 463.
Pyelitis, pathology of, i. 465.
prognosis in, i. 456.
symptoms of, i. 455.
treatment of, i. 463.
Pyelo-nephritis, etiology of, i. 456.
examination in, i. 459.
malaria and, i. 459.
pathology of, i. 457.
radiography and, i. 459.
symptoms of, i. 458.
treatment of, i. 463.
Pyeloplication, in hydronephrosis, i, 669.
Pyelotomy, i. 515, 683.
Pyknometer, i. 75.
Pyocyaneus bacillus, i. 115,
P^'onephrosis, diagnosis in, i. 462.
etiology of, i. 460.
examination in, i. 462.
pathology of, i. 461.
symptoms of, i. 461.
treatment of, i. 463.
tuberculosis and, i. 460.
Pyosalpinx, ii. 604.
Pyramids of Ferrein, i. 37.
of Malpighi, i. 37.
Pyuria, cystitis and, ii. 41.
differential diagnosis of, i. 281.
kidney disease and, i. 369.
localization of, i. 283.
nephrolithiasis and, i. 507.
Radiography, in kidney disease, i. 376.
in nephrolithiasis, i. 509.
in pyelo-nephritis, i. 459.
in vesical calculus, ii. 89.
Records, i. 322.
Rectal gonorrhea in female, ii. 508.
Rectal irrigations, i. 341.
Rectal triangle, i. 25.
Recto-prostatic douche, ii. 214.
Rectum, examination by, i. 315.
Reflecting condenser, i. 123.
Renal artery, i. 39.
anomalies of, i. 388.
Renal colic, i. 505.
Renal disease. See Kidney, Disease of.
Renal epithelia in urine, i. 102.
Respiration, i. 307.
Respiratory tract, lues and, ii. 694.
Rete testes, i. 59.
Retention of urine, i. 255.
anuria distinguished from, i. 259.
causes of, i. 256.
chronic complete and incomplete, due to
paralysis or obstruction, i. 265.
INDEX
691
Retention of urine, classification of, i. 266.
diagnosis of, i. 259.
in prostatic trouble, i. 260.
rupture of the bladder distinguished from,
i. 259.
symptoms of, i. 257.
treatment of, i. 260.
Retinitis, uremia and, i. 448.
Rhabdomyoma of kidney, i. 484.
Rheumatism in orchitis, ii. 610.
Rhinitis, luetic, treatment of, ii. 713.
Rice's solution in estimation of urea, i. 83.
Ringer's solution, i. 347.
Robert's method for sugar in urine, i. 81.
Rochester sterilizer, i. 154.
Roentgen and X-ray, i. 7.
Roulle, i. 3.
Rubber gloves, i. 157.
Rubber tissue, i. 142.
Ruhemann's uricometer, i. 85.
Rupia, luetic, ii. 686.
Rupture of bladder, ii. 20.
of urethra, repair of, ii. 472.
Saccharometers, i. 82.
Sago bodies, i. 110, 317.
Salads in diet in urological cases, i. 326.
Salernian School, i. 2.
Salicylates in cystitis, ii. 47.
Saline infusion, i. 346.
Salo-santal, ii. 371.
Salpingitis, gonococcal, ii. 508, 512.
micturition and, i. 245.
Salpingo-odphoritis, ii. 504.
Salvarsan, action of, ii. 718.
bad results from, ii. 719.
contraindications for, ii. 719.
dosage of, ii. 715.
epilepsy and, ii. 719.
hematuria from, ii. 718.
intramuscular injections of, in alkaline
solution, ii. 716.
of suspension of salvarsan in iodipin, ii.
717.
technique of, ii. 717.
intravenous injection of, ii. 715.
iodipin suspension of, for intramuscular
injection, ii. 717.
leucocytosis from, ii. 718.
optic nerve atrophy and, ii. 719.
pain after, ii. 718.
preparation of, for intramuscular use, ii.
717.
for intravenous use, ii. 716.
reaction after, ii. 718.
Salvarsan, results of, ii. 719.
sweating after, ii. 718.
value of, ii. 719.
Wassermann reaction and, ii. 719.
Sandalwood oil, ii. 371.
emulsion of, ii. 373.
urethritis and, ii. 390.
Santorini, plexus of, i. 60.
Sarcoma of kidney, i. 483.
of penis, ii. 534.
of testis and epididymis, etiology of, ii.
629.
pathology of, ii. 629.
symptoms of, ii. 630.
treatment of, ii. 630.
of uterus, bladder disturbance due to, ii.
113.
Saxe's pyknometer, i. 75.
Scabies of penis, ii. 524.
Scarlatinous nephritis, i. 421.
Schering-Glatz's formaldehyd sterilizer, i. 166.
Schule, i. 3.
Scirrhous cancer of penis, ii. 520.
Scotch douche, i. 345.
Scrotum, i. 57.
dermatitis of, ii. 663.
eczema of, ii. 563.
elephantiasis of, ii. 568.
erysipelas of, ii. 565.
gangrene of, ii. 565.
spontaneous, ii. 506.
Guiteras's operation on, ii. 572.
intertrigo of, ii. 564.
lymph, ii. 568.
pediculosis of, ii. 565.
pruritus of, ii. 564.
sebaceous cysts of, ii. 565.
septum of, i. 57.
Scudmore, i. 4.
Sea baths, i. 345.
Sebaceous cysts, scrotal, ii. 565.
Seminal vesicles, anatomical considerations
of, !i. 646.
anomalies of, ii. 648.
concretions of, ii. 650.
dilatations and cysts of, ii. 649.
epithelia from, i. 103.
inflammation of, ii. 651. See also Seminal
Vesiculitis,
injuries of, ii. 648.
operations on:
Duval's perineal vesiculotomy, ii. 671.
Fuller's operation, ii. 669.
"total extirpation of genital tract," ii.
673.
692
INDEX
Seminal vesicles, operations on:
vesiculectomy, ii. 673.
vesiculotomy, ii. 609.
syphilis of, ii. 648.
tuberculosis of, etiology of, ii. 666.
examination in, ii. 666.
illustrative case of, ii. 666.
impotence and, ii. 665.
pathology of, ii. 665.
symptoms and diagnosis of, ii. 666.
treatment of, ii. 667.
tumors of, ii. 648.
Seminal vesiculitis, ii. 661.
acute, ii. 652.
** chordee of the bladder " and, ii. 652.
chronic, i. 130, ii. 656, 659, 660.
complications of, ii. 653.
course of, ii. 653.
differential diagnosis of, ii. 655.
etiology of, ii. 651.
examination and diagnosis of, ii. 654.
hernia and, ii. 661.
illustrative cases of, ii. 661, 664.
impotence from, ii. 657.
massage in, ii. 663.
micturition and, i. 244.
neurasthenia and, ii. 657.
pathology of, ii. 651.
perivesiculitis and, ii. 654.
prostatitis and, ii. 660.
spermatorrhea and, ii. 656.
stricture and, ii. 660.
suppuration in, ii. 664.
symptoms of acute, ii. 652.
treatment of acute, ii. 662.
urethritis and, ii. 666, 660.
varicocele and, ii. 661.
Seminiferous tubules, i. 59.
Septicemia, i. 134.
Septicemia and pyemia, gonorrhea and, ii.
516.
Septum scroti, i. 57.
Serous cysts of kidney, i. 492.
Serum albumin in urine, i. 76, 77.
Sexual excesses, prostatitis and, ii. 207.
Sexual function, prostatectomy and, ii. 293.
Sexual intercourse, lues and, ii. 721.
Sexual neurasthenia, vesiculitis and, ii. 658.
Shellfish in diet of urological cases, i. 326.
Shock, kidney injuries and, i. 393.
Shreds in urine, i. 109, ii. 358.
Sigmoiditis, pericystitis and, ii. 43.
Silver nitrate test for chlorids, i. 90.
Silver salts in urethritis, ii. 379.
Silver solutions in urethritis, ii. 388.
Simon, first nephrectomy by, i. 4.
Sinus pocularis, i. 54.
Sinuses, after nephrotomy, i. 597.
Siphonage after operation, ii. 162.
Sitz baths, i. 345.
"606." See Salvarsan.
Skatol, i. 87.
Skeleton, in relation to genito-urinaxy tract»
L 16.
Skene's glands, i. 56.
Skin in diagnosis, i. 304.
Skins fn urine, i. 110.
Smallpox, and orchitis, ii. 609.
Smegma, i. 68.
Smegma bacillus, tuberculosis of kidney and,
i. 538.
Smegma and tubercle bacillus, differentiated,
i. 113.
Sneirs formalin sterilizer, i. 157.
"Snowfiakes," i. 109, 110, 318.
Soft diet in urological cases, i. 327.
Sounds, i. 176, ii. 429.
B4niqu4, i. 179, 180.
curves of, i. 176.
metallic, ii. 6.
passing of, French method of, i. 180.
technique of, i. 177.
scale of, i. 176.
Southey's drainage tubes, i. 437.
Spagiric method of diagnosis, i. 2.
Spanish-Americans, urinary diseases of, i.
299.
Spasmodic stricture, tumors of bladder and,
ii. 65.
Specific or gonococcal urethritis, i. 126.
Spermatic artery, i. 60.
Spermatic cord, i. 60, ii. 637.
cysts of, dermoid, ii. 639.
encysted hydroceles of, ii. 639.
hematocele of, etiology of, ii. 637.
pathology of, ii. 637.
symptoms of, ii. 638.
treatment of, ii. 638.
inflammation of, gonococcal, ii. 639.
phlegmonous, ii. 639.
serous, ii. 640.
suppurative, ii. 640.
lues of, ii. 641.
tuberculosis of, diagnosis of, ii. 640.
illustrative cases of, ii. 641.
pathology of, ii. 640.
symptoms of, ii. 640.
tfeatment of, ii. 640.
tumors, ii. 638.
varicocele and, ii. 641.
INDEX
693
Spermatic vein, i. 60.
Spermatocele, ii. 583.
Spermatorrhea, urethritis and, ii. 362.
Spermatozoa, i. 318.
Sphincter ani, i. 27.
Spica bandage, ii. 557, 559.
Spinal anesthesia, i. 352.
Spinal lesions, retention of urine due to, i.
256.
Spinal sclerosis, catheteral indication of, ii. 5.
Spirocheta pallida, i. 121.
demonstration of, i. 122.
Sponge baths, i. 346.
Sponges, i. 142.
Spontaneous gangrene, ii. 566.
Stammering, urinary, i. 254.
Staphylococcus pyogenes albus, i. 115.
in blood, i. 135.
Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus, i. 114.
Steam, sterilization by, i. 154.
Sterility, epididymitis and, ii. 607.
female, gonorrhea and, ii. 500.
Martin's operation for, ii. 615.
Sterilization and disinfection, detailed meth-
ods of, i. 156.
Sterilization of instruments and apparatus, i.
153.
Stoma toscope, the, i. 199.
Stone. See Calculus.
frequent micturition and, ii. 40.
in bladder. See Vesical Calculus,
tuberculosis and, ii. 101.
tumor of bladder and, ii. 69, 106.
Stone searcher, Thompson's, ii. 6.
Stout's strict urectomy, ii. 471.
Streptococcus pyogenes, i. 114.
in blood, i. 135.
Stricture of urethra. See Urethra, Stricture
of.
complete excision of, ii. 470.
cystoscopy in, i. 216.
dilatation of, ii. 392.
electrolytic cure of, ii. 468.
micturition and, i. 243.
resection and excision of, ii. 469.
Stricture of meatus, ii. 418.
tuberculosis of the bladder and, ii. 95.
Stricture of meatus or fossa navicularis, cys-
titis from, ii. 53.
Stricture of ureter, ureterotomy for, i. 655.
Stricturectomy, Stout method, ii. 471.
Struma lipomatodes aberrant® renis, i. 484.
Sugar in urine, i. 79.
fermentation test for, i. 81.
precautions in testing for, i. 81.
Sugar in urine, qualitative tests for, i. 79.
quantitative tests for, i. 81.
Sugar granules, i. 110, 318.
Sulphates in urinary sediment, i. 97.
in urine, i. 91.
Suspensory ligament of penis, i. 69.
Suprapubic cystotomy, ii. 144.
Suprapubic lithotomy, ii. 150.
Suprapubic pain, i. 302.
Swabs for urethral treatments, ii. 398.
Sweets and desserts in diet of urological
cases, i. 326.
Symptoms, general, in diagnosis of cases:
behavior, general, i. 306.
nutrition, i. 304.
odor, i. 305.
posture, i. 305.
pulse and temperature, i. 306.
respiration, i. 307.
skin, i. 304.
tongue, i. 306.
Synorchism, ii. 587.
Syphilis. See Lues.
Syphilitic urethritis, i. 121, ii. 407.
Syringe for local anesthesia, i. 354.
Syringes, sterilization of, i. 159.
Systemic infections, gonorrhea and, ii. 516.
Tabes, ii. 699.
Table, examining, i. 145.
portable, for cystoscopy, i. 211.
Table waters, i. 339.
"Tapioca," i. 109.
Tenesmus, tuberculosis of kidney and, i. 535.
Teratoma of testis, ii. 633.
Tertiary lesions, preputial, ii. 537.
Testicle. See Testis.
Testis, i. 58.
abdominal retention of, ii. 589.
absence of, ii. 586.
anatomical changes due to anomalies of
migration of, ii. 593.
anomalies of, ii. 586.
complications of, ii. 594.
developmental, ii. 586.
illustrative cases of, ii. 590, 592.
migrational, ii. 588.
nutritional, ii. 587.
of adnexa, ii. 599.
artificial, ii. 589, 699.
atrophy of, ii. 587.
blood supply of, i. 60.
contusions of, ii. 601.
coverings of, i. 61.
ectopia of, ii. 591.
694
INDEX
Testis, ectopia of, crural, ii. 691.
perineal, ii. 591.
pubo-penile, ii. 593.
examination of, i. 312.
fusion of, ii. 587.
hypertrophy of, ii. 587.
inCanunation of, ii. 603.
injuries of:
contusions, ii. 601.
luxation, ii. 599.
torsion, ii. 603.
wounds, ii. 602.
inversion of, ii. 593.
irritable, ii. 634.
lues and, ii. 693, 694.
luxation of, ii. 599.
illustrative case of, ii. 600.
treatment of, ii. 601.
misplaced, operation for, ii. 595.
neuralgia of, ii. 634.
retention of, cruro-scrotal, iL 590.
etiology if, iL 688.
iliac, ii. 590.
inguinal, ii. 590.
transitional, ii. 590.
treatment of, ii. 594.
varieties of, ii. 589.
structure of, i. 59.
supernumerary, ii. 586.
torsion of, ii. 603.
tuberculosis of, diagnosis of, ii. 621.
epidectomy for, ii. 623.
etiology of, ii. 618.
gonorrhea and, ii. 621.
gummatous epididymitis and, ii. 621.
malignancy and, ii. 621.
pathology of, ii. 618.
predisposing causes of, ii. 618.
prognosis of, ii. 622.
symptoms of, ii. 619.
syphilis and, ii. 621.
• treatment of, ii. 622.
wounds of, ii. 602.
Testis and epididymitis, syphilis of, ii. 624.
tumors and cysts of;
carcinoma, ii. 627.
enchondroma, ii. 631.
fibroma, ii. 632.
fungus or hernia, ii. 633.
lymphadenoma, ii. 632.
myxoma, ii. 633.
osteoma, ii. 633.
sarcoma, ii. 629.
teratoma, ii. 633.
Therapeutics, urological, i. 323.
Thompson, Sir Henry, quoted on strictures,
ii. 420.
Thompson lithotrite, ii. 134.
stone searcher, ii. 6.
Thorn apple crystals, i. 95.
Tinea trichophytina cruris, ii. 564.
Tobacco poultice, ii. 611.
Tongue in diagnosis of urological cases, i.
306.
Tonics in cystitis, ii. 48.
Tons son's case of single kidney, i. 622.
Towels in office dressing equipment, i. 142,
158.
"Toxemia and autointoxication," i. 361.
Toxic glycosuria, i. 365.
Trabeculation of bladder, i. 223.
Tragacanth as a lubricant, i. 161.
Translucency test, hydrocele and, ii. 677.
Transversus perinei muscle, i. 27.
Traumatic urethritis, ii. 408.
Trendelenburg operation of uretero-pyelo-
plasty, i. 620.
position, ii. 147.
Treponema pallida, i. 121.
Triangular ligament, i. 28.
Trichloracetic acid test for albumin, i. 77.
Trigone, i. 50, 51.
cystoscopic appearance of, i. 221.
Trigonitis, ii. 508.
Triple dose in gonococcal urethritis, ii. 375.
Triple phosphate crystals, i. 97.
Tubercle bacillus in blood, i. 135.
in urine, i. 112.
kidney tuberculosis and, i. 538.
Tubercular adenitis, ii. 558.
Tubercular urethritis, i. 121.
Tuberculin test, i. 539.
Tuberculosis, leucocyte count in, i. 134.
of bladder, i. 224.
anesthesia necessary in examining for, ii.
100.
*' B. and B. Mixture " for pain in, ii. 103.
cystoscopic examination for, ii. 100.
differentiation of, ii. 101.
etiology of, ii. 96.
frequent urination in, ii. 98.
gonorrhea and, ii. 96.
gonorrheal cystitis and, ii. 102.
hematuria in, ii. 99.
incontinence from, i. 268.
inoculation in, ii. 100.
micturition and, i. 241.
pain in, ii. 99.
pathology of, ii. 97.
prostatic enlargement and, ii. 101.
INDEX
695
Tuberculosis, of bladder, stricture and, ii. 101.
symptoms and diagnosis of, ii. 98.
treatment of, ii. 102.
local, ii. 104.
medical, ii. 103.
operative, ii. 104.
tumors of bladder and, ii. 60.
urinary findings in, ii. 90.
of kidney. See Kidney, Tuberculosis of.
nephrolithiasis and, i. 511.
nephrostomy in, i. 546.
nephrotomy in, i. 546.
of prostate. See Prostate, Tuberculosis of,
of seminal vesicles, ii. 665.
of spermatic cord, ii. 640.
of urethra. See Urethra, Tuberculosis of.
penis and, ii. 525.
pyonephrosis and, i. 460.
Tuberculous kidney, hematuria and, i. 280.
ureteral ulcers in, i. 374.
Tuberculous peritonitis, bladder, enlarged,
and, ii. 2.
Tubuli recti in te3tis, i. 59.
Tumors, bladder disturbances due to, ii. 110.
of bladder, i. 225, ii. 58.
Bilharzia infection and, ii. 59.
cauliflower growth of, ii. 62.
complications of, ii. 67, 72.
course of, ii. 67.
cystectomy in, partial, ii. 76.
cystitis and, ii. 53.
cystoscopy in, ii. 68.
diagnosis of, ii. 67.
differential diagnosis of, ii. 69.
disturbances of micturition due to, ii.
66.
etiology of, ii. 58.
examination for, ii. 68.
exploratory incision in, ii. 69.
fulguration of, ii. 75.
hematuria and, ii. 64, 66.
hemorrhage in, treatment of, ii. 70.
histology and pathology of, ii. 59.
illustrative cases of, ii. 65.
infection in, ii. 72.
micturition and, i. 241.
multiple, ii. 61.
nephrostomy in, ii. 77.
occurrence of, ii. 58.
operating cystoscope in, ii. 74.
pain from, ii. 66.
treatment of, ii. 71.
palpation of, ii. 69.
pedimculated, ii. 63.
perineal cystotomy incision for« ii. 168.
Tumors, of bladder, primary and secondary
forms of, ii. 61.
prognosis in, ii. 69.
prostatic hypertrophy and, ii. 69.
removal of, ii. 152.
by female urethra, ii. 74.
by perineal route, ii. 74.
by vagino-vesical incision, ii. 74.
endovesical, ii. 74.
secondary changes due to, ii. 64.
shrivelling of, ii. 76.
stone and, ii. 69.
suprapubic cystotomy in, ii. 75.
symptoms of, ii. 64.
total extirpation of bladder in, ii. 76.
treatment of, ii. 70.
operative, ii. 73.
palliative, ii. 70.
tuberculosis and, ii. 69, 101.
villous, ii. 62.
of kidney. See Kidney, Tumors of.
of pelvis, micturition and, i. 245.
of penis, ii. 527.
Tunica albuginea in testis, i. 59.
Tunica vaginalis, i. 58, 59.
Tympanitis, kidney injury and, i. 394.
prostatectomy and, ii. 304.
Typhoid bacillus in blood, i. 136.
Typhoid fever, orchitis and, ii. 609.
Tyrosin and leucin in urinary sediment, i. 97.
Ty rosin in urine, i. 89.
Ulcers of bladder, i. 224, ii. 55.
complications of, ii. 56.
curetting of, ii. 142.
diagnosis of, ii. 56.
etiology of, ii. 55.
illustrative cases of, ii. 56.
pathological anatomy of, ii. 55.
prognosis in, ii. 56.
symptoms and course of, ii. 55.
treatment of, ii. 56.
Ultzmann, instillator, i. 174.
Ultzmann's test for phosphates, i. 90.
Urachus, i. 45, 48.
vesical fissure and, ii. 17.
Urae, Micrococcus, i. 115.
Urates, i. 86.
in sediment of urine, i. 95.
in urine, i. 282.
Urea, discovery of, i. 3.
compotmds of, i. 83.
quantitative estimation of, L 83.
Uremia, i. 440.
acute form of i. 442.
696
INDEX
Uremia, acute prolonged, i. 449.
ammonia in, i. 452.
cerebral hemorrhage and, i. 448, 450.
chronic, i. 443.
death in, cause of, i. 451.
diagnosis of, i. 447.
differential diagnosis of, i. 448, 450.
epilepsy and, i. 448, 450.
etiology of, i. 440.
intoxications and, i. 448, 450.
latent or mild form of, i. 442.
meningitis and, i. 448, 450.
prognosis in, i. 449.
retinitis in, i. 448.
symptom-groups in, i. 443.
symptoms of, i. 442.
eye, i. 446.
gastro-intestinal, i. 445.
general, i. 447.
nervous, i. 444.
urinary, i. 446.
treatment of, i. 451.
venesection in, i. 451.
Ureter, i. 41.
accidental wounds of, etiology of, i. 625.
prognosis in, i. 625.
treatment of, i. 626.
anomalies of, ii. 622.
caliber anomalies, i. 625.
deficient and supernumerary ureters, i.
622.
diverticulum, i. 624.
intravesical prolapse, i. 624.
positional anomalies, i. 623.
caliber of, i. 44.
catheterization of. See Ureteral Catheteri-
zation,
catheters for, i. 230.
cysts of, i. 632.
embryology of, and hydronephrosis, i. 560.
fistulas of, diagnosis of, i. 644.
etiology of, i. 643.
pathology of, i. 643.
prognosis in, i. 645.
symptoms of, i. 644.
treatment of, i. 645.
Watson operation for, i. 645.
hematuria and, i. 280.
infiammation of, etiology of, i. 628.
pathology of, i. 629.
symptoms of, i. 630.
treatment of, i. 630.
injuries of, i. 625.
operative, diagnosis of, i. 627.
prognosis in, i. 627.
Ureter, injuries of, operative, symptoms of,
626.
movable kidney and, i. 404.
operations on, i. 646.
pain in, i. 302.
stricture of, diagnosis of, i. 643.
etiology of, i. 641.
pathology of, i. 642.
symptoms of, i. 642.
treatment of, i. 643.
structure of, i. 44.
treatment of, in tuberculosis of kidney, i
648.
tuberculosis of, diagnosis of, i. 641.
etiology of, i. 639.
examination of, i. 641.
pathology of, i. 639.
prognosis of, i. 641,
symptoms of, i. 640.
treatment of, i. 641.
tuberculous occlusion of, i. 530.
tumors of, etiology of, i. 631.
examination for, i. 632.
pathology of, i. 631.
prognosis in, i. 632.
symptoms of, i. 632.
treatment of, i. 632.
variations of, i. 44.
Ureteral calculi, anuria from, i. 635.
character of, i. 634.
diagnosis of, i. 634.
etiology of, i. 633.
symptoms of, i. 634.
treatment of, i. 637.
Ureteral catheter, influencing direction of, i.
202.
Ureteral catheterization, i. 227.
as a therapeutic procedure, i. 233.
comparative flow in, i. 378.
dangers and complications of, i. 234.
diagnostic value of, i. 233.
first, i. 4.
history of, i. 199.
in diagnosis of kidney disease, i. 373.
in hydronephrosis, i. 568.
in pelvic operations, i. 234.
in tuberculosis of kidney, i. 540.
Ureteral epithelia, i. 103.
Ureteral secretion, rhythm of, i. 232.
Ureteral ulcers, tubercular kidney and, i. 374.
Ureterectomy, i. 663.
Uretero-colostomv, i. 662.
Uretero-cystotomy, extraperitoneal, i. 661.
transperitoneal, i. 660.
transvesical, i. 662.
INDEX
697
Uretero-cystotomy, uretero-vaginal^ i. 662.
Uretero-intestinal anastomosis, i. 662.
Uretero-lithotomy, i. 646, 647.
Uretero-pyeloneostemy, hydronephrosis and, i.
568.
Uretero-pyeloplasty, i. 620.
Finger's operation in, i. 619.
Trendelenburg's operation in, i. 620.
Uretero-ureterostomy, Bov^e's method of, i.
659.
Poggi operation for, i. 658.
Van Hook's method of, i. 659.
Ureteroplasty, hydronephrosis and, i. 669.
Ureterorrhaphy, i. 657.
Ureterostomy, i. 659.
Ureterotomy, abdominal, i. 649.
complications of, i. 655.
extraperitoneal, i. 649.
for stricture, i. 655.
perineal, i. 653.
transperitoneal, i. 652.
vaginal route for, i. 654.
vesico-uretero-lithotomy, i. 655.
Urethra, i. 52.
absence of, total, ii. 311.
anomalies of, ii. 309.
epispadias, ii. 320.
hypospadias, ii. 314.
blood supply of, i. 56.
calculus of. See Urethral Calculus,
dilatations and diverticula of, ii. 313.
displaced, ii. 467.
stricture and, ii. 467.
double, ii. 312.
«3Uimination of, i. 312, 318.
female, i. 56.
fistulas of, autoplastic operation for, ii.
487.
etiology of, ii. 481.
examination for, ii. 483.
in pendulous portion, ii. 481.
in perineo-bulbous portion, ii. 481.
in scrotal portion, ii. 481, 486.
in urethro-rectal portion, ii. 489.
in urethro-vaginal portion, ii. 493.
pathology of, ii. 481.
perineorrhaphy for, ii. 488.
symptoms of, ii. 482.
treatment of, ii. 483.
electrical, ii. 486, 489.
urethroplasty in, ii. 484.
urethrorrhaphy for, ii. 483.
follicles and glands of, ii. 356.
foreign bodies in, complications of, ii. 345.
diagnosis of, ii. 345.
Urethra, foreign bodies in, symptoms of, ii.
344.
treatment of, ii. 345.
hematuria and, i. 279.
imperforate, ii. 311.
inflammation of. See Uretkritis.
injuries of, ii. 325.
external, ii. 325.
dull objects causing, ii. 327.
diagnosis of, ii. 332.
etiology of, ii. 327.
pathology of, ii. 328.
prognosis in, ii. 332.
symptoms of, ii. 330.
treatment of, ii. 333.
sharp instruments causing, ii. 325.
treatment of, ii. 326.
extravasation of urine in, ii. 330, 335.
internal, ii. 334.
etiology of, ii. 334.
false passages due to, ii. 337.
symptoms of, ii. 334.
treatment of, ii. 335.
rupture of bladder and, ii. 332.
instruments used in operations on, ii. 442.
irrigations of, ii. 383.
membranous, i. 54.
nerve supply of, i. 56.
normal, i. 194.
occlusion of, ii. 311.
penile, i. 67.
prostatic, i. 53.
prostatic hypertrophy and, ii. 229.
rupture of, pathology of, ii. 329.
repair in, ii. 472.
symptoms of, ii. 330.
spongy portion of, i. 55.
stricture of, ii. 409.
acquired, ii. 413.
6^niqu4 sounds in, ii. 430.
bougies in, ii. 430.
causes of, ii. 409.
complications of, ii. 414.
consistence of, ii. 410.
cystitis and, ii. 415, 424.
differentiation of, ii. 423.
dilatation of, ii. 425.
continuous, ii. 431.
treatment accompanying, ii. 427.
disturbance of stream by, ii. 413.
of urination by, ii. 414.
examination and diagnosis of, ii. 417.
extravasation of urine in, ii. 416.
false passages in, ii. 421.
filiform, ii 420, 431.
698
INDEX
Urethra, stricture of, fistulse and, ii. 416.
form of, ii. 410.
frequent urination from, ii. 416.
gleet in, ii. 413.
impassable, ii. 432.
infiltrates and, ii. 410.
inflammatory, ii. 411.
irritable, ii. 411.
Kollmann dilator in, ii. 426.
meatotomy in, ii. 433.
meatus and, ii. 418.
movable, ii. 411.
Oberiander dilator in, ii. 426.
pain in, ii. 413.
pathology of, ii. 411.
periurethral abscess and, ii. 41 C.
pockets and, ii. 421, 429.
position of, ii. 410.
prognosis in, ii. 425.
prostatic hypertrophy and, ii. 423.
prostatitis and, ii. 424.
retention from, ii. 414.
size of, ii. 411.
small calibered, ii. 428.
anterior, ii. 477.
spasmodic, ii. 411, 417.
illustrative case of, ii. 418.
symptoms of, ii. 412.
traumatic, ii. 412.
treatment of, ii. 425.
tuberculous cystitis and, ii. 424.
tunnel sound in, ii. 423.
urethrotomy in, ii. 435.
urine in, ii. 416.
varieties of, ii. 410.
vesiculitis and, ii. 425.
structure of, i. 55.
tuberculosis of, etiology of, ii. 405.
pathological anatomy of, ii. 405.
symptoms of, ii. 406.
treatment of, ii. 406.
Urethral calculus, diagnosis of, ii. 341.
etiology of, ii. 339.
in women, ii. 343.
pathology of, ii. 339.
symptoms of, ii. 340.
treatment of, ii. 341.
Urethral dilators, i. 182.
Urethral^ epithelia, i. 104.
Urethral fever, catheter life and, ii. 257.
prevention of, i. 235.
Urethral follicles, i. 196.
Urethral hernia of bladder, ii. 32.
Urethral knives, i. 191.
Urethral piston hand syringe, ii. 377.
Urethral pouches, ii. 337.
Urethrectomy, complete excision of stricture
by, ii. 470.
partial, ii. 469.
Urethritis, catheter life and, ii. 257.
chancroidal, i. 124, ii. 408.
discharge in, ii. 351.
gonococcal, acute, i. 125.
active period of, ii. 349.
alcoholic excesses and, ii. 352.
alkaline diluents in, ii. 370.
antiseptic solutions for, ii. 378.
astringents in, ii. 380.
bacteriology of, ii. 348.
balsamics in, ii. 370.
bowels in, ii. 368.
bubo in, ii. 350.
butterfly dressing in, ii. 367.
catheter irrigations in, ii. 389.
chordee in, ii. 350, 374.
chronic difl'erentiated from, ii. 353.
combination prescriptions in, ii. 372.
complications of, ii. 369.
cure in, ii. 369.
degrees of, ii. 376.
diagnosis of, ii. 352.
diet in, ii. 368.
difi'erential diagnosis of, ii. 353.
drinks in, ii. 368.
etiology of, ii. 347.
hyperacute form of, ii. 351, 376.
incubation in, ii. 349.
inflamed inguinal glands in, ii. 376.
irrigations in, ii. 383.
Janet's, ii. 383.
Lafayette mixture in, ii. 372.
lymphatics in, ii. 350.
march of gonococcus- in, ii. 347.
mercurol in, ii. 380.
mode of life in, ii. 369.
moderately acute form of, ii. 376.
nonspecific form and, ii. 353.
pathology of, ii. 348.
phlegmonous, ii. 351.
potash and niter mixture in, ii. 370.
prognosis in, ii. 353.
prophylaxis of, ii. 363, 369.
sexual excitement and, ii. 368.
silver salts in, ii. 379.
silver solutions in, ii. 388.
simple form of, ii. 352.
stage of decline in, ii. 351.
statistics of, ii. 346.
subacute form of, ii. 352, 376.
symptoms of, ii. 349.
INDEX
699
Urethritis, gonococcal, acute, symptoms of,
according to severity, ii. 351.
syphilis and, ii. 353.
tobacco in, ii. 368.
toilet in, ii. 368.
treatment of, ii. 363.
abortive, ii. 365.
general, ii. 370.
hygienic, ii. 391.
internal, ii. 370.
local or direct, ii. 376,
methodical, ii. 367.
radical, ii. 399.
supportive, ii. 391.
symptomatic, ii. 391.
urinary antiseptics in, ii. 372.
urination in, ii. 350.
urine in, ii. 350, 368.
acute posterior, etiology of, ii. 354.
symptoms of, ii. 354.
constitutional, ii. 355.
treatment of, ii. 389.
internal, ii. 390.
sandalwood oil emulsion in, ii. 390.
chronic, i. 125, ii. 357.
bacteria in, ii. 358.
diagnosis of, ii. 359.
differential diagnosis of, ii. 362.
dilatations in, ii. 392.
dilators in, ii. 394.
discharge in, ii. 358.
endoscopic medication of, ii. 399.
etiology of, ii. 355.
exacerbation of, ii. 391.
examination in, ii. 361.
hypospadias and, ii. 395.
infiltrations in, ii. 361.
meatotomy in, ii. 393.
pathology of, ii. 350.
prostatorrhea and, ii. 362.
shreds in urine in, ii. 358.
spermatorrhea and, ii. 362.
strictures following, ii. 392.
swabs for, ii. 398.
symptoms of, ii. 357.
treatment of, ii. 390.
urethroscope in, ii. 396.
chronic posterior, ii. 350.
treatment of, ii. 399.
marriage and, ii. 401.
micturition and, i. 242.
nonspecific, i. 121.
clinical features of, ii. 404.
etiology of, ii. 404.
treatment of, ii. 404.
Urethritis, nonspecific, posterior, cystitis and,
ii. 42.
syphilitic, i. 121, ii. 407.
traumatic, ii. 408.
tuberculous, i. 121.
vesiculitis and, ii. 655.
Urethro-lithotomy, ii. 341.
Urethro-rectal fistulas, etiology of, ii. 489.
examination for, ii. 490.
pathology of, ii. 490.
symptoms of, ii. 490.
treatment of, ii. 491.
Urethro-urethral end-to-end anastomosis, ii.
473.
Urethro-vaginal fistulas, ii. 493.
Urethroplasty, ii. 484.
Urethrorrhaphy, ii. 469.
urethral fistulas and, ii. 483.
Urethrorrhea ew lihidine, i. 119.
Urethroscope, i, 188, 320.
Buerger, i. 192.
contraindicated, in acute conditions, i. 197.
Guiteras, i. 188.
sterilization of, i. 159.
Swinburne, i. 191.
treatment with, i. 197.
urethritis and, ii. 396.
value of, i. 197.
Urethroscopy, in pathological conditions, i.
196.
technique of, i. 192.
Urethrotomy, ii. 435.
external, ii. 440.
accidents during, ii. 462.
bowels after, ii. 465.
catheter en chemise after, ii. 466.
complications of, ii. 466.
cysto-urethrotomy and, ii. 458.
grooved perineal cannula in, ii. 457.
hemorrhage after, ii. 465.
hemorrhage in, ii. 462.
milk leg after, ii. 467.
perineal section in, after-treatment of, ii.
463.
without a guide in, ii. 456.
periurethral abscess and, ii. 468.
positions in operation in, ii. 446.
preparation of patient for, ii. 440.
rectum cut into in, ii. 463.
retained catheter after, ii. 465. *
sepsis after, ii. 466.
technique of, ii. 448.
temperature after, ii. 465.
urethral fever after, ii. 466.
eztemaMntemal, ii. 459.
700
INDEX
Urethrotomy, "guide" in, ii. 440.
instruments for, ii. 442.
internal-external, ii. 459.
Maisonneuve, ii. 437.
preparation for, ii. 436, 442.
technique of, ii. 436.
Uric acid, 1. 84.
discovery of, i. 3.
formation and elimination of, i. 358.
qualitative tests for, i. 85.
quantitative estimation of, L 85.
Uric acid calculi, i. 94.
Uric acid diet, i. 359.
Uricacidemia, diet in, i. 359.
etiology of, i. 358.
symptoms of, i. 359.
treatment, i. 359.
Uricometer, i. 85.
Urinal, method of wearing, i. 270,
Urinary antiseptics, ii. 372.
Urinary fever, i. 289.
acute type of, i. 293.
chronic type of, i. 293.
clinical types of, i. 291.
paracentesis and, i. 265.
treatment of, i. 294.
Urinary hesitancy or stammering, i. 254.
Urinary pouches, ii. 338.
Urinary retention, calculus due to, ii. 83.
Urination. See Micturition.
Urine, acetone in, i. 86.
albumin in, i. 76.
albumose in, i. 78.
analysis chart for, i. 72.
bacteriology of, i. 110.
bile pigment in, i. 88.
carbohydrates in, i. 79.
carbonates in, i. 90.
casts in, i. 104.
changes in amount of, i. 271.
changes in character of, i. 277.
character of, i. 303.
chemical examination of, i. 76.
chlorids in, i. 89.
cloudiness in, i. 73.
color of, i. 72.
composition and properties of, i. 71.
diacetic acid in, i. 86.
epithelia in, i. 100.
examination of, i. 317.
kidney disease and, i. 369.
Fehling's test for sugar in, i. 79.
fermentation test for, i. 87.
fibrin in, i. 78.
general considerations of, i. 70.
Urine, glucose in, i. 79.
hippuric acid in, i. 86.
in chronic parenchymatous nephritis, L
424.
in hemoglobinuria, i. 88.
indican and other ethereal sulphates in, L
87.
inorganic constituents of, i. 89.
leucin and tyrosin in, i. 89.
massage products in, i. 109.
melanin in, i. 89.
microscopical examination of, i. 92.
mucin in, i. 79.
mucus in, i. 79.
Nylander's test for sugar in, i. 80.
obtaining of, at examination, i. 313.
from female patients, i. 321.
odor of, i. 73.
organized sediments in, i. 99.
perspiration compared with, i. 437.
phenyl-hydrazin test for sugar in, i. 81.
phosphate crystals in, i. 97.
phosphates in, i. 90.
physical properties of, i. 71.
polarimetry and, i. 81.
preservation of, i. 71.
proteids in, i. 76.
pus in, i. 99.
quantitative tests for sugar in, i. 81.
reaction of, i. 74.
residual, prostatic hypertrophy and, ii. 242.
sediment of, i. 93.
selection of specimens of, i. 71.
senun globulin in, i. 78.
shreds in, i. 109.
specific gravity of, i. 74.
stricture and, ii. 416.
sulphates in, i. 91.
total solids in, i. 75.
transparency of, i. 73.
tuberculosis of kidney and, i. 537.
unorganized sediments in, i. 94.
urea and its compounds in, i. 83.
urethritis and, ii. 350.
uric acid in, i. 84.
Williamson's test for sugar in, L 81.
Urinometer, i. 74.
Urobilin, i. 72.
Urochrome, i. 72.
Urogenital triangle, i. 26.
Uromancers, i. 2.
Urometer, i. 84.
Uronephrosis, i. 560.
Albarran's suturing in, i. 618.
capittonage in, i. 618.
INDEX
701
Uronephrosis, Israel's operation for, i. 618.
operative treatment of, i. 616.
pyelo-ureteral operation in, i. 618.
Trendelenburg operation in, i. 618.
Urotropin, i. 554.
in bacteriuria, i. 288.
in cystitis, ii. 46.
Uterine displacements, bladder disturbances
due to, ii. 105.
anteflexion, ii. 105.
anteversion, ii. 106.
retroflexion, ii. 106.
retroversion, ii. 106.
micturition and, i. 244.
Uterine epithelia, i. 104.
Uterus, gonorrhea and, ii. 511.
Vaccine therapy, gonorrhea and, ii. 514.
Vaginal epithelia, i. 104.
Vaginal irrigation, i. 343.
Vaginal and perineal hernias of bladder, ii.
31.
Vaginitis, i. 302.
Van Helmont, i. 2.
Van Hook's uretero-ureterostomy, i. 669.
Varicocele, diagnosis of, ii. 642.
etiology of, ii. 642.
examination of, ii. 642.
prognosis in, ii. 643.
s^'mptoms of, ii. 642.
testicular atrophy from, ii. 587.
treatment of, ii. 643.
Vas deferens, i. 61, 63.
Vasa eflTerentia, i. 58.
Vascular tumors of penis, ii. 527.
Vegetables in diet of urological cases, i. 326,
Venereal warts, treatment of, ii. 542.
Venesection, uremia and, i. 451.
Vermiform appendix, bladder disturbances
due to, ii. 123.
Verrucce acuminatse, treatment of, ii. 542.
Vesical calculus, Bigelow's method of remov-
ing, ii. 92.
children and, ii. 94.
colpocystotomy for, ii. 94.
course of, ii. 87.
cystitis from, ii. 88.
cystophotographs of, ii. 89.
cystoscope and, ii. 89.
diagnosis of, ii. 88.
encysted, ii. 84.
etiology of, ii. 83.
fracture of, ii. 87.
frequency of urination in, ii. 86.
hematuria in, ii. 86.
Vesical calculus, hemorrhoids and, ii. 87.
immobile, ii. 85.
in Italians, ii. 84.
in women, ii. 94.
inguinal hernia and, ii. 87.
litholapaxy for, ii. 92.
perineal, ii. 93.
lithotomy in, ii. 93.
lithotrity for, ii. 92.
nationality and, ii. 84.
pain in, ii. 86.
pathology of, ii. 84.
perforation by, ii. 88.
radiography in, ii. 89.
symptoms of, ii. 86.
treatment of, ii. 91.
urine in, ii. 86.
Vesical fistula, ii. 43.
Vesical papillomas from improper use of
cystoscope, i. 207.
Vesiculae seminales, i. 63.
Vesiculitis. See Seminal Vesiculitis.
Viglia's discovery of urinary casts, i. 4.
Volkman's operation for hydrocele, ii. 581.
Vomiting and distention, prostatectomy and,
ii. 303.
Vulvo-vaginitis in children, ii. 513.
Wafer chancre, ii. 536, 677.
Wallace, quoted, ii. 232.
Wappler's controller for urethroscopy, i. 190.
Ward dietary, i. 328.
Wassermann reaction, salvarsan and, ii. 719.
Water, use of, for solutions, etc., i. 167.
in urology, i. 341.
Water diet in urology, i. 337.
Waxy casts, i. 107.
W>ir-Mitche11 cure, i. 415.
Wet packs, i. 345.
White and Martin on iodids, ii. 714.
on sterility, operation for, ii. 616.
Willy Meyer sterilizer, i. 154.
Wiseman, Richard, i. 2.
Wolffian fubules and duct, i. 59.
Wounds of kidney, i. 399.
X-Ray, for bladder afTections, ii. 7.
for gunshot kidney wounds, i. 400.
Yeast cells, i. 115.
Young's operation of prostatectomy, ii. 281.
Young's retractor, ii. 283.
Ziehl-Neelsen method of staining tubercle
bacilli, i. 113.
Zuckerkandl's operation, for prostatectomy,
ii. 281.
Y
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