The use of morphine and other strong sedatives in gynaecological practice / by Hunter Robb.

  • Robb, Hunter, 1863-1940.
Date:
1892
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The use of morphine and other strong sedatives in gynaecological practice / by Hunter Robb. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    Many cases of established morphine habit 1 have seen successfully cured by operative measures. This method of treatment originated with Dr. Kelly, who carried it out successfully in numerous instances in patients who, as a rule, had passed through the hands of several gynaecologists who operated for various symp- tomatic abdominal inflammatory diseases. These patients were prepared for coe- liotomy and carefully examined, bimanually, for adhesions. The abdomen was opened, and a search made and any adhesions released; then the abdomen was closed and morphine in any form was absolutely forbidden. • I believe this to be a method worthy of trial in these gynaecological morphia cases that are otherwise hopeless. In conclusion 1 make the following suggestions :— 1. That general practitioners, but more particularly specialists, should carefully scrutinize every prescription they write containing morphine, and that under no circumstances should its enewal be allowed unless under their personal supervision. 2. The patient hould never be allowed the use of a hypodermic syringe. 3. The druggist should be prevented from dispensing morphine without a pre- scription. 4. When morphine is prescribed, the patient should never be informed of the character of the drug. These remarks apply to all analgesics, and sleep producers, particularly chlo- ral, chlorodyne, sulphonal, etc. As substitutes for morphine, I would advise, where practicable, electricity; internally, in guarded doses, gelsemium, phenacetin; and as local applications, the cautery, oil of peppermint and oil of wintergreen.