The mechanical system of uterine pathology : being the Harveian lectures delivered before the Harveian Society of London, December 1877 / by Graily Hewitt.

  • Hewitt, Graily, 1828-1893.
Date:
1878
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The mechanical system of uterine pathology : being the Harveian lectures delivered before the Harveian Society of London, December 1877 / by Graily Hewitt. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    103/120 (page 87)
    These various appearances are as a rule connected with the disorder of the circulation produced by the changed shape of the uterus. The me- chanical origin of this congestion is frequently shown to us by the alteration in the form of the hps of the cervix. Thus, in cases of anteflexion, the anterior lip is often much more swollen than the posterior; whereas, in retroflexion, it is often the posterior lip which is the more swollen of the two. These local hypertrophies in time come to present them- selves as substantial ailments, and remain even after the original cause of the hypertrophy, viz., the flexion, has undergone material change for the better. Congestion of the uterus is a very prominent feature in the cases which appeal to us for rehef. And it is not surprising that much attention should have been bestowed upon it. It is, however, the fact that other elements in the consideration have been, as I have endeavoured to show, comparatively overlooked. In speaking of the cause of the painful sensa- tions on motion it was remarked that the worst cases were those in which great congestion was associated with marked flexion. The congestion itself, undoubtedly, adds materially to the pain which the flexion causes. This it does partly by giving rise to a general distension and stretching of the uterine tissues, but mostly, as I believe, by its intensifying the pressure already brought to bear on the uterine tissues at the seat of the flexion. Concerning inflammation of the uterus and its relation to congestion, a word or two may be added. Pathologists have almost agreed to give up the use of the word as applied to the ordinary changes observed in the uterus. What has been called ' chronic inflammation' is more accurately described by the epithet ' congestion.' Acute inflammation of the uterus is one of the rarest of events, and appears to be almost solely observed as the result of actual septicoBmic irritation of the organ, the result of wounds, the introduction of tents, certain surgical operations, and the like.