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Show . 'rqf' w..:.:.<uuvrp-.';,l - . 86 {4.15M mum- or THE rsoas ABSCESS. or THE rsoss ABscnss. hot skin succeed-the discharge becomes thin and foetid, and sac; or rather it is better to endeavour to cause an absorp- often profuse, the appetite entirely fails, the nights are restless, and a rapid hectic is confirmed. 8. To correct or change the tion of the remaining matter of the sac, by giving emetics and sending the electric spark through the loins and side. If there should occur much debility during the cure, bark and wine and free air will do much; and opium with the bark will be required if there be much irritation in the sac or diarrhoea. action, or produce an absorption of the remaining matter by Another resource for correcting the internal disease in the emetics or by electricity. If the abscess has formed a tumour in the groin, and the fascia be yet entire, and the integuments on the promi- loins is theformation of issues by the side of the vertebrae, as for the disease of the spine; and this treatment is particularly necessary when there is a tenderness on pressing the spines of the vertebrae, or a degree of curvature of the spine accompanying the abscess. It is to Mr. Abernethy that we are indebted for this plan The cure is to be thus conducted :--1. To evacuate the matter and yet endeavour to prevent the inflammation of the sides of the abscess. 2. To produce a counter irritation by an artificial ulcer on the loins. nent part of the tumour thick and not yet possessed of much i i"i g t a i: t. w: (W‘VT ~‘*wu:-::‘-w,--r-ma. -- - «g, .c i 82‘ increased vascularity, the abscess lancet is to be thrust into the most prominent part, a little slantingly through the skin; but if the tumour be threatening to burst, we should puncture it not on the highest part, but more towards the base of the tumour, so that the opening be made in sound skin, which will more readily close and heal. When the pus and coagulable matter are evacuated, the wound must be treated tenderly, united by a small piece of plaister, and bound down with a soft compress and bandage. We must be careful that nothing intervenes betwixt the lips of the wound, that the union of the skin may be secured ; and by the compress the integuments are pressed upon the fascia. of the thigh, so that the opening through it is closed also, and the matter of the abscess prevented from passing under the skin. The patient for a time must be con‘ fined to the horizontal posture, and use no exertion in raising himself, or in moving the abdominal muscles. When the small wound is healed, then more freedom is al~ lowed to him, and gradually the tumour appears again. When it has acquired a size and prominence sufficient, it is to be punctured a second time and healed; and this successively until the matter evacuated be no longer considerable. When only a few ounces are evacuated, and the state of the pa. tient is favourable, Mr. Abernethy leaves the puncture open, being no longer solicitous to prevent the inflammation of the of treatment of the lumbar abscess, which aflbrds us hopes of curing a disease before considered fatal. u~ "rm." immvur \ Wllr'F.b v 1 I , |