GALEN ON THE AFFECTED AREAS

Ed. Chart. VII. [382.]

Ed. Bas. III. (250.)

We will reach a conclusion through our knowledge of the patient's history in this way. If some condition previously affected the bladder or the kidneys, such that one might expect pus Purulent matter produced during inflammation or infection. Original Greek: "πῦον." to have collected in such a quantity and of such a quality that it would likely block the passage, then you may reasonably guess that the urine is being suppressed for this reason. It is also possible that an abscess A localized collection of pus. Original Greek: "ἀπόστημα." previously formed in some other part higher than the kidneys. If this abscess ruptured, it is plausible that the pus was transferred into the kidneys.

If no such event preceded the condition, we should examine the patient's lifestyle. We must ask if the person is idle, or if they have consumed many foods that produce thick or sticky humors The bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) that ancient doctors believed regulated health.. Similarly, we may suspect that a small piece of flesh Often called a caruncle in historical medical texts. Original Latin: "carunculam." has grown over an ulcer and is blocking the neck of the bladder. We can conclude this from the earlier signs of the ulcer and from the fact that the urine is drained when a catheter A hollow tube used to drain the bladder. Original Greek: "καθετῆρι." is inserted.

I recall a case where such an ailment actually occurred. When the catheter was inserted, the patient felt pain in that specific part of the passage where we had previously suspected the ulcer to be located. Once the flesh was crushed by the catheter, the drainage of urine followed, along with some blood and fragments of tissue.