W. P. (William Penn) Agnew
Treatment of hemorrhoids, and other non-malignant rectal diseases
"Treatment of Hemorrhoids, and Other Non-Malignant Rectal Diseases" by W. P. Agnew is a medical handbook written in the late 19th century. The text focuses on the treatment of hemorrhoids along with other non-malignant rectal diseases, aiming to provide practitioners with practical and effective strategies for care. Agnew emphasizes the significance of hemorrhoids as a common ailment and introduces innovative methods, particularly carbolic acid injection, as alternatives to more invasive surgical procedures. The opening portion of the publication sets the stage for a comprehensive discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of rectal diseases. Agnew outlines the prevalence of hemorrhoids, underscores the reluctance of patients to undergo surgical intervention, and advocates for the carbolic acid injection method as a safe and effective treatment. He briefly reviews the anatomy of hemorrhoids, discusses examination techniques, and stresses the importance of appropriate preparation before treatment. Additionally, Agnew alludes to the historical context of rectal surgery and the necessity for general practitioners to be well-versed in treating these conditions to better serve their patients. Overall, the introductory chapter establishes a foundation for the detailed treatment protocols to follow in the text.