SECT. LXXXI.—ON IMPERFORATE ANUS.
In new-born children the anus is sometimes found imperforate, being blocked up by a membrane. If possible, then, the membrane is to be ruptured with the fingers, but if not, we must cut it with the point of a scalpel, and accomplish the cure with wine. And since often in adults, owing to an ulcer not properly cured, a stricture takes place at the anus, we must break it with a convenient instrument, and treat it properly with a pipe of lead, or some wedge-shaped tent introduced into the anus until the cure be completed, lest contraction should again take place. The wedge-shaped tent is to be anointed with some healing ointment.
Commentary. Soranus describes this operation in very distinct terms. (p. 164.)
Albucasis evidently copies our author’s account, recommending us to break or divide the membrane, and introduce a canula of lead into the opening to prevent adhesion. (Chirurg. ii, 79.)
Haly Abbas, in like manner, directs us to make an opening and introduce a leaden tube or a piece of sponge. (Pract. ix, 63.)