Prof. Koch's Method to Cure Tuberculosis Popularly Treated

by Max Birnbaum

We will see that Koch's new method to cure has the advantage both to make visible all tubercles, even those that have escaped our notice and also to effect a cure in the shortest time even in old chronic cases that have before this been considered incurable. It is especially possible in this form of tuberculosis to follow the specific action of the new remedy, as we will learn later on.

Tuberculosis of the testicles is not so very rare, it is found in about 2¹⁄₂ per cent. of all men afflicted with pulmonary consumption. It is more rarely met with in children than in men.

The conditions under which tuberculosis of the testicles and epididymis developes are various inflammatory processes with existing disposition. It is mostly gonorrhea or some other inflammation of the urethra, or injured testicle. It occurs less frequently without any apparent cause.

According to the starting point of tuberculosis the symptoms are varied. If it starts in the testicle, this appears normal or larger in size, but never reaches extraordinary dimensions. The surface of the testicle is at first smooth in the case of increased tension, later only does it become irregular, bumpy and of unequal consistency.

If the starting point is in the epididymis, hard, rounded lumps are formed generally in the head or tail of the epididymis, rarely in the body. These increase in size and cause a swelling often of extraordinary dimensions, the surface of which appears hard, irregular, bumpy and in certain parts yielding and elastic. If the process is extended to the testicle, this also increases in size. Then both together form an oval swollen mass and can not be distinguished from each other.

Striking changes appear only later and consist in the softening of the lumps and in the development of abscesses.

Very soon the lobuli are affected. The same are then thickened in the septa, are hard and form an irregular, bumpy swelling surrounded by more or less thickened tissue.

Very soon tuberculous changes are caused in the prostate gland, an organ situated near the intestine and the functions of which are to dilute the semen. A hardening is often the first sign, this is followed by increase in size and then softening.

With the affection of the prostate gland, that of the urethra also begins, which passes through the middle of the prostate gland. This disease often appears in the form of a yellowish secretion, which is more and more increased and becomes ichorous with the decay of the urethra and the prostate gland. This secretion must be distinguished from that which as a venereal affection caused the whole process. The tubercular derangements do not only extend forward but also upward. The bladder, the ureters and the kidneys are affected and show extreme derangements with altered urinal secretions and excretions.

Of other symptoms of tuberculosis of the testicles pain deserves especial mention. The same is slight in the beginning, but often becomes insufferable.