APPENDICITIS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8704, 18 August 1906, Page 4

APPENDICITIS.

NEW THEORY OF ITS CAUSE. The question as to whether it is advisable to operate so frequently for appendicitis continues to arouse the interest of French physicians. M. Blanchard, a shining light in the French medical world, now comes forward with a .startling new theory, which entirely upsets all preconceived notions. He asserts — and cays his assertion is backvxl by Profeesor Metchnikoff, of the Pasteur Institute— that appendicitis is undoubtedly caused by, intestinal worms. These are of three kinds, and the most dangerous is that known as the taygccephal, which, causes the sharp pains and symptoms which indicate (appendicitis. Microscopic examination in &v&ry case of appendicitis that has come under the observation of Professor Blanchard and Professor Metchnikoff has revealed the presence of these parasites in the appendix. " Appendicitis," cays Professor Blanchard, " more especially occurs during the hot weather, and although not contagious or infectious, it frequently assumes the character of an epidemic in certain* districts." Now, according to the professor, marbet gardens in the neighbourhocd of great cities, such as Paris and London, are frequently manured and fertilised by the deodorised and chemically treated product of the city sewers. In these market gardens the vegetables- are forced, and examination shows that they contain numerous intestinal parasites, and especially the eggs of the dreaded trygocephal. The professor 6ays that a surgical operation for appendicitis is absolutely unnecessary, and that it should never be performed, unless some hard substance, such as a cherry stone, has been accidentally swallowed by the patient. He urges legislation to- forbid the nee of dsiodo'rised and chemically treated sewage as manure, and that thymol 6hoiild be extensively used against intestinal worms. "Appendicitis," adds Professor Blanchard, " when not the consequence of the accid^ital swallowing of some hard substance, is undoubtedly caused by the parasite to be found in cabbage, turnips, carrots and cauliflower. The danger lies in eating vegetables that have been forced by manures or watered by contaminated well and spring water." *