The Surgery of the Rectum

The Surgery Of The Rectum by Henry Smith. The work presents the Lettsomian Lectures on The Surgery Of The Rectum delivered before the Medical Society of London in 1865, later issued in third edition. The text covers three lectures: fistula in ano, stricture, cancer, and polypus of the rectum, followed by discussion of hemorrhoids and prolapse. Smith surveys historical debates about fistula formation, the site of internal openings, and the practical implications for surgical treatment; he discusses complications such as fistula with associated stricture and constitutional diseases; he emphasizes limitation of incisions to avoid sphincter injury, and highlights the importance of bougie use and dilatation when stricture coexists with fistula. He discusses cancer of the rectum, including early diagnosis, use of bougies for palliation, Amussat’s operation for obstruction, and cautions against aggressive resections. The volume combines case reports, surgical philosophy, and practical techniques for rectal surgery.