CHAPTER I.
THE ADVANTAGES OF THE HYPEREMIC TREAT- MENT OVER OTHER METHODS.
These are the following:
Suppression of the infection.
Avoidance of suppuration in many cases.
The possibility of using small instead of large inci- sions in cases in which suppuration has already set in.
Hastening the course of the pathologic process.
Favoring absorption.
Diminution of pain.
Its wide field of usefulness.
Since it has been demonstrated, that by increasing Suppression of the inflammatory symptoms a beginning infection can ¢ Infection. be made to subside, we ought to more generally practise abortive treatment of incipient troubles of this kind; for instance, of incipient phlegmons or furuncles.
While it is not possible to suppress every infection Avoidance of before pus is formed, there is no question that by means oe ration in of artificial hyperemia suppuration can be avoided in a larger percentage of cases than by any of the other
therapeutic measures at our disposal.
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22 BIER’S HYPEREMIC TREATMENT.
The Focalbility In cases in which suppuration is unavoidable even with
Instead ot Large the aid of artificial hyperemia, owing to the intensity of
ae in the the infection, Bier’s treatment enables us to accomplish
hee Alendy set With small incisions, what formerly could be achieved with in large ones only. This has been shown by manifold practi-
cal experiences. The advantage is obvious.
Hastening the The increased supply of blood hastens markedly the
Pathologie Pro- course of a suppuration, inasmuch as it favors the rapid development or demarcation and separation of necrosed portions in soft tissues as well as in bones (rapid formation of sequestra).
piinbnd Ab- The hyperemic treatment has been found most useful in that it favors the absorption of exudates and pathologic tissue changes of various kinds.
Désiauttea, of There is no other method that is superior to hyperemic treatment in point of gentleness and painlessness of appli- cation as well as tendency to reduce pain.
Wide Field of Bier’s treatment can be employed to advantage in a
Usefulness. x ie .
large variety of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
It is applicable and has proven useful in surgery, medicine,
and the specialties alike.