Prolapse of various organs or tissues are among the very common
ailments that afflict all classes. Prolapse of the stomach, a kidney,
the uterus, or the rectum is a familiar term to every one. But this
condition may also rest with the intestines, the liver, an ovary, or
even the heart.
Outside of injuries, congenital weaknesses, and so-termed surgical
disorders, there are commonly two constant forces predisposing to
prolapsed organs, viz: gravitation and weakened innervation; the one,
of course, is a constant factor in either health or ill health, the
other is dependent upon acquirement. Here the latter, or acquired
nervous weakness, will especially demand our attention.
Where tissues are torn or lacerated, or congenital malformations are
present, or tissues are weakened from ulceration and with a resultant
scar tissue, or certain tumors are present, the disorder must be
amenable largely to surgical measures if at all.
The perpendicular position of the body favors a decided gravitation
of the abdominal and pelvic organs. This gravitative effect being a
constant one, many methods, both surgical and mechanical, have been
devised to hold in approximate and relative position certain organs and
tissues that may be prolapsed. But it is well known that outside of a
certain few instances where surgical measures are clearly indicated the
prevalent use of braces, bandages, supports and the like are usually
poor makeshifts.
The one great feature in these cases is that tonicity to organs and
supporting muscles and tissues is more or less impaired. The tissue
atony may vary from mere weakness to actual tearing and separating of
the fibres. The indications in the cases about to be described are
to stimulate a lowered nerve supply and to increase a lessened blood
supply; if this can be accomplished, supporting muscles, ligaments and
other tissues will be able to restore the prolapsed organs to normal
positions, thus improving functions and eliminating disease symptoms.
In discussing the prolapse of the following organs, perhaps it should
be noted here that all of the abdominal organs may be prolapsed as a
whole. The intestines, stomach, liver, kidneys, etc., may actually
prolapse together. This is more apt to occur in persons whose abdominal
walls are thin and flabby. In women pregnancy is a common cause. When
the abdominal organs have gravitated, the pelvic organs, also, are very
likely to be disturbed and displaced; in fact, the pelvic organs are
frequently disordered this way.