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- Title
Sir Arbuthnot Lane, chronic intestinal stasis, and autointoxication.
- Authors
Smith, J L
- Abstract
In the early 1900s, a theory that constipation (stasis) led to systemic dysfunction became popular, Sir Arbuthnot Lane was largely responsible for the popularity of this theory, which was constructed entirely on unfounded hypotheses. As a result, colon bypass or colectomy was done for indications ranging from lassitude to epilepsy. The theory was accepted--although disputed--until the clinical futility of radical surgery was recognized. The favorable acceptance of stasis in its time exemplifies the dangers of medical practice by hypothesis.
- Publication
Annals of internal medicine, 1982, Vol 96, Issue 3, p365
- ISSN
0003-4819
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.7326/0003-4819-96-3-365