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The chief value of this publication is that it calls attention to the so-called functional pains in the recto-anal regions. The author contends that pain associated with conditions in the lowest colonic segments is sufficiently characteristic so that one is usually able to suspect the cause.
The anatomy of the rectum and anus is described, following which functional pains are discussed in some detail. Such pains are either lancinating or severe burning with griping, occur most frequently at night, last from ten minutes to an hour, are influenced very little by defecation, and appear in attacks with intervals of freedom. They are really neuralgias. Illustrative cases are cited. It is pointed out that functional pains may be present with some organic lesions; for example, hemorrhoids, and that surgical treatment for such a painful condition usually fails to give relief. No one satisfactory treatment is known.
Pains due to organic lesions