View report page

95
(b) Non-tuberculous.
Inguinal hernia one, diabetes mellitus, one, anaemia
one, arthritis of knee one, chronic nasal catarrh one,
bronchitis and emphysema two, bronchitis and
asthma one, dental caries six, pyorrhoea four.
Artificial Pneumothorax.
Collapse of the lung, by introducing air under slight pressure
into the pleural space, is a valuable method of giving- complete
rest to the organ which is the seat of disease, especially in cases
of unilateral lung tuberculosis.
This form of treatment, in selected cases, was continued
throughout the year, and 152 refills were given. It is very necessary
to control this type of therapy by reasonably frequent X-ray
examinations, and such patients as were able to make the journey
were conveyed by ambulance to Forest Hospital, Buckhurst Hill,
for that purpose.
Treatment by Gold Salts.
This form of treatment used now throughout sanatoria in
this country as an adjunct in the treatment of tuberculosis, was
instituted in the later months of the year.
Watery solutions of gold salts were injected intravenously
and salts suspended in oil emulsion were injected intramuscularly,
in selected cases.
Sufficient time had not yet elapsed at the end of the year to
comment on the results ; some of the patients improved during
the courses of treatment.
Bacteriology.
The number of sputa examined in 1034 was 315, as compared
with 263 in 1933.
Specimens of other body fluids, including pleural effusions,
urine, pus, etc., were also examined microscopically.
Thanks are expressed to those individuals and members of
dramatic societies who have so kindly given of their time and
talents to provide entertainment during the winter months. Their
performances are very much enjoyed by both patients and staff,