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The other methods of treatment which we mi, r,ht now
describe as standard at the Clinic, have been fully availed
of. Proetz "Displacement" has proved invaluable in the
many cases in which it was used. Also, Diastolisaticn,
with its complementary Oscillator-Vibration has been extensively
used, and its effects in cases of deafness in children has
been quite remarkable.
We might add a word here of recommendation for a
rather new method of aural douching which we have used for
the last year with gratifying results. It is done by
a special type of aural douche (known as Fowler's Douche, U.S.A.)
- Bell-shaped arrangement of either glass or rubber (we prefer
the rubber)-which fits tightly round and includes the aural
canal and pinna, with a long lead-in rubber tube, fitted
with stopcock from a douche can at a height of about 6 or 7
feet and a lead-away tube to the sink. The effect- is a mild
suction which thoroughly cleanses the ear without any
risk of injury or discomfort. Using from one to two pints
of a warm solution, this affords great relief of pain in cases
of acute otitis, as well as providing free drainage which
is so important. It is by far the most satisfactory method
of treating infants. With one or two applications of this douche,
followed by daily applications of suitable "antiseptic drops",
with due attention to nasal factors where indicated, the
vast majority of cases of acute otitis clear up rapidly.
Since 1938 the subject of the most suitable treatment
for enlarged tonsils, as met with in a general school
population-has received special attention. The Medical
Officer of Health has been of the opinion judging from the
end results he has observed that far too many cases of "tonsils"
have been subjected to operation-done en a kind of "hit or
miss" system - and that full due clinical and pathological
consideration, with due regard to any associated defects,
has not always been taken into account before cases are
referred for operation.
In t his opinion he is supported by other. Medical Officers
of Health, many leading Laryngologists and Clinicians. In
1938 at his suggestion, that some recognised,, satisfactory
conservative method should receive a thorough trial and
investigation, we decided with the advice and recommendation
of Mr, E, A. Peters, F.R.C.S. to try out the newer method of
Tonsil Suction as practised by Mr. Peters, The general
outline end technique of this method has been referred to in
previous Reports. We started with a small number of selected
cases in 1938 and the results were most satisfactory, In
1939 and 1940 we were able to increase the numbers, but
unfortunately the dislocation caused by the outbreak of
hostilities considerably disorganised cur scheme, However,
we were able to carry on and steadily increase the numbers.
In 1941, in all, 84 cases cf "enlarged tonsils", which in
the ordinary sense would be referred for operation, were
seen at the clinic and we did a full course of Tonsil Suction
In 70 cf these, who continued attendance, as required.
We cannot do more than refer briefly, in this Report
to the general results obtained. We consider that we have
done now, a sufficient number of various types cf cases as
met with in school children, to allow us to come tofairly
definite conclusions as to the value of this line of
treatment.
We can fully recommend this method as the most suitable .
for t he majority of cases cf "Enlarged" or "unhealthy" tonsils
amongst school children. We are careful not to allow the
pendulum to swing too far in one side and regard sucticn
as a panacea for "all and sundry" types of "diseased" tonsils.
In the course cf the year we referred 21 cases for operation.