Sir Arbuthnot Lane, Chronic Intestinal Stasis, and Autointoxication

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.