Observations Upon Certain Isolated Loops in Intestinal Obstruction.

Abstract

In previous experiments 1 loops of intestine were doubly occluded and the continuity of the intestinal tract was re-established by anastomosis between the proximal and distal ends. (Fig. 1. a.) At the same time, nothing was done to interfere with the mesenteric circulation of these blind intestinal loops. A fatality occurred if the loop subsequently twisted so as to occlude the mesenteric circulation, or if the loop distended sufficiently to interfere with the circulation of the vasa recta through intra-enteric pressure. If the above factors did not obtain, the animal, in each case, made an uneventful recovery.

Additional experiments showed that scraped, washed intestinal mucosa, when introduced into the peritoneal cavity, gave one of these results: the animal made an uneventful recovery, or the animal died as the result of a peritonitis, or the animal developed symptoms and signs of an intoxication similar to that of intestinal obstruction.

Dragstedt et al. 2 showed that sterile devitalized segments of intestine were compatible with life.

The following experiments were divided into four groups:

These experiments apparently establish the fact that an isolated loop with or without intact pedicle can produce a lethal agent, absorbable through the capillaries or lymphatics of the peritoneum. The result may be fatal without the production of a bacterial peritonitis. The clinical picture and necroscopy findings are similar to those of segmental or loop intestinal obstruction. In some instances the animals made an uneventful recovery, whereas in others a generalized peritonitis resulted.

This is a preliminary report.