∗ Influence of Obstruction of the Bowel upon its Length and Weight. †

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

There is a marked shortening of the bowel in simple ileal obstruction (30 to 50%). The bowel wall above the site of simple ileal obstruction increases over 100% in weight. When the factor of shortening of the bowel is eliminated, the increase of weight is 34%. Edema of the bowel wall accounts for only 7% increase in weight. Next to shortening of the bowel the increase of blood in the bowel wall is most responsible for its great increase in weight.