Loss of Blood from Circulation in Various Types of Intestinal Obstruction

Abstract

Conclusions

Blood loss from the general circulation is an unimportant factor in simple occlusion of the intestine, and in closed loop obstruction without strangulation. In venous strangulation in the cat, blood loss is sufficient to cause death if one-half or more of the small intestine be involved. In strangulation even of smaller loops, the blood loss into them, and through them, while not in itself great enough to cause death, is yet sufficient to be a factor of importance. In clinical cases of strangulation, probably some part of the bloodstained transudate is reabsorbed by the peritoneum. No attempt was made in these experiments to estimate or to allow for such reabsorption.