The handling of water and electrolytes by the small bowel following the relief of intestinal obstruction

✍ Scribed by R. H. Grace

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1971
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 471 KB
• Volume: 58
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0007-1323
• DOI: 10.1002/bjs.1800581012

✦ Synopsis

A study has been made of the intestinal handling of water and electrolytes following the relief of smallbowel obstruction. A new technique has been described for perfusing the ileum of conscious animals. It has been shown that the ileum secretes water and electrolytes for at least 48 hours following the relief of obstruction, and that decompression increases this fluid loss during the first 6 hours after surgery. It is suggested that the fluid and electrolyte requirements during this period will be increased when decompression is performed. SMALL intestinal obstruction is a common surgical problem (Table and much has been written about its physiology. The outstanding work of Hartwell I c 1 . i ~. I .-Technique for perfusion. T h e bowel has been obstructed immediately beyond the distal (collecting) tube.