Experimental comparison of lactated Ringer's solution and plasma in the treatment of intestinal obstruction

Abstract

Since the routine use of plasma or whole blood transfusions in the preoperative preparation of patients with intestinal obstruction has not been universally accepted, the effects of intravenous Ringer's lactate solution and plasma were compared in dogs. With closed loop obstruction producing significant “weeping” of protein-rich fluid into the abdomen and peritoneal cavity, the addition of plasma to Ringer's lactate solution intravenously administered increased plasma volume only slightly. The only significant difference between Ringer's lactate solution alone and plasma and Ringer's solution was an increase in urine output when plasma was given. Experience with one hundred patients with obstruction due to adhesions failed to show that plasma significantly lowered mortality. The need for further study to define clearly the indications for plasma other than for the management of shock, hypotension, or the known presence of gangrene with intestinal obstruction is discussed.