Abstract
1. 1. The occurrence of leukopenia in the immediate postoperative period following the release of intestinal obstruction and unrelated to any surgical sepsis is reported for the first time. 2. 2. This leukopenia does not necessarily indicate a fatal prognosis or a severe postoperative course. 3. 3. The mechanism of such a leukopenia is explained on the basis of the systemic absorption of the toxin of intestinal obstruction producing a temporary bone marrow paresis. 4. 4. It is believed such a leukopenia is not a rarity and will be found frequently if routine blood counts are taken daily in the immediate postoperative period of cases of operative intestinal obstruction. 5. 5. The presence of leukopenia of this type may occasionally give diagnostic value in early incomplete small bowel obstruction. 6. 6. Treatment should be directed at the elimination of the toxin of intestinal obstruction rather than specific therapy to raise the leukocytic level.
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