Roentgenologic Irradiation in Acute Peritonitis and Its Effect on the Cells of Normal Peritoneal Fluid in Guinea-Pigs

Abstract

I. Roentgen Irradiation in Acute Peritonitis Roentgen irradiation is an accepted method of treating many inflammatory conditions, but its use in acute peritonitis is quite recent and not widespread. Kelly and Dowell advocated roentgen therapy in acute peritonitis and reported 24 cases thus treated. Literature: Experimental studies of the value of roentgen irradiation in the treatment of acute peritonitis are relatively few. Osugi induced acute diffuse peritonitis in dogs and then irradiated the peritoneal cavity with ultraviolet, infra-red, or roentgen rays. Kelly ligated and punctured the appendixes of dogs. After seven hours in one group and seventeen hours in another, the incisions were opened and it was observed that all the animals had acute spreading peritonitis. The appendix was then removed and roentgen treatment was begun. All irradiations were of 30 r, with the following factors: 85 kv.p., 1 mm. Al filter, 5 ma., and 16 in. (41 cm.) distance. In the first group, the mortality rate among 7 irradi...