Abstract
In general, the experimental studies on the causes of death in acute intestinal obstruction have resulted in a tangle of conflicting opinions. The work of Haden and Orr 1 on the significance of chemical changes in the blood threw a new light on the problem, and this led to a series of investigations 2 which in part offer an explanation for the lack of agreement in previous experimental work. It is now generally conceded that the issue is clarified by a recognition of two fundamental types of intestinal obstruction: (1) simple obstruction and (2) strangulation. In simple intestinal obstruction in which there is no interference with the circulation of the intestinal wall, the chief cause of death is the metabolic disturbance resulting from the loss of fluids and electrolytes. Obstruction, however, is practically always complicated by damage to the intestine from overdistention or strangulation. Although the importance of dehydration and
Published Version
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