INTRODUCTION OF BLOOD INTO THE PERITONEAL CAVITY

Abstract

Intraperitoneal hemorrhage is frequently encountered on an active obstetric and gynecologic service. Therefore, correlation of quantity of free blood with resulting symptoms and with its fate represents information of considerable value to the clinician. For this reason whole blood and other similar materials varying in amounts were introduced at varying rates into the human peritoneal cavity. SUBJECTS Sixteen women about to undergo laparotomy formed the subjects of this study. Twelve were puerperal and awaiting tubal sterilization. Four had noninvasive, or intraepithelial, cervical carcinoma. Preoperative patients were chosen in order to afford opportunity for direct inspection during the subsequent operation. In addition, the protocols of three patients, each with accidental and massive intra-abdominal hemorrhage, were included. Essential data on these 19 patients are presented in the accompanying Table. METHOD Injections were made under local anesthesia through a 16-gauge needle inserted 2 to 4 cm. below the umbilicus and usually in the