DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES OF THE GALLBLADDER AND BILIARY DUCTS

Abstract

Two years and a half ago a paper was published by S. J. Meltzer¹of the Rockefeller Institute which carried at the end this footnote: In experiments with magnesium sulphate I observed that the local application of a 25 per cent, solution of that salt on the mucosa [of the duodenum] causes a completely local relaxation of the intestinal wall. It does not exert such an effect when the salt is administered by the mouth, that is, when it has to pass through the stomach before it reaches the intestines. The duodenal tube, however, apparently has reached an efficient practical stage. I make, therefore, the suggestion to test in jaundice and biliary colic the local application of a 25 per cent, solution of magnesium sulphate by means of the duodenal tube. It may relax the sphincter of the common duct and permit the ejection of bile, and perhaps, even