THE VALUE OF DRUGS IN THE RELIEF OF ILEUS

Abstract

The classification of cases of ileus into mechanical and paralytic varieties or, according to a different terminology, dynamic and adynamic varieties, is a distinction of fundamental importance. The mechanical or dynamic variety, by definition, is characterized by some condition which physically prevents the normal progress of intestinal contents toward the anus. The relief of such a physical obstruction is essentially a surgical matter involving relief of intestinal kinking, division of bands of adhesions, removal of new growths, circumvention of constrictions by accessory openings between adjacent intestinal loops or other surgical procedures, according to the indications presented by the individual case. If the patient with such an obstruction comes to operation early, this purely surgical therapy is all that is required. In the paralytic or adynamic ileus, however, a different state of affairs exists. There may or may not be some physical hindrance to the passage of intestinal contents along the