INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

Abstract

1. It is impossible to sterilize the intestine by the use of chemical antiseptics even when these are applied directly to the mucosa of isolated segments. 2. The mucosa of the alimentary tract does not elaborate an internal secretion which is necessary to life, or a secretion which could be disturbed by the conditions of acute obstruction so as to account for the symptom complex of that condition. 3. The substances responsible for the toxemia in acute obstruction are produced by the action of intestinal bacteria on proteins or their split products. 4. An injury to the intestinal mucosa, particularly that resulting from disturbances of the blood supply to the intestine, greatly facilitates the absorption of these poisons. The work of Hartwell and his associates and that of Murphy and Brooks on this point are confirmed.