The treatment of peritonitis by abdominal section : some illustrative cases : read before the Kentucky State Medical Society, July 12, 1888 / by L.S. McMurtry.

  • McMurtry, L. S. (Lewis Samuel), 1850-1924.
Date:
1888
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The treatment of peritonitis by abdominal section : some illustrative cases : read before the Kentucky State Medical Society, July 12, 1888 / by L.S. McMurtry. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    large, deep pelvis, through an incision in the thick abdominal wall, was difficult and tedious. Separating the adhesions of the pelvic viscera in order to thoroughly explore and cleanse the pelvic cavity, a large blood-clot was found to occupy the retro-uterine space. This clot was black, soft, and offensive, and it was evident that the acute septic peri- tonitis, which had supervened, was caused by the hasmato- cele. The clot was removed and the peritoneum washed out with hot water. Before closing the abdomen I consid- ered the necessity of putting in a drainage-tube. On account of the great depth of the abdomen, and the thorough cleans- ing made, it was decided to leave the lowest suture untied, so that a tube could be inserted if necessary. In the light of future events this proved to be an error. The patient reacted promptly from the operation, and went into an easy convalescence. The pulse, which was 130 for several days prior to the operation, fell beneath 100 by the fourth day, and the temperature remained below ioo°. The stitches were removed on the seventh day, and all her symptoms were favorable. Her greatest improvement was in her nervous symptoms, which were severe and beyond the control of the will prior to the operation. At the end of the second week of convalescence she began to do badly. Ab- dominal pain and tenderness reappeared ; the temperature
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