Regional enteritis

Abstract

The subject of regional enteritis has been considered from a general historical standpoint. Specific data obtained from the study of forty-four proved cases of regional enteritis have been presented. A conjecture as to the role of a filtrable virus as a causative agent has been advanced. The occurrence of three cardinal features, that is, a mass in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, the presence of chronic intestinal obstruction, and positive roentgenographic details, has been shown to be present either singly or in combination in 95 per cent of the cases reported in this series. Surgical procedures have been discussed in detail, also their probable relationship to recurrence and to fatalities. In the consideration of postoperative care, emphasis has been placed on the necessity of directing attention toward the correction of nutritional deficiency and to keeping the intestine decompressed. The use of a high concentration of oxygen in the inspired air has been found efficacious for this latter purpose. © 1939.