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Toxic effects in intestinal strangulation

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Abstract

When the small intestine is subjected to strangulated obstruction, several pathophysiologic mechanisms come into play. As in uncomplicated mechanical obstruction, fluid and electrolyte disturbances might cause hypovolemia and shock. If the circulation to the affected segment comes to a complete stop, mucusoal gangrene develops rapidly and is followed within hours by transmural gangrene. This causes the strangulated intestinal segment to leak demonstrably toxic fluid into the peritoneal cavity. If blood flow is restored rapidly, the tissue damage is likely to be aggravated during the reperfusion phase. Furthermore, upon restoration of intestinal blood flow toxic substances, particularly cardiotoxic substances, are released into the general circulation.

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  1. Department of Surgery, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, S-21401, Malmö, Sweden

    Ulf Haglund

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  1. Ulf Haglund
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Haglund, U. Toxic effects in intestinal strangulation. Pediatr Surg Int 1, 10–14 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00171775

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