Chloroform in Obstruction of the Bowels from Spasms. By J. D. Cain,
M.D.—Every physician meets, in the course of his practice, with cases
of obstruction of the intestines, which has come gradually or suddenly,
generally from some cause of irritation existing in them. The obstruc*
tion in these caees consists of a spasmodic contraction of a portion, or of
portions of the intestines, generally the small. The plan I formerly
pursued was, to cease all attempts at forcing a passage by means of
cathartics, if one or two brisk cathartics failed, and to resort to opium
freely, enemata of warm water, melted lard or butter, sweet oil, etc., the
warm bath, fomentations of the abdomen, and other means of producing
relaxation. For more than two years I have used chloroform, as a more
powerful agent than opium, and its preparations, and as more certain in
relaxing the muscular system. The chloroform administered in greater
or less inhalation, soon produces a greater or less degree of resolution,
and taking advantage of the relaxation thus effected, I give enemata,
either stimulating, mucilaginous, or oily, which in a short time bring
away faecal matter. The inhalation may be repeated as often as in the
judgment of the physician the case demands.
Chloroform possesses the immense advantage over opium, of relieving
effectually and promptly the pain, and in not leaving the bowels in a
constricted state, the sedative effect soon passing off.
. Seven cases have thus been treated by me with highly satisfactory
results. In one case only have I experienced any difficulty in inducing
the requisite degree of relaxation of the bowels. The subject of this
case was very slightly suspectible to its influence; but the pain was
completely relieved by frequent inhalations, and the obstruction gradu-
ally overcome.—Southern Med. and Surg. Journal.