A new minor surgical procedure for ascites has been devised wherein a specially designated one way pressure activated valve is implanted to create a permanent peritoneo-venous shunt. The normally closed valves opens only when the peritoneal pressure rises 3-5 cm higher than the intrathoracic venous pressure thus preventing backflow of blood and closing the valve should the venous pressure rise from the over-infusion of ascitic fluid. The procedure has been performed on 45 patients but nine were terminal at the time of surgery. Prolonged relief of ascites occurred in 28 of 37 cases.
A specially devised pressure-sensitive valve forms the basis for a new peritoneo-venous shunt operation which delivers ascitic fluid continuously into the venous system. It is effective in ascites attributed to different causes. The procedure is simple and brings a long lasting relief with recovery in strength and nutrition and improved kidney function. Hepatorenal syndrome in ascites is reversed.
Histologic and ultrastructural examination of specimens of rectal mucosa from 11 patients who had recently consumed excessive quantities of alcohol revealed marked pathologic changes. Goblet cells were decreased and a dense mononuclear cell infiltrate was seen on light microscopic study. Electron microscopy revealed swollen, distorted mitochondria and dilated and vesicular endoplasmic reticulum. These abnormalities disappeared after two weeks' abstinence. It is suggested that disordered organelle structure and function might contribute to the diarrhea frequently observed following excessive alcohol intake.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.