Note 53 — OUTWITTING OUR NERVES (continued 4)
Reading edition
"1 Danger of dissemination of infection throughout the peritoneal cavity, in case localized infection exists.
"2 Increased absorption of toxins and greater bacterial activity by reason of the fact that undigested food has been carried down into the colon to serve as pabulum for bacteria, and that liquid feces form a better culture medium than solid feces.
"3 Increased distention of the intestine with gas and fluid, when it should be empty....
"4 Psychic and physical weakness produced by dehydration of the body, disturbance in the salt balance of the system, and the loss of sleep occasioned by the frequent purging during the night preceding the operation. As Oliver Wendell Holmes says: 'If it were known that a prize fighter were to have a drastic purgative administered two or three days before a contest, no one will question that it would affect the betting on his side unfavorably. If this be true for a powerful man in perfect health, how much more true must it be of the sick man battling for life.'
"5 Increase in postoperative distress and danger: thirst, gas pains, and even ileus...."—Journal of American Medical Association, Vol. 73, No. 17, p. 1285, Oct. 25. 1919.