Influence of temperature on tolerance of the small bowel to arterial occlusion

The prophylactic value of cooling strangulated herniae locally. An experimental study in dogs

In 10 anaesthetized dogs bilateral groin herniae were created, each containing a loop of small bowel which was strangulated with binding tape. One side was cooled locally, the other acted as a control.

After 7 1/2 hours the two loops of bowel were inspected and compared as regards viability. In every case the cooled bowel was in a better state than the bowel on the control side. This was confirmed by microscopical examination.

It is suggested that the application of a polythene bag filled with crushed ice may offer a considerable degree of protection to strangulated bowel in a groin hernia prior to operation.