Experimental study of water and electrolyte changes following seawater immersion of animals with intestinal rupture / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the changes in water, electrolyte and acid-base balance after seawater immersion in cases of open abdominal trauma associated with intestinal rupture, and to obtain a theoretical basis for the early treatment of open abdominal injury with intestinal rupture in naval combat. Methods A canine model of open abdominal trauma with intestinal rupture was established in 26 healthy adult dogs, and they were divided randomly into three groups. All animals were subjected to abdominal wall incision and intestinal rupture. Seawater immersion group(n=10) was immersed into artificial seawater after trauma; normal saline solution group(n=6) was immersed into normal saline solution after trauma; control group (n=10) had no immersion. The 3 groups were observed for changes in water, electrolyte and acid-base balance, and the results were analysed and compared. Results Signficant disturbance of water, electrolyte and acid-base imbalance were observed in the seawater immersion groups, but no significant changes of these parameters were seen in the control group and normal saline group. Conclusion Seawater immersion is the main factor leading to the disturbance of body metabolism after open abdominal trauma with intestinal rupture.