DISEASES OF THE PERITONEUM. 243 



already spoken of the treatment of chronic peritonitis, and 

 have only to add that if the fluid effused still remains un- 

 absorbed, preparations of iron and vegetable tonics, with 

 diuretics and the occasional administration of some pur- 

 gative, are called for, in order to promote the general 

 health and aid in the absorption of the fluid. 



The iodide of iron, or the liquor ferri perchloridi, are 

 more especially beneficial under these conditions. 



AVhen the ascites is due to cardiac mischief, in addition 

 to the special treatment of the heart itself, diuretics and 

 hydragogue purgatives are indicated. 



If depending on renal disturbance, stimulating diuretics 

 are inadmissible. Under these circumstances, perchloride 

 or iodide of iron is very beneficial. 



When the amount of the fluid effused is very great, and 

 does not diminish after the employment of medicines, para- 

 centesis of the abdomen may be performed, and repeated, 

 if necessary. This operation, however, rarely affords per- 

 manent relief. 



MORBID GROWTHS IN CONNECTION WITH THE 

 PERITONEUM. — Hydatid cysts^ and cancerous growths are 

 sometimes developed in connection with the peritoneum. 



Cancerous groivths of the peritoneum nearly always 

 spread from some neighbouring organ, and very rarely ap- 

 pear primarily in this serous membrane. 



Fatty growths and fibroid tumours are not uncommonly 

 met with in connection with folds of the omentum and 

 mesentery, and in other situations. Some of these tumours 

 are pedunculated, and are thus liable to strangulate the in- 

 testine by entwining their necks around it. 



These tumours cannot be diasfnosed durinsr life. 



"' Vide Chapter on Animal Parasites. 



16- 



