DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
443 
caused by other foreign bodies, the pouch is enlarged by the ac¬ 
cumulation of the constituents of the contents of the alimentary 
canal having the greatest specific gravity (clay, sand, etc. ). 
These dilatations can be successfully treated by making an incis¬ 
ion into the intestine ( enterotomy ) and removing the contents 
in it and suturing the intestine to its proper size. 
( b) Dilatations Caused by Obstructions .—These dilatations 
are located anterior to the obstruction that occludes the intestine, 
such as strictures, intussusceptions or tumefactions of the walls 
of the intestine. The. treatment of these conditions generally 
requires a resection of the stricture or tumefied portion; but, if 
caused by an invagination, it should be relieved and the dilata¬ 
tion treated as indications demand. 
Operation .—This operation is comparatively simple ; the 
patient is cast, secured and anaesthetized ; the abdomen opened 
and explored, and the site for the incision selected. If the place 
selected is located in the small intestine, the incision should be 
made in the direction of the longitudinal axis (Fig. 15, B-c ); 
but if in the large intestine it should be made at a right angle 
to the long axis (Fig. r5, A-a-b). In the small intestine 
ENTEROTOMIES. 
A, large intestine; B, small intestine : a and b, location of incisions in enterotomy of large in¬ 
testine ; c, location of incision in enterotomy of small intestine. 
there are two reasons for making a longitudinal incision ; first, 
because it can be made sufficiently large to conveniently re¬ 
move the contents of the intestine ; second, because it can be 
sutured so as to reduce the calibre of the intestine if a dilata- 
