Chronic Intestinal Stasis

N discussing the subject of chronic intestinal stasis, only the most important phases can be touched upon in a short paper for purposes of discussion, therefore we shall accept Mr. Lane's premises. The definition of chronic intestinal stasis is somewhat confusing with chronic constipation. The definition of constipation which has formerly been accepted as adequate does not describe what we know now as chronic intestinal stasis. Constipation is usually considered to involve the large bowel, particularly in its lower portion; it results as a rule from an improper diet, an insufficient fluid intake, a lack of exercise, or a general atonic condition of the body tissues or a combination of two or more of these functions. The condition may, and often does supervene, even in marked degree, when the lumen of the bowel is entirely free from angulation, kinks, and other obstructive abnormalities. Furthermore, constipation may exist to a very pronounced degree even in the intractable form known as obstipation, and yet the patient may suffer very little from the effects of absorption of the retained material and its toxins. In chronic intestinal stasis, on the other hand, while the factors which produce constipation may be operative. others involved are definitely demonstrable by diagnostic means at our command. In the first place, according to Lane's theory, the evolution of man from the all-fours posture of his progenitors of field and forest, results in a general tendency to visceroptosis. The dropping of the abdominal organs gives rise to stress and strain upon the mesentery and its attachments. Nature attempts to offset this strain by the formation of practically bloodless evolutionary bands. These bands develop with unequal strength in different parts and the result is unequal support. The bowel is held up firmly at some points while it is allowed to sag at others. Angulation or kinking