Gravitation in Septic Peritonitis.

In the treatment of septic peritonitis, recent authors are agreed that a great advancement has been made by insisting upon placing the patient in a semi-erect position, at an angle of about forty degrees, maintaining her there by means of supports and by pillows.

As a result of this position persistently maintained, the septic fluid from all portions of the abdominal cavity gravitates to the safer area of the pelvis, from which it may be readily drained, if necessary, by a suprapubic drain. This minimizes the area of absorption, and consequently the degree of absorption.

Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.