Using Hydrogen Gas to Detect Internal Injuries from Stab Wounds
Rectal insufflation of hydrogen gas: An infallible test in the diagnosis of visceral injury of the gastro-intestinal canal in penetrating wounds of the abdomen
Research hubs: Digestive System
- Authors
- Nicholas Senn
- Journal
- JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)
- Study Type
- Dog
- Delivery
- Gas
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- United States
TL;DR
Rectal insufflation of hydrogen gas was proposed as a diagnostic method for detecting gastrointestinal perforation after penetrating abdominal injury, with animal experiments supporting the ability of the gas to traverse the intestine and escape through visceral wounds.
Summary
Senn investigated whether hydrogen gas introduced through the rectum could be used to identify perforating injuries of the stomach or intestines without immediately performing exploratory abdominal surgery. In experiments primarily involving dogs, gas was insufflated through the rectum and allowed to pass through the gastrointestinal tract. Escape of hydrogen through an experimentally created visceral wound could then indicate perforation; hydrogen was particularly useful because escaped gas could be identified by its combustibility. Senn also examined the pressures needed to move gas through the intestine and ileocecal valve and investigated whether hydrogen damaged living tissues. In the continuation of the paper, he reported that hydrogen placed in the peritoneal cavity was absorbed and described it as non-irritating under the experimental conditions. The study supported rectal hydrogen insufflation as a diagnostic technique for penetrating gastrointestinal injuries, although the procedure is of historical rather than contemporary clinical relevance.