metrizamide and Dehydration

This article is intended to update the general surgeon on and inform the general surgical resident of new concepts in pediatric bowel obstruction. Specifically, newer diagnostic modalities are discussed, and more emphasis is directed toward diagnoses that the general surgeon is more apt to encounter.

Topics: Child, Preschool; Dehydration; Duodenal Obstruction; Female; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Hypertrophy; Infant; Intestinal Obstruction; Intussusception; Male; Medical History Taking; Metrizamide; Physical Examination; Postoperative Complications; Pyloric Stenosis; Radiography, Abdominal; Stomach; Stomach Volvulus; Suture Techniques; Tissue Adhesions; Ultrasonography

The effect of dehydration on the incidence of side effects from metrizamide myelography was studied. One hundred consecutive patients scheduled for myelography fasted overnight and were then randomly divided into two groups. Group I received 2 liters of fluid intravenously just prior to myelography; Group II did not. Both groups were studied in the standard manner, using 170 mg l/ml of metrizamide. Side effects were recorded 24 and 48 hours after the procedure. Headaches, vomiting, and some other side effects were less common and less severe in the hydrated group. Clear liquids given orally or intravenous fluids are recommended prior to myelography to minimize side effects.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Back Pain; Child; Dehydration; Dizziness; Female; Headache; Humans; Male; Metrizamide; Middle Aged; Myelography; Nausea