Hypothermic peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of acute experimental hemorrhagic pancreatitis

Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis was induced in dogs using a modification of the method of Elliot. Ten dogs received no therapy and eight died. Of nine dogs receiving intravenous Ringer's lactate solution, seven died. Hypothermic peritoneal dialysis was carried out in ten dogs, two of which died.The following observations were noted:

• 1.1. Intravenous Ringer's lactate solution had no effect on the course of pancreatitis.
• 2.2. The rise in serum enzymes was less in the hypothermic group.
• 3.3. Hypothermic peritoneal dialysis markedly decreased the amount of hemorrhage and necrosis within the pancreas and the extent of generalized fat necrosis.