A PRACTICAL TROCAR AND CANNULA FOR REMOVING ASCITIC FLUID

When ascitic fluid is withdrawn from the peritoneal cavity through the cannula ordinarily used for this purpose, the end of the cannula frequently strikes loops of intestine or the omentum before the desired amount of fluid has been removed. This not only interferes with further withdrawal of fluid, but causes pain and anxiety in the patient. The end of the cannula can be freed from the intestine or omentum by manipulation, and additional amounts of fluid can be withdrawn. Such additional amounts, however, are usually small, and, after manipulation has been attempted several times, further effort at complete drainage has to be abandoned. The result is that a considerable amount of ascitic fluid may be left in the peritoneal cavity. This may drain through the wound made by the cannula for one or several days, and cause the patient much annoyance. This disadvantage can be overcome by the use of