Since the original observations by Hughson and Scarff1 in 1924 that the intravenous administration of hypertonic sodium chloride solutions increased intestinal movement, these solutions have been employed extensively by clinicians in the treatment of adynamic ileus. Beneficial results obtained by the use of hypertonic sodium chloride solutions have been reported by a number of investigators.2 In a previous investigation,3 we demonstrated that hypertonic sodium chloride solutions definitely increased intestinal activity. Orr4 has emphasized the importance of the administration of hypertonic salt solutions (20 cc. of a 10 per cent and 500 cc. of a 5 per cent sodium chloride solution) in the treatment of postoperative gas pains. Reid,5 working with a Thiry-Vella fistula of the jejunum, showed that the intravenous administration of hypertonic sodium chloride solution not only increased the activity of an intestinal segment but also increased the propulsive type of motility.
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