BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that intraperitoneal tonometry can be a specific monitor for ischaemia in the small intestine. METHODS: Twelve pigs were anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated. The celiac artery (CA), the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) were identified. Tonometry catheters were positioned intraperitoneally at three different locations where blood supply varied. One at a time of the mesenteric arteries was occluded, producing regional ischaemia in different splanchnic organs. RESULTS: Regional PCO2 (Pr CO2) increased significantly in the intestinal region, in the small intestine, only during the SMA clamping. In the epigastric region, i.e. in the space between the liver and the stomach, PrCO2 increased significantly only during CA clamping. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal tonometry in the intestinal region can be a specific monitor of ischaemia in the small intestine. INVESTIGATION: The care and handling of the animals was in accordance with legislation by the Swedish Board of Agriculture.
BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that intraperitoneal tonometry can be a specific monitor for ischaemia in the small intestine. METHODS: Twelve pigs were anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated. The celiac artery (CA), the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) were identified. Tonometry catheters were positioned intraperitoneally at three different locations where blood supply varied. One at a time of the mesenteric arteries was occluded, producing regional ischaemia in different splanchnic organs. RESULTS: Regional PCO2 (Pr CO2) increased significantly in the intestinal region, in the small intestine, only during the SMA clamping. In the epigastric region, i.e. in the space between the liver and the stomach, PrCO2 increased significantly only during CA clamping. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal tonometry in the intestinal region can be a specific monitor of ischaemia in the small intestine. INVESTIGATION: The care and handling of the animals was in accordance with legislation by the Swedish Board of Agriculture.