Prognostic factors in extensive mesenteric ischaemia.

The records of 65 patients with diagnoses of extensive intestinal ischaemia during the 10 years from December 1973 to January 1984 were retrieved from 18 hospitals in Ireland. There were 32 males and 33 females, ranging in age from 20 to 96 years (mean 69.8 years). Duration of symptoms ranged from 4 h to 8 days. Pain was the most common presenting feature. Gastrointestinal haemorrhage was apparent in 31%, hypotension in 28% and atrial fibrillation in 43%. Associated vascular disease was present in 43%. There were elevations of serum inorganic phosphate in 15%, leucoytosis in 65% and metabolic acidosis in 67%. The mean interval from hospital admission to operation in survivors was 14.5 h, whereas the mean delay in those who died was 44 h. The correct preoperative diagnosis was made in 23 (35%) and the aetiology of intestinal ischaemia was recorded as: thrombosis 25 (39%), embolism 12 (18%), adhesions/volvulus 4 (6%) and indeterminate in 24 (37%). Laparotomy was performed in 49: gangrenous bowel was resected in 29 and six had operations designed to revascularise the intestine. The remaining 14 patients either had laparotomy alone (12) or an inappropriate operation (2). In 46 patients (70.8%) who died, death was related to three factors: the mean age of survivors was 7 years less than that of patients who died, the interval to laparotomy was on average 30 h less, and the length of ischaemic bowel was on average 61% less.