Operative confirmation of Doppler ultrasound in evaluation of intestinal ischemia.

The prediction at operation of viability of ischemic intestine frequently is difficult and has resulted in recommendations for reoperation to assess intestine of questionable viability. This report describes the use of the Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter in three patients with ischemic intestine caused by acute superior mesenteric arterial thrombosis. Reliability of the Doppler technique was confirmed at second-look operations in each patient.