INTRAOPERATIVE PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF ISCHEMIC COLITIS

Intraoperative evaluation of ischemic colitis presents several problem s related to diagnosis, severity, and extension. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of photopletysmography (PPG) to detec t colonic arterial wave amplitude changes in patients operated on for ischemic colitis, comparing the affected area with a control area on t he transverse colon. Four patients were studied, two with gangrenous c olitis, and two with protracted ''transient'' ischemic colitis. All fo ur patients survived. PPG is a useful method for intraoperative diagno sis and surgical assessment of ischemic colitis.