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.