Assessment of anastomotic blood supply by Doppler ultrasound in operations upon the colon.

Abstract

Doppler ultrasound was used to determine whether or not colonic anastomoses have sufficient blood supply for healing to occur. Experimental anastomoses placed at, or 1 centimeter from, the last audible arterial signal healed; those placed 2 or 3 centimeters distally had a high incidence of disruption. Results were statistically significant by chi-square analysis, p less than 0.05. Clinical parameters of intestinal viability would not have predicted anastomotic failure.