Intra-operative pulse oximetry can help determine intestinal viability.

The intra-operative assessment of intestinal viability when dealing with ischaemic bowel remains a challenge. Reliable healing of small-bowel anastomoses, using pulse oximetry to exclude critical ischaemia, has been shown in the canine model. In this study, intra-operative pulse oximetry (PO) was used to help determine intestinal viability 48 h after de-torsion of a volvulus. Approximately one-half of the ischaemic, volved bowel was able to be preserved. Intra-operative PO can thus help preserve bowel of doubtful viability.