New parameters of viability in ischemic bowel disease.

Abstract 1. 1. Electromyographic patterns and an acidotic or normal serosal pH in the range of 7.30 to 7.80 are cumulatively significant guides to bowel viability. 2. 2. The lack of electromyographic activity indicates major damage which progresses to a pregangrenous phase or, in chronic preparation, is followed by a functionless stenotic area. Serosal pH in this group would have no value as an indicator. 3. 3. The presence of an alkalotic serosal pH in the presence of equivocal electromyographic tracings would suggest irreversible bowel damage in the pregangrenous phase. 4. 4. Mucosal pH merely reflected vascular hemodynamics.