Arteriovenous malformations of the cecum: operative localization by Doppler ultrasound.

The Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter was used for operative localization of an arteriovenous malformation of the cecum in a patient with recurrent large intestinal bleeding. Application of the technique permitted operative confirmation of the diagnosis in an other wise normal appearing cecum.

Determination of intestinal viability by Doppler ultrasound.

The Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter was used to determine intestinal serosal and mesenteric blood flows in 130 patients who underwent abdominal aortic vascular procedures and in 14 patients who underwent general surgical procedures. Temporary occlusion of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) during aortic surgery resulted in the absence or marked diminution of collateral blood flow over the left side of the colon in eight patients. One patient had the flow in the IMA preserved by proper placement of an end-to-side aortofemoral Dacron prosthesis, whereas the other seven patients underwent replantation of the IMA into the Dacron prosthesis.