Ph value and potassium level of diagnostic peritoneal lavage fluid in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia secondary to arterial occlusion in rats.

ABSTRACT: In this experimental study we evaluated the pH and potassium changes of the peritoneal irrigation fluid in the early phase of mesenteric ischemia. The Wistar albino rats were assigned randomly to 5 equal groups of 10 rats: sham operation, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes ischemia by arterial occlusion. We enregistred the ranges of pH and potassium in peritoneal irrigation fluid and serum pH. Lower pH and increased potassium levels in peritoneal irrigation fluid were observed in 30 and 60 min ischemia groups. In 120 and 180 ischemia groups the level of pH continued to be lower and potassium level increased gradually, the serum pH were markedly lower in these groups. Histological analysis showed a positive correlation between the intestinal injury and ischemia time. In contrast to sham group, increase in potassium and decrease in in pH levels in peritoneal irrigation fluid were seen in 30 and 60 min ischemia groups. The decrease of serum pH was enregistred after 120 min of ischemia. In early phase the measurement of potassium and pH in peritoneal irrigation fluid may be an early diagnostic tool for mesenteric ischemia.

Doğan Gönüllü, Yücel Yankol, Ferruh Işiman, Ayşenur Akyildiz Iğdem, Osman Yücel, Ferda Nihat Köksoy

Ulusal travma ve acil cerrahi dergisi = Turkish journal of trauma & emergency surgery: TJTES 11/2007; 13(4):261-7.