Pulse oximetry and perfusion index measurement to assess uterine perfusion and viability

This study was designed to establish if pulse oximetry (O2Sat) and perfusion index (PI) could be used to assess the contribution that uterine and ovarian vessels make to the overall perfusion of the uterus. During routine hysterectomies, the O2Sat and PI were measured over the right and left uterine cornu. These measurements were taken before any vessels were ligated (baseline), after only the ovarian vessels were clamped and then after the uterine vessels were clamped. Clamping the ovarian vessels alone decreased the uterine O2Sat and PI by a statistically significant amount. Subsequent clamping of the uterine vessels produced further significant decreases in O2Sat and PI. We concluded that both pairs of vessels contribute almost equally to uterine perfusion and that there may be a role, particularly for O2Sat and possibly for PI variables, in determining the success of uterine and ovarian vessel reanastomosis in uterine transplantation.