Preservation of compromised intestine after ischemic injury

It is possible to preserve ischemic intestinal segments, which currently are routinely resected, following superior mesenteric artery occlusion by exteriorizing them through the abdominal wall with De Martell clamps and observing them carefully. If the functional demands of an anastomosis are not imposed, the circulation of such segments will often be restored, and they will withstand successful anastomosis a few days later. If circulation fails to improve or deteriorates, prompt resection and possibly reexteriorization can be done without delay. Intestinal absorptive surface, crucial to subsequent survival may thus be saved.