HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Personal Folders Download to citation manager Permission Requests Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Mrozek, R. Articles by Golba, K. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Mrozek, R. Articles by Golba, K.

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Vol 11, 1158-1162, Copyright © 1997 by European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery

ARTICLES

Gastric tonometry as a method of visceral oxygenation monitoring in patients undergoing coronary revascularisation

R Mrozek, S Wos, R Bachowski, J Fryc, E Kucewicz, W Kruczak, M Deja and K Golba
IInd Department of Cardiac Surgery, Silesian Academy of Medicine, Katowice, Poland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess gastric mucosal pH during certain parts of a major cardiac procedure (hypo- and normothermic), and then throughout the first postoperative day. METHODS: Gastric mucosal pH was measured using a tonometer, in 15 patients subjected to elective CABG procedures. The patients were also assessed haemodynamically and serum lactate concentrations were measured. RESULTS: It was found that cardiopulmonary bypass did not suppress visceral perfusion. The most critical was the period between 4th and 12th postbypass hour when a tendency towards decreased cardiac output and oxygen delivery was noted. At the same time oxygen consumption was increasing which resulted in triggering of anaerobic metabolic pathways, that was mirrored by significant rise in serum lactate levels. During this period of time the lowest, although not critical levels of gastric mucosal pH were recorded, suggesting a relative decrease in splanchnic perfusion. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal circulation does not significantly compromise splanchnic perfusion. Tonometry is a valuable, non-invasive method of visceral oxygenation monitoring. The first postoperative day is an especially critical time for a cardiac patient--a frequent control of haemodynamic and acid-base balance parameters is absolutely mandatory.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. R. Eachempati and P. S. Barie Minimally Invasive and Noninvasive Diagnosis and Therapy in Critically Ill and Injured Patients Arch Surg, November 1, 1999; 134(11): 1189 - 1196. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]