Hyperkalemia Following Intestinal Revascularization

Recently, intestinal revascularization following mesenteric artery occlusion has become a recognized surgical accomplishment. Before 1957, successful restoration of mesenteric arterial flow after abrupt embolic occlusion was unknown despite prophetic reports by Klass and by Connors of near successes in mesenteric embolectomy.^2-5 In 5 years, the number of accomplished embolus extractions has reached 13, indicating that the features of early diagnosis and technical factors of operative management are understood.⁶

Early diagnosis and immediate celiotomy make possible conservation of ischemic bowel rather than resection of gangrenous intestine. But, as intestinal blood flow has been restored, the development of systemic abnormalities have occurred. These poorly understood alterations have contributed to a high post-revascularization mortality.⁷ Problems of immediate hypotension after splanchnic revascularization have been managed effectively in the operating room by use of conventional techniques, but later cardiovascular collapse has been difficult to control because of its obscure etiology. This study