Colostomy Blood Flow Measurement by Laser Doppler Velocimetry — A Preliminary Report

Laser Doppler velocimetry has been used to study colostomy blood flow. Eight patients were studied one week after fashioning of a colostomy and a further ten patients were studied at least nine weeks post-operatively. There was a significant difference in the blood flow between the two groups (p < 0.002). We conclude that laser Doppler velocimetry may be a useful technique for measuring colostomy blood flow.