Preoperative irradiation and colonic healing.
OBJECTIVE
To find out if preoperative irradiation of 10 + 10 Gy influences anastomotic healing in the lower left colon of the rat.


METHODS
Randomised study.


METHODS
120 male Wistar rats.


METHODS
Rats were randomised to be given localised preoperative irradiation or sham treatment 8 and 4 days before a standardised left colon resection. The post-operative course was studied for up to two months.


METHODS
Changes in body weight, white cell count, haemoglobin and albumin concentrations, anastomotic complications, anastomotic breaking strength, hydroxyproline content and myeloperoxidase activity in the anastomotic segment.


RESULTS
General effects of irradiation were seen as delayed increase in body weight and low white cell count. Anastomotic complications were not increased. Anastomotic breaking strength was similar in the early postoperative phase but reduced after 2 months. Hydroxyproline content and myeloperoxidase activity of the anastomotic segments were similar in irradiation and control animals.


CONCLUSIONS
Anastomotic healing was not compromised by preoperative irradiation. Late effects may be present in the bowel wall but further investigation is required.
Weiber
S
S
Department of Surgery, General Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Jiborn
H
H
Zederfeldt
B
B
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000528:radiation effects; D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000378:metabolism; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects*
D006909:Hydroxyproline