Effect of preoperative irradiation on healing of low colorectal anastomoses

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Am. J. Surg.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9610(84)90099-0· OSTI ID:7013145

Morgenstern, L; Sanders, G; Wahlstrom, E; Yadegar, J; Amodeo, P

The effect of preoperative irradiation on the healing of low colorectal anastomoses was studied experimentally. In 12 dogs in whom preoperative irradiation of 4,000 rads was given before low colorectal stapled anastomosis was performed, anastomotic leakage occurred in 66 percent. More than half of the anastomotic leaks were associated with either severe sepsis or death. In a matched group of control animals that underwent stapled anastomoses without irradiation, no anastomotic complications occurred. The clinical implications of this study are that stapled anastomoses in irradiated colon are at serious risk of anastomotic dehiscence and, therefore, should be protected with a proximal colostomy.

• Research Organization: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
• OSTI ID: 7013145
• Journal Information: Am. J. Surg.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Surg.; (United States) Vol. 147:2; ISSN AJSUA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560152* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Animals
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RECOVERY
BODY
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DOGS
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
HEALING
INJURIES
INTESTINES
LARGE INTESTINE
MAMMALS
MEDICINE
ORGANS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RECOVERY
RECTUM
SURGERY
VERTEBRATES