Effect of preoperative irradiation on healing of low colorectal anastomoses

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 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), Vol. 147:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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