PURPOSE: To compare the early results of colorectal anastomosis with the biofragmentable ring and with stapler after preoperative gamma irradiation with a 500 cGy single dose. METHODS: Forty beagle dogs were distributed in 2 groups of 20 animals submitted or not to preoperative gamma irradiation and named test(II) and control (I) groups respectively. Two subgroups of 10 animals were created: group A in which the biofragmentable ring was used and group B in which the stapler was used. The animals were submitted to full division of the large bowel at the rectosgmoid junction and the intestinal tube has been reconstructed by one of the two techniques randomly assigned. In the seventh postoperative day the animals were killed and histological specimens were collected for macro and microscopic analysis. RESULTS: Two deaths occurred before reoperation: one in the biofragmentable anastomosis group and the other in the stapler anastomosis group, due to generalized peritonitis. Adhesions and wound infection have occurred equally in all groups. The standard histological analysis and computorized morphometric study showed no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: The early results of the two anastomosis technique under risk conditions were alike.
Colorectal surgery; Surgical anastomosis; Radiotherapy; Dogs
