PURPOSE: This study was done in order to quantify changes on bursting pressure and collagen content on irradiated colon anastomosis. METHODS: Twelve Wistar rats were submitted to colon section and anastomosis. Animals were divided in two groups: An (control, n=7) and I+An (irradiated, n=5). An group was submitted only to surgery while I+An received a single dose irradiation (1096 cGy) seven days before operation. Animals were sacrificed on seventh postoperative day to quantify anastomosis bursting pressure and collagen content. Collagen quantification was done by vertical section stereology. RESULTS: An group present higher values of anastomosis bursting pressure (172 mm Hg X 60 mm Hg, p = 0,004) and collagen content (14,24 X 1,62, p = 0,004) as compared to I+An group. On An group the site of colon rupture was more frequently found on the perianastomotic area while on I+An group the rupture was mainly on anastomotic line (p = 0,007). CONCLUSION: Irradiation impaired anastomotic healing as evidenced by reduction of anastomotic bursting pressure and collagen content on irradiated animals.
Colon; Irradiation; Anastomosis; Leakage; Bursting pressure; Collagen
