Effects of high-dose and low-dose preoperative irradiation on low anterior anastomoses in dogs

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Abstract
Twenty mongrel dogs underwent preoperative irradiation to the colon and rectum, receiving 4000 rad according to the Nominal Standard Dose Equation. Each dog then underwent anterior resection of the rectosigmoid, and reconstructive technique was randomized into 2 groups consisting of either hand-sewn or EEA[end-to-end anastomotic]-stapled anastomoses. Anastomoses were examined digitally and radiographically at the time of surgery and on the 7th postoperative day. There were 4 radiographic leaks among the hand-sewn anastomoses, but only 1 was clinically significant and associated with peritonitis. There were no leaks among the 10 EEA-stapled anastomoses. Low anterior resection and anastomosis can probably be done safely after 4000 rad irradiation and the EEA-stapled anastomosis may be preferable.