INTESTINAL ANASTOMOSES AFTER RADIATION-THERAPY BY SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 54  (4) , 515-518
Abstract
The use of automated stapling instruments in 17 patients requiring intestinal surgery following irradiation therapy for gynecologic malignancies was reviewed. Of these patients 15 also had other medical problems thought to inhibit optimal anastomotic healing: malnutrition, persistent intraabdominal cancer, uremia, hypoalbuminemia and recent antineoplastic chemotherapy. Although these conditions severely test a method of intestinal anastomosis, no patient had a complication involving the intestinal anastomosis. The use of these stapling instruments reduced both the operating time and the contamination of the peritoneal surfaces by bowel content, thereby improving the postoperative recovery of these patients. The favorable results and the secure anastomoses justify the continued use of stapling instruments in gynecologic oncology patients with prior irradiation therapy.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: