Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article
Examining the safety of colon anastomosis on a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion injury
Published in: World Journal of Emergency Surgery | Issue 1/2013
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Introduction
Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion can impair anastomotic strength.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of delayed colon anastomosis following remote ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury.
Methods
Rats divided into two groups underwent bilateral groin incisions, however only the study group had femoral artery clamping to inflict IR injury. Twenty-four hours following this insult, the animals underwent laparotomy, incision of the transverse colon and reanastomosis. End points included anastomotic leakage, strength and histopathological features.
Results
Anastomotic leak among IR animals (22.2%) was not statistically different in comparison to the controls [10.5% (p = 0.40)]. Anastomotic mean burst pressures showed no statistically significant difference [150.6 ± 15.57 mmHg in the control group vs. 159.9 ± 9.88 mmHg in the IR group (p = 0.64)]. The acute inflammatory process in the IR group was similar to controls (p = 0.26), as was the chronic repair process (p = 0.88). There was no significant difference between the inflammation:repair ratios amongst the two groups (p = 0.67).
Conclusion
Primary colon repair is safe when performed 24 hours following systemic IR injury.