Effect of fecal loading with/without peritonitis on the healing of a colonic anastomosis: an experimental study

An experimental randomized prospective study was carried out in 64 dogs to evaluate the effect of intraluminal fecal matter at the anastomosis with/without peritonitis on the healing of a colonic anastomosis. The animals, none of whom had bowel preparation, were randomized in four groups: group I sigmoid resection and anastomosis, group II sigmoid resection and intraluminal fecal diversion from the anastomosis, group III induced fecal peritonitis, sigmoid resection and anastomosis and group IV induced fecal peritonitis, sigmoid resection and intraluminal fecal diversion from the anastomosis. Forty-eight hours before sacrifice at 5, 10 and 15 days, 10 microCi/kg C14 proline was given intravenously. Specimens were analyzed for hydroxyproline content, tissue counts and specific activity. The tissue counts and specific activity were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance. Overall, regardless of the groups, there was a statistically significant decrease in specific activity and tissue count from day 5 to day 15 and day 10 to day 15 at the anastomosis (p less than 0.05). When comparing groups II and IV to groups I and III, there was a significant increase in specific activity and tissue count at the anastomosis of group II and IV (p less than 0.05). This experimental study demonstrates that early anastomotic healing can occur even in presence of treated peritonitis as long as the fecal matter is diverted and prevented from coming in contact with the anastomotic site without disrupting the bowel continuity or function.