Low anterior anastomotic dehiscence following preoperative irradiation with 6000 rads

Twenty mongrel dogs received 6000 rads of irradiation to the rectum and colon using the Nominal Standard Dosage Equation. Three weeks after irradiation each dog underwent anterior resection of the rectosigmoid with reconstruction randomized to either an EEA stapled or a two layer handsewn anastomosis. Each dog was studied digitally and by barium enema at the time of surgery, on the seventh postoperative day, and at autopsy. Five clinically significant leaks and three radiographic leaks occurred in the EEA stapled anastomoses. The handsewn anastomoses had five clinically significant leaks and two radiographic leaks. The data indicate that low anterior resection with either an EEA stapled or handsewn anastomosis cannot be done safely after 6000 rad preoperative irradiation.