[Effects of irradiation on vascular microsurgical sutures. Experimental study on 125 rats]

The effects of irradiation on microsurgical sutures following vascular surgical procedures were studied in 125 rats divided into 7 groups, animals in 5 groups being irradiated at different doses. Follow-up examinations were conducted a minimum of 6 months after suturing and 2 months after irradiation. Evaluations included precise histological study of each vascular specimen removed, arteriography, and scanning electron microscopy. Findings demonstrated that it is possible to obtain satisfactory early functional results after irradiation of microsurgical anastomoses, and that the relation in time between trauma produced by radiotherapy and surgery plays an important role.