OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of intraoperative implantation of radioactive (125)I seeds on healing of surgical anastomosis.

METHODSThe jejunum was cut, and end-to-end anastomosis was made in 12 healthy dogs. In the experimental group (n = 8), the (125)I seeds were implanted into the two sides of the anastomosis. The total radiation dosage at the anastomosis was 116 Gy. The other 4 dogs were in the included control group. At the 7th, 14th postoperative day, specimens were obtained from 4 dogs in the experimental group and 2 dogs in the control group respectively. The healing of the anastomosis was observed grossly; hydroxyproline content, as well as histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the anastomotic tissue were studied.

RESULTSGross observation showed healing of the anastomosis of the experimental animals. The hydroxyproline contents were 0.578 +/- 0.020 microg/mg proteins in the experimental group and 0.631 +/- 0.012 microg/mg proteins in the control group (P > 0.05). Histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the anastomotic tissue were not significant in healing as compared to the control group. One of 29 patients had anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSIONSIntraoperative implantation of (125)I has no adverse effect on healing of surgical anastomosis; it is safe and feasible in clinical practice.

Adult ; Aged ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Animals ; Brachytherapy ; Dogs ; Female ; Humans ; Intraoperative Care ; Iodine Radioisotopes ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Animal ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Wound Healing ; drug effects