The effect of intraperitoneal paclitaxel administration on colonic anastomosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The effect of intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapeutic agents on colonic anastomosis are still under investigation. In this study the effects of intraperitoneally administered paclitaxel on rat colonic anastomosis was investigated.

METHODOLOGY

After colonic anastomosis, 3 mL of isotonic saline was administered intraperitoneally to rats in control group (Group 1, n = 20). The study group (Group 2, n = 20), paclitaxel 3 mg/kg diluted with isotonic saline was administered intraperitoneally after colonic anastomosis. Rats were sacrificed on 14th day and mean body weight, mean anastomosis bursting pressure and the histopathology of the anastomosis site of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Mean body weight was approximately the same with the preoperative values at 14th day in both groups. Anastomosis bursting pressure in paclitaxel group (127 +/- 3 mm Hg) was found to be similar to control group (133 +/- 5 mm Hg) (P > 0.05). Mucosal layer formation in the anastomosis line was complete on the 14th day in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result intraperitoneal paclitaxel administration was found to be safe as it did not reduce the anastomotic strength and not delay wound healing.