Effect of pentoxifylline on the healing of ischemic colorectal anastomoses.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pentoxifylline on the healing of experimental ischemic colorectal anastomoses.
METHODS: Ninety-three Wistar rats were randomized into three groups (n = 31) and underwent resection of a colonic segment at the colorectal junction. Group A rats received standard end-to-end anastomoses. Ischemic anastomoses were performed in Groups B and C rats by coagulating mesocolon vessels 2 cm along each anastomotic end. Group C rats were treated with intraperitoneal injection of pentoxifylline. Wound complications, intra-abdominal abscesses, intraperitoneal adhesions, and anastomotic leaks and stenosis were recorded. Bursting pressure and tension were calculated. Histologic examination of the anastomosis was also performed.
RESULTS: Ischemia increased wound and intra-abdominal infections, adhesion formation, and anastomotic stenosis. Anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in Group B (45.2 percent) than in Group A (9.7 percent). Bursting pressure and tension were significantly lower in Group B (118.19 mmHg and 48.43 N/m) than in Group A (191.84 mmHg and 86.82 N/m). There was evidence for decreased perianastomotic fibrosis and neutrophils presence after induced ischemia and a strong tendency to reduced neovascularization. Pentoxifylline administration ameliorated the effects of ischemia, reducing wound and intra-abdominal infections, adhesion formation, and leaks (16.1 percent). Anastomotic strength increased (bursting pressure and tension of 205.55 mmHg and 87.68 N/m, respectively). Treated Group C had significantly higher neutrophils infiltration and fibrosis formation and a strong tendency to increased neovascularization compared with Group B.
CONCLUSIONS: Selective anastomotic devascularization induces ischemia and impairs experimental anastomotic healing, increasing leakage rate. These effects may be ameliorated by pentoxifylline administration.