EFFECTS OF LYMPH STASIS ON HEALING OF RAT INTESTINAL ANASTOMOSIS

S De Franco, M Gelmetti, R Lampugnani, M Gamrielli

Abstract


The effects of lymphatic drainage on ileal
anastomotic healing using interrupted polyglycolic
acid sutures were studied in rats after division and
obstruction of celiac-mesenteric lymphatics, and the
data compared with sham-operated controls.
In 4 of 20 rats with lymph stasis, but not shamcontrols,
anastomotic leakage was associated with
generalized peritonitis and death. Histologic examination
of the anastomotic site at 7 and 14 days revealed
prolonged exudation with acute inflammatory
reaction and less prominent granuloma formation
where lymphatics were interrupted. Whereas foreign
body giant cell reaction predominated at 14 days
with lymph stasis, histiocytic and fibroblastic proliferation
dominated in sham-controls.
The data suggest that an intact lymphatic system
favors optimal intestinal healing and repair.


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