INFLUENCE OF PROXIMAL END DIVERTING COLOSTOMY ON THE HEALING OF LEFT-SIDED COLONIC ANASTOMOSIS - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY IN RATS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing of an experiment al left-sided colonic anastomosis in rats protected by an end divertin g proximal colostomy. The anastomoses were studied by radiological and biochemical examination and breaking strength was estimated, The resu lts were compared with a non-operated group and with a group of rats h aving a non-defunctional anastomosis constructed in the same manner. I n animals with an end diverting colostomy, anastomotic protein levels and enzymic activity were lower than in those with a colostomy, and th e development of anastomotic strength was delayed compared with those not defunctioned.