The effect of intraperitoneal paclitaxel administration on colonic anastomosis

Background/Aims: The effect of intraperitoneal administration of chemothera peutic agents on colonic anastomosis are still under investigation. In this study the effects of intraperitoneally administered paclitaxel on rat colo nic anastomosis was investigated. Methodology: After colonic anastomosis, 3mL of isotonic saline was administ ered intraperitoneally to rats in control group (Group 1, n = 20). The stud y group (Group 2, n = 20), paclitaxel 3 mg/kg diluted with isotonic saline was administered intraperitoneally after colonic anastomosis. Rats were sac rificed on 14th day and mean body weight, mean anastomosis bursting pressur e and the histopathology of the anastomosis site of the two groups were com pared. Results: Mean body weight was approximately the same with the preoperative values at 14th day in both groups. Anastomosis bursting pressure in paclita xel group (127 +/- 3mm Hg) was found to be similar to control group (133 +/ - 5mm Hg) (P > 0.05). Mucosal layer formation in the anastomosis line was c omplete on the 14th day in both groups. Conclusions: As a result intraperitoneal paclitaxel administration was foun d to be safe as it did not reduce the anastomotic strength and not delay wo und healing.