The efficacy of the continuous peritoneal lavage on colonal anastomotic leakage in sheep

Bakground: Anastomotic leakage and mortality due to its complications is considered as one of the most dangerous early post-complications. Several studise have evaluated some methods to decrease the anastomotic leakage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of continuous peritoneal lavage on colonal anastomotic leakage in sheep. In this experimental study surgical resection and incomplete anastomosis was performed in the proximal part of colon in 8 male sheeps (weight 25-30 kg). In all of the anastomoses a defect (diameter 25mm) was created and two drains routs were inserted. While in test group (4 sheeps) continuous peritoneal warm saline (34 0C) lavage was performed with a rate of 1Lit/3h no such lavage was done in the control group (4 sheeps). All sheeps were monitored for 7 days thereafter again the laparatomy was performed and the sites of anastomoses were inspected for the presence of leakage. In the control group local anastomotic leakage was observed in all of the cases the leakage was sealed with the omentum and intestine, however, in test group no anastomotic leakage was observed. Fistula or generalized peritonitis wasnot seen any group. Continuous peritoneal lavage in sheep had a positive effect on colonal anastomotic leakage healing. Due to the anastomotic leakage of colon more researches must be done on the effect of continuous peritoneal lavage on peritonitis.