ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influence of intraoperative implantation of radioactive (125)I seeds on healing of surgical anastomosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The jejunum was cut, and end-to-end anastomosis was made in 12 healthy dogs. In the experimental group (n = 8), the (125)I seeds were implanted into the two sides of the anastomosis. The total radiation dosage at the anastomosis was 116 Gy. The other 4 dogs were in the included control group. At the 7th, 14th postoperative day, specimens were obtained from 4 dogs in the experimental group and 2 dogs in the control group respectively. The healing of the anastomosis was observed grossly; hydroxyproline content, as well as histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the anastomotic tissue were studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Gross observation showed healing of the anastomosis of the experimental animals. The hydroxyproline contents were 0.578 +/- 0.020 microg/mg proteins in the experimental group and 0.631 +/- 0.012 microg/mg proteins in the control group (P > 0.05). Histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the anastomotic tissue were not significant in healing as compared to the control group. One of 29 patients had anastomotic leakage.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Intraoperative implantation of (125)I has no adverse effect on healing of surgical anastomosis; it is safe and feasible in clinical practice.</p>