Influence of growth factors erythropoietin and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor on mechanical strength and healing of colonic anastomoses in rats.

Objective: To find out what influence erythropoietin and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) had on the healing of left colonic anastomoses in rats.

Design: Experimental study.

Setting: University hospital of Ioannina, Greece.