Effect of the Combination of Fibrin Glue and Growth Hormone on Incomplete Intestinal Anastomoses in a Rat Model of Intra-Abdominal Sepsis

Experimental models of high-risk bowel anastomosis in rats: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leaks remain one of the most dreaded complications in gastrointestinal surgery causing significant morbidity, that negatively affect the patients' quality of life. Experimental studies play an important role in understanding the pathophysiological background of anastomotic healing and there are still many fields that require further investigation. Knowledge drawn from these studies can lead to interventions or techniques that can reduce the risk of anastomotic leak in patients with high-risk features. Despite the advances in experimental protocols and techniques, designing a high-quality study is still challenging for the investigators as there is a plethora of different models used.

AIM

To review current state of the art for experimental protocols in high-risk anastomosis in rats.

METHODS

This systematic review was performed according to The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. To identify eligible studies, a comprehensive literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus, covering the period from conception until 18 October 2023.

RESULTS

From our search strategy 102 studies were included and were categorized based on the mechanism used to create a high-risk anastomosis. Methods of assessing anastomotic healing were extracted and were individually appraised.

CONCLUSION

Anastomotic healing studies have evolved over the last decades, but the findings are yet to be translated into human studies. There is a need for high-quality, well-designed studies that will help to the better understanding of the pathophysiology of anastomotic healing and the effects of various interventions.

Double-layer adhesives for preventing anastomotic leakage and reducing post-surgical adhesion

Preventing anastomotic leakage (AL) and postoperative adhesions after gastrointestinal surgery is crucial for ensuring a favorable surgical prognosis. However, AL prevention using tissue adhesives can unintentionally lead to undesirable adhesion formation, while anti-adhesive agents may interfere with wound healing and contribute to AL. In this study, we have developed a double-layer patch, consisting of an adhesive layer on one side, utilizing gallic acid-conjugated chitosan (CHI-G), and an anti-adhesive layer on the opposite side, employing crosslinked hyaluronic acid (cHA). These CHI-G/cHA double-layer adhesives significantly prevented AL by forming physical barriers of CHI-G and reduced post-surgical adhesion at the anastomosis sites by the anti-adhesive layers of cHA. The bursting pressure (161.1 ± 21.6 mmHg) of double-layer adhesives-applied rat intestine at postoperative day 21 was far higher than those of the control (129.4 ± 5.7 mmHg) and the commercial anti-adhesives-applied group (120.8 ± 5.2 mmHg). In addition, adhesion score of double-layer adhesives-applied rat intestine was 3.6 ± 0.3 at postoperative day 21, which was similar to that of the commercial anti-adhesives-applied group (3.6 ± 0.3) and lower than that of the control group (4.9 ± 0.5). These findings indicate that the double-layer patch (CHI-G/cHA) has the potential to effectively prevent both postoperative adhesions and anastomotic leakage, offering a promising solution for gastrointestinal surgery.

Comparison of the Effects of Neostigmine and Sugammadex on Colonic Anastomotic Strength in Rats

BACKGROUND

After colorectal surgery, anastomotic leakage is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. There are many factors affecting anastomotic leakage. It is known that agents such as neostigmine that is used to reverse neuromuscular blockade have certain effects on anastomosis. In our study, in which we planned to test this hypothesis, we aimed to compare the possible effects of different doses of sugammadex and neostigmine on colon anastomosis strength in a colonic resection anastomosis model in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty adult Wistar albino male rats were divided into five groups as control (group C), Sugammadex 16 mg/kg (group SL), sugammadex 96 mg/kg (group SH), neostigmine 0.3 μmol/kg (group NL), and neostigmine 1.5 μmol/kg (group NH). The transverse colons of all rats were resected, and colonic anastomosis was performed. Appropriate drug doses according to the groups were given on the postoperative seventh day, and tissue hydroxyproline (TH) level and anastomotic bursting pressure were measured.

RESULTS

Anastomotic bursting pressure values were statistically significantly different between the groups (P = 0.001). The bursting pressure in group SH was significantly higher compared with group C, group NL, and group NH. The hydroxyproline values were statistically significantly different between the groups (P = 0.015). According to the post hoc test results, the difference was between group SH and group C (P = 0.007). There were no significant differences between the other groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of intra-abdominal adhesion rates between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we found that low and high doses of neostigmine had no variable effect on anastomosis, but high dose of sugammadex (96 mg/kg) had an increasing effect on intestinal anastomosis strength.

Ostomy creation with fewer sutures using tissue adhesives (cyanoacrylates) in inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study

Introduction Fistula formation around the ostomy site is a stoma-related complication often requiring surgical intervention. This complication may be caused by sutures or may develop as a complication of inflammatory bowel disease. Before conducting a clinical trial, we set out to investigate the safety of ostomy creation with fewer sutures using tissue adhesives in this pilot study. Methods Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who required surgery with ostomy creation at the Hyogo College of Medicine between January 2014 and December 2015 were enrolled. Safety was assessed by evaluating the incidence of stoma-related complications. Ostomy was restricted to loop ileostomy and was created with two sutures and tissue adhesives. Results A total of 14 patients were enrolled. Mean body mass index was 18.9 ± 2.0 kg/m². There were no cases of ostomy retraction and no severe adverse events were observed. Conclusions This pilot study demonstrates that ostomy creation using tissue adhesives is safe. Although retraction and adverse events were not observed, even in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who generally exhibit delayed wound healing, the body mass index was extremely low in this series. This study does not strongly recommend ostomy creation with tissue adhesives; further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of the procedure.

Fibrin glue does not improve healing of gastrointestinal anastomoses: a systematic review

BACKGROUND/AIM

Anastomotic leakage remains a frequent and serious complication in gastrointestinal surgery. In order to reduce its incidence, several clinical and experimental studies on anastomotic sealing have been performed. In a number of these studies, the sealing material has been fibrin glue (FG), and the results in individual studies have been varying. The positive effect of anastomotic sealing with FG might be due to the mechanical/physical properties, the increased healing of the anastomoses or both. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the existing evidence on the healing effects of FG on gastrointestinal anastomoses.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases were searched for studies evaluating the healing process of gastrointestinal anastomoses after any kind of FG application. The search period was from 1953 to December 2013.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. These studies were all experimental studies, since no human studies used histological or biochemical evaluation of healing. In 7 of the 28 studies, a positive effect of FG on healing was found, while 8 studies reported a negative effect and 11 studies found no effect. Furthermore, 2 studies reported unclear results. The difference in the study outcome was independent of the study design and the type of FG used.

CONCLUSION

In the available studies, FG did not consistently have a positive influence on the healing of gastrointestinal anastomoses. It is consequently plausible that the positive effect of FG sealing of gastrointestinal anastomoses, if there is any, may be due to a mechanical sealing effect rather than due to improved healing per se.

The effect of fibrin glue on the intensity of colonic anastomosis in the presence and absence of peritonitis: an experimental randomized controlled trial on rats

Aim. Anastomotic leakage after colon anastomosis is the most frequent and most feared complication with its highest mortality rate. In this study, we aimed to expose the impact of performing fibrin glue on sutured colocolic anastomosis, in the presence of experimental peritonitis, on anastomosis safety. Method. In this experimental study, the rats were divided into two groups as control group (Groups 1 and 3) and experimental group (Groups 2 and 4). They were also divided as clean abdomen (Groups 1 and 2) and infected abdomen (3 and 4) groups. Full-thickness incisions were made on the proximal colon of both groups of rats. The control group's anastomoses were conducted only with sutures, whereas in experimental group, fibrin glue was applied over the sutures. The samples were taken on the 10th day. Results. Highest values for average levels of hydroxyproline in the tissues and anastomotic bursting pressures were detected when fibrin glue was applied on sutured anastomosis in clean abdomen. In the histopathological staging performed in line with Ehrlich-Hunt model, lowest values were detected during the presence of peritonitis. Conclusion. As a result, it has been established that the use of fibrin glue over sutured colocolic anastomosis, both in clean abdomen and in the presence of peritonitis, had increased anastomosis safety.

Tissue adhesives in gastrointestinal anastomosis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage in gastrointestinal (GI) surgery remains a major problem. Although numerous studies have been undertaken on the role of tissue adhesives as GI anastomotic sealants, no clear overview has been presented. This systematic review aims to provide a clear overview of recent experimental and clinical research on the sealing of different levels of GI anastomosis with tissue adhesives.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases for clinical and experimental articles published after 2000. We included articles only if these addressed a tissue adhesive applied around a GI anastomosis to prevent anastomotic leakage or decrease leakage-related complications. We categorized results according to level of anastomosis, category of tissue adhesive, and level of evidence.

RESULTS

We included 48 studies: three on esophageal anastomosis, 13 on gastric anastomosis, four on pancreatic anastomosis, eight on small intestinal anastomosis, and 20 on colorectal anastomosis; 15 of the studies were on humans.

CONCLUSIONS

Research on ileal and gastric/bariatric anastomosis reveals promising results for fibrin glue sealing for specific clinical indications. Sealing of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis does not seem to be useful for high-risk patients; however, research in this field is limited. Ileal anastomotic sealing was promising in every included study, and calls for clinical evaluation. For colorectal anastomoses, sealing with fibrin glue sealing seems to have more positive results than with cyanoacrylate. Further research should concentrate on the clinical evaluation of promising experimental results as well as on new types of tissue adhesives. This research field would benefit from a systematic experimental approach with comparable methodology.

The combined effects of glutamine and growth hormone on intestinal anastomosis in the rat intra-abdominal sepsis model

AIM

Intestinal anastomoses are always risky in patients who develop intra-abdominal sepsis. In this study, the effects of combined glutamine and growth hormone (GH) on healing of intestinal anastomosis following intestinal repair in the rat intra-abdominal sepsis was induced.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty Sprague Dawley Albino rats at 10 weeks weighing between 180 and 240 g were included in the study. All the animals were divided into five groups comprising eight rats each. In the control group, no treatment was given in addition to the routine oral nutrition before and after surgery. In the other groups, following surgery, oral glutamine was given at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d in the glutamine group, subcutaneous GH was given at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d in the GH group, and combined glutamine and GH were administered at the same doses in the glutamine + GH group. In rats, a clinical model mimicking intestinal fistula was generated and fistula repair was performed, and the bursting pressure of the repair area and tissue hydroxyproline level of the repair area were calculated.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, glutamine, GH, and combined groups displayed significantly higher mean bursting pressures and tissue hydroxyproline levels.

CONCLUSION

In order to decrease the risks originating from impaired mechanisms due to intra-abdominal sepsis, and to make anastomosis safer, combined use of glutamine and GH increases the bursting pressure of anastomosis. While the use of either of these two substances alone is effective, combined use makes this effect more prominent.

Topical gentamicin does not provide any additional anastomotic strength when combined with fibrin glue

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the effect of a combination of fibrin sealant and topical gentamicin on a colonic anastomosis in a rat model.

METHODS

Partial anastomosis in the transverse colon was performed in 70 male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6 to 10 weeks using 5 interrupted sutures. The rats were divided into 4 groups (control, gentamicin, fibrin glue, and combination). On postoperative days 3 and 5, the rats in each group were killed, anastomotic bursting pressures scores and bowel loop adhesions were determined, and histologic examination was performed.

RESULTS

No significant difference was noted in the bursting pressures, adhesions, inflammatory infiltrates, fibroblasts, or neoangiogenesis between the fibrin-glue only and the combination groups for both the day 3 and day 5 subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of topical gentamicin and fibrin glue had little effect because the combination did not provide additional anastomotic strength or decrease the number of adhesions when compared with fibrin glue alone.

Influence of hydroxyethyl starch on healing of colonic anastomosis in a rat model of peritonitis

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to evaluate the role of different intravascular volume replacement regimens of HES 130/0.4 on wound healing process in left colonic anastomoses in the presence of intra-abdominal sepsis induced by murine model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

METHODS

The left colonic anastomosis was performed in 40 rats that were divided into five groups (n = 8/group): saline controls (30 ml/kg); CLP plus saline (30 ml/kg); CLP plus HES (7.5, 15, or 30 ml/kg, respectively). Saline or HES was treated before the construction of left colonic anastomosis and on a regular daily basis. Anastomotic bursting pressures were measured in vivo on day 5. Tissue samples were obtained for analyses of hydroxyproline (HP) contents, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) activation. The plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 were also measured.

RESULTS

Intra-abdominal sepsis led to significant decreases in colonic anastomotic bursting pressures, and perianastomotic tissue HP contents and GSH levels, along with increases in perianastomotic tissue MPO activity, MDA levels and NF-kappa B activation and plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6. After treated with HES, these provoked perianastomotic tissue MPO activity, MDA levels, NF-kappa B activation, and plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were suppressed and GSH levels were restored, especially in 15 ml/kg HES group. Without obvious influence on systemic nutritional condition, HES 15 ml/kg but not HES 7.5 ml/kg significantly increased anastomotic bursting pressures, and perianastomotic tissue HP contents. However, HES 30 ml/kg even led to adverse effects on anastomotic bursting pressures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that moderate doses (15 ml/kg) of HES 130/0.4 administration significantly prevented this intraperitoneal sepsis-induced impaired anastomotic healing of the left colon. It also suggested the possibility of poorer anastomotic healing receiving HES at higher doses (30 ml/kg). Clearly, HES 130/0.4 now should not be recommended to use at a high doses postoperatively in sepsis.

Effect of the combination of fibrin glue and growth hormone on intestinal anastomoses in a pig model of traumatic shock associated with peritonitis

BACKGROUND

Intra-abdominal sepsis and hemorrhagic shock have been found to impair the healing of intestinal anastomoses. The present study examined whether fibrin glue (FG) and recombinant human growth hormone (GH) can improve intestinal primary anastomotic healing in a pig model of traumatic shock associated with peritonitis. Further, the study was designed to investigate the probable mechanism of these agents.

METHODS

Female anesthetized pigs were divided into five groups. Group sham (n = 7), pigs without traumatic shock had small bowel resection anastomoses; group control (n = 14), pigs had bowel resection anastomoses 24 h after abdominal gunshot plus exsanguination/resuscitation; group FG (n = 14); group GH (n = 14); group FG/GH (n = 14), pigs received FG, recombinant GH, or both, respectively. Recombinant GH was given daily for 7 days. Blood samples were collected daily for measurement of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels. Investigations also included adhesion formation, anastomotic bursting pressure, tensile strength, hydroxyproline (HP) content, myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor (NF)-kappaB activity, and histology analysis 10 days later. A second experiment (n = 20 subjects assigned to each of the five groups) was designed to study survival during the first 20 postoperative days.

RESULTS

Traumatic shock associated with peritonitis led to significant decreases in intestinal anastomotic bursting pressures, tensile strengths, and tissue hydroxyproline content, along with severe adhesion formation, increases in MPO activity and NF-kappaB activity, and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Both FG and recombinant GH treatment led to early significant increases in plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6. At the same time, FG alone, unlike recombinant GH alone, led to significant increases in anastomotic bursting pressures, tensile strength, and tissue HP content, along with decreases in anastomotic MPO and NF-kappaB activity and later plasma levels of TNF-a and IL-6. The FG group also developed more marked neoangiogenesis and collagen deposition on histology analysis. However, FG and recombinant GH synergistically effected improved anastomotic healing, abolishing the infaust effects promoted by recombinant GH. Adhesion formation after intestinal anastomosis could not be lowered by FG alone or by the combination of FG and recombinant GH. Both FG alone and FG/GH, in contrast to GH alone and control treatment, significantly prolonged the survival time of experimental animals.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that FG, but not recombinant GH, could lower the risk of anastomotic leakage, improve intestinal anastomotic healing, and prolong survival in a pig model of traumatic shock associated with peritonitis. Both FG and recombinant GH synergistically effected improved intestinal anastomotic healing. It was suggested that GH could be used locally to promote intestinal anastomotic healing in intra-abdominal peritonitis.

Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 augments healing of colonic anastomosis in a rat model of peritonitis

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to investigate the role of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 on the wound healing process in left colonic anastomoses in the presence of intra-abdominal sepsis.

METHODS

The left colonic anastomosis was performed in 40 rats that were divided into 4 groups: (1) group SHAM, laparatomy plus cecal mobilization (n = 10); (2) group SHAM + HES, HES130/.4-treated controls (n = 10); and (3) group CLP, cecal ligation and puncture (n = 10); (4) group CLP + HES, CLP plus HES130/.4 (n = 10). HES130/.4 was administrated before the construction of colonic anastomosis, 15 mL/kg/24 hours and daily for 4 postoperative days. Anastomotic bursting pressures (ABPs) were measured in vivo on day 5. Tissue samples were obtained for analyses of hydroxyproline (HP) contents, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. The plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, d-dimer, and protein C (PC) were also measured. Anastomotic granulation tissues were fixed for transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses.

RESULTS

Intra-abdominal sepsis led to significant decreases in colonic anastomotic bursting pressures, perianastomotic tissue HP contents, GSH levels, and plasma levels of PC, along with increases in perianastomotic tissue MPO activity, MDA levels, NF-kappaB activation, and plasma levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and d-dimer. However, HES130/.4 treatment significantly inhibited all these responses. TEM analyses revealed that there was a trend toward a higher density of fibroblast distribution and a higher rate of fibroblast activation in the SHAM- and HES 130/0.4-treated animals, compared with the CLP group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that moderate doses (15 mL/kg) of HES 130/0.4 administration significantly prevented this intraperitoneal sepsis-induced impaired anastomotic healing of the left colon. This beneficial effect of HES 130/0.4 can be mainly attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and beneficial effects of modulating endothelial-associated coagulopathy.

Effects of amniotic membrane on the healing of primary colonic anastomoses in the cecal ligation and puncture model of secondary peritonitis in rats

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the effects of amniotic membrane on primary colonic anastomoses in a rat peritonitis model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty female Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study. Bacterial peritonitis was induced in all rats by performing a cecal ligation and puncture. Ten rats served as controls for the bursting pressure measurement, while the other 40 animals were divided into two groups (the anastomosis group (P) or the amniotic membrane group (PA)), and all of them underwent colonic anastomosis. The latter group had amniotic membrane covering their anastomoses. Half of the PA and P groups were sacrificed on the third postoperative day (PA3, P3), and the other half on the seventh postoperative day (PA7, P7).

RESULTS

The bursting pressures were significantly higher in groups PA3 and PA7 compared with P3 (p < 0.01) and P7 (p < 0.05), respectively. Inflammatory cell infiltration and adhesion scores were significantly lower in groups PA3 and PA7 compared with groups P3 (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively) and P7 (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). Neoangiogenesis, fibroblast activity, collagen deposition, and hydroxyproline concentrations were significantly higher in groups with amniotic membrane than in groups without amniotic membrane (p < 0.05, for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the covering of colonic anastomoses with amniotic membrane significantly prevented the delaying effect of intraperitoneal sepsis and provided a safer and stronger anastomosis than suture and that this was the case for both the early and late phases of anastomotic healing in the colon.

Combination of fibrin glue with growth hormone augments healing of incomplete intestinal anastomoses in a rat model of intra-abdominal sepsis: a dynamic study

This study was devised to investigate whether fibrin glue (FG) in combination with growth hormone (GH) could have a beneficial effect at a late period (14 days) after injury. Male Wistar rats, with abdominal sepsis induced by an incomplete anastomosis, were divided into three groups. In the control group, the rats got incomplete anastomoses sutured alone; in the FG and FG/GH groups, anastomoses protection was performed with application of FG alone or in combination with GH. The anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP) was significantly higher in the FG/GH group than that of the FG group on postoperative day (POD) 5 (p < .01), while it could not be measured from POD 7 to POD 14 because of intestinal dehiscence. There was no difference between FG and FG/GH group on POD 3 and POD 5 in anastomotic tensile strength, which was significantly higher in the FG/GH group than that of the FG group from POD 7 to POD 14 (p < .001). Hydroxyproline content of the FG/GH group was significantly higher than that of the control from POD 3 and that of the FG group from POD 5 (p < .05). Combination of FG with GH had a synergistic effect to improve intestinal anastomotic healing over a limited 14-day course of observation.