The effect of celecoxib administration on the healing and neovascularization of colonic anastomosis in rats

Protective effects of thymoquinone on the healing process of experimental left colonic anastomosis

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer is globally the third most common cancer. Anastomotic complications remain to be an important issue for colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ) on the healing process of left colonic anastomosis in an experimental model.

METHODS

Thirty-two male rats were divided into two groups, as the TQ group and the control group. TQ was administered to the TQ group, whereas the control group was given a standard feed and water for 2 wk. Following the creation of a left colonic anastomosis, subjects in both groups were sacrificed on the postoperative (PO) third and seventh days. Anastomotic burst pressures were measured mechanically. Immunohistochemical stainings for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cluster of differentiation (CD) 31, CD45 were performed, and the matrix metalloproteinase-2 levels were measured. Histologic total scores were calculated according to Ehrlich-Hunt model. A value of P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

One rat in the control group that died on the PO fourth day was excluded. Anastomotic burst pressures on the PO seventh day were higher in the TQ group than the control group (P < 0.01). Histopathological total scores on the PO third and seventh days were higher in the TQ group (P < 0.01). In addition, the TQ group revealed lower matrix metalloproteinase-2 scores on the PO third day and higher hydroxyproline levels on the PO seventh day (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TQ in colorectal surgery cases with left-sided colonic anastomosis resulted with increased anastomotic burst pressures and increased tissue hydroxyproline levels.

An Experimental Study on the Use of Calcium Alginate to Heal Colonic Anastomoses

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak is considered the major complication following abdominal surgery. In recent years, the use of a variety of sealing materials for the prevention of leaks has been analyzed. Different biomaterials have been employed as scaffolds to favour tissue repair and regeneration. Among these materials we must mention alginate, a natural polymer with different applications as temporary supporting matrix. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the behavior of both alginate-impregnated sutures and lyophilized alginate sponges in the healing process of colonic anastomes using an experimental animal model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A preliminary study was undertaken to select the adequate scaffold. Animals (n = 45) were distributed into three groups: control (colonic anastomosis using non-continuous 5-0 Polyglactin 910 suture), suture (colonic anastomosis using suture impregnated with alginate gel at 4%) and sponge (colonic anastomosis using suture reinforced with lyophilized alginate sponge). The macroscopic and histological variables were assessed at 4, 8 and 12 days after surgical intervention.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences have been observed between the groups during the analysis of macroscopic variables. Animals with sponge implantation showed a greater degree of epithelial reepithalization, less acute and chronic inflammation and greater collagen deposit.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of lyophilized alginate sponges to reinforce colonic anastomoses in an animal model reduces inflammation and promotes the earlier formation of greater collagen deposits without increasing the number of adhesions or the incidence of stenosis.