The effect of Dermalix® on colon anastomosis leakage: experimental study.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Dermalix® (Dx) on wound healing and anastomotic leakage in a rat model of end-to-end colon anastomosis.

METHODS

The study was carried out on 40 rats, as divided into three groups, including a negative control group (n=10, laparotomy only) control group (n=15, colon anastomosis), and the experimental group (n=15, colon anastomosis plus Dx applied to anastomo-sis site). The rats were sacrificed on the 3rd post-operative day, and resected colon segments were evaluated for bursting pressure (mmHg) using an infusion pump set-up and for pathological parameters of wound healing including neutrophil infiltration, epithelial regeneration, granulation tissue formation, local inflammatory response, neovascularization, and foreign body reaction.

RESULTS

Anastomotic leakage rate was significantly lower (1 rat vs. 6 rats, P=0.040). Moreover, mean bursting pressure was signifi-cantly (2.95 times) higher (mean 121 vs. 41 mmHg, respectively, P<0.05) in the Dx experimental group than in the control group. Dx was considered to significantly accelerate wound healing by increasing neovascularization (P<0.001). Control and experimental groups were similar in terms of other pathological parameters.

CONCLUSION

Based on significantly lower rate of anastomotic leakage and its positive effects especially on the bursting pressure and neovascularization, Dx seems to be considered as a promising technology in preventing anastomotic leakage.