Enhancement of colonic anastomotic strength in rats by short-chain fatty acids.

BACKGROUND

The present study is aiming at elucidating the effect of intraoperative lavage with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on colonic anastomosis in rats.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (10 rats each). After resection of a segment of transverse colon, an end-to-end anastomosis was performed. In the 1st group, no intraoperative large bowel lavage was performed; in the 2nd, a lavage with normal saline solution; in the 3rd, the animals received a diet rich in SCFAs pre- and postoperatively, and a lavage with normal saline was performed; and in the 4th group, an intraoperative lavage with SCFAs was carried out. On the 4th postoperative day, the animals were sacrificed. Septic complications, adhesions and anastomoses were graded macroscopically and histologically, and bursting pressure of the anastomoses, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-a was measured.

RESULTS

Fewer septic complications (abscesses and minimal ruptures) and adhesions were observed in the 4th group with the intraoperative lavage with SCFAs. The bursting pressure also, in the same group, was higher (73.3 mmHg), followed by the 1st group (67.1 mmHg).

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative lavage with SCFAs increases the bursting pressure of colonic anastomoses, while lavage with saline solution decreases it, in comparison to the group without lavage.