Does becaplermin (platelet-derived growth factor-BB) reverse detrimental effects of ischemia on colonic anastomosis?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of becaplermin on normal and ischemic colon anastomoses.

METHODS

Forty adult male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into four equal groups of ten. All rats underwent standard left colon resection and end-to-end anastomosis. The groups were as follows: Group 1, normal anastomosis alone; Group 2, ischemic anastomosis alone; Group 3, normal anastomosis and becaplermin therapy; and Group 4, ischemic anastomosis and becaplermin therapy. All animals were killed on postoperative Day 4. Intra-abdominal adhesions were scored, and anastomotic healing was evaluated with both in situ bursting pressure and hydroxyproline levels.

RESULTS

According to bursting pressure results, there was a significant difference between Group 2 and Group 4 (P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 (P > 0.05). Hydroxyproline values revealed no statistically significant difference among any of the groups (P > 0.05). With regard to intra-abdominal adhesion scores, Group 3 had significantly lower values than Group 2 and Group 4 (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Detrimental effects of ischemia on colonic anastomotic healing were reversed with becaplermin therapy. However, there was no such benefit on nonischemic anastomoses. Intra-abdominal application of this gel did not lead to an increase in intra-abdominal adhesion formation.