title: A multicenter trial of the use of the proteolytic enzyme inhibitor aprotinin in colorectal surgery.
abstract: Animal studies have demonstrated the value of the proteolytic enzyme inhibitor, aprotinin, in reducing collagen breakdown and improving the healing of experimental colonic anastomoses. A double-blind, multicenter, prospective trial has evaluated the use of aprotinin in the prevention of anastomotic leakage in patients. Two hundred sixteen patients undergoing colonic resection and anastomosis were studied. Patients were randomized to receive either aprotinin or placebo intravenously, peroperatively, and for the first three postoperative days. Anastomotic integrity was assessed clinically and by Hypaque enema on the tenth postoperative day. Although the use of aprotinin was not associated with a significant overall decrease in anastomotic leakage rates, in 95 patients undergoing anterior resection, leakage rates in those receiving aprotinin (clinical 10.8 percent; radiologic 32.4 percent) were lower than in those receiving placebo (17.2 percent and 43.1 percent, respectively). An apparent adverse association was noted, however, in patients undergoing left hemicolectomy or sigmoid colectomy who received aprotinin.
authors: University Departments of Surgery, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
authors: W G
authors: WG
authors: Sheridan
authors: A A
authors: AA
authors: Shandall
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Alexander-Williams
authors: M R
authors: MR
authors: Keighley
authors: P B
authors: PB
authors: Boulos
authors: H L
authors: HL
authors: Young
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D007611:Aprotinin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003082:Colectomy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D007611:Aprotinin