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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Netta
S
S
1st Propedeutic Surgical Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, T.Ikonimidi 21, 551 31 Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Michalopoulos
A
A
Apostolidis
S
S
Paramythiotis
D
D
Papavramidis
T
T
Papadopoulos
V
V
Tziris
N
N
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003106:Colon / Q000187:drug effects*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D010533:Peritoneal Lavage; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile