The effect of omega-3 fatty acid and ascorbic acid on healing of ischemic colon anastomoses.
OBJECTIVE
Many systemic and local factors contribute to gastrointestinal tract anastomoses dehiscence, which is a serious and potentially fatal postoperative complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid and ascorbic acid on the healing of ischemic colon anastomosis.


METHODS
40 Wistar Albino rats weighing between 180 and 220 g were divided into four groups. Groups were assigned as follows; Group 1 (control): anastomosis and no treatment, Group 2: anastomosis plus ascorbic acid, Group 3: anastomosis plus omega-3 fatty acid, and Group 4: anastomosis plus ascorbic acid and omega-3 fatty acid. Colon anastomoses was were performed in all rats. All animals were sacrificed on the 5th postoperative day. Healing of the anastomoses was assessed by measuring the burst pressures (BP) and hydroxyproline levels.


RESULTS
No mortality was observed and perianastomotic abscesses were not noted in any rats. The BP was significantly higher in the ascorbic acid plus omega-3 fatty acid combination group than the other groups (p < 0.05). The hydroxyproline levels were significantly high in ascorbic acid plus omega-3 fatty acid combination group than the other groups (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and ascorbic acid improved colonic anastomoses healing. Ascorbic acid and omega-3 fatty acid enhance the colonic wound healing process by additive action.
Medical School of Yeditepe University, Department of General Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey. drbaki@yahoo.com
Baki
B
Ekçi
Ihsan
I
Karabicak
Pinar
P
Atukeren
Ediz
E
Altinlio
Kamer
K
Tomaoglu
Ihsan
I
Tasci
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003106:Colon / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D001205:Ascorbic Acid