The effects of tramadol infiltration on wound healing in rats.
OBJECTIVE
Infiltration of a local anesthetic to provide postoperative analgesia is a frequently used method. However the infiltrated agents may have negative effects on wound healing. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tramadol, a weak opioid with a local anesthetic effect, on wound healing.


METHODS
Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Tramadol and saline infiltration was randomly performed on the left and right backs of rats. Following a linear incision, the site was sutured. A follow-up was conducted after seven days, and the tissue samples from both locations were extracted for histopathological examinations (fibrotic index : no fibrosis 0, mild 1, moderate 2, severe 3) and hydroxyproline measurements.


RESULTS
The hydroxyproline level found in the tramadol group was 0.060 +/- 0.04 ng/mg.protein. In the control group the hydroxyproline level was 0.012 +/-0.01 ng/mg.protein (p = 0.01). The fibrotic index levels in the tramadol group were higher than the control group (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
It was concluded that tramadol infiltration in a surgical incision site has no adverse effect on wound healing.
Anesthesiology Department, Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. derya_z@yahoo.com
D
D
Ozkan
Surgery Department, Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
D
D
Seker
Anesthesiology Department, Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
J
J
Ergil
Biochemistry Department, Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
A
A
Yalcindag
Pathology Department, Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
U
U
Han
Biochemistry Department, Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Z
Z
Ginis
Surgery Department, Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
M
M
Akinci
Biochemistry Department, Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
N
N
Delibas
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000818:Animals; D005355:Fibrosis; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D014147:Tramadol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D014147:Tramadol