Effect of sildenafil on wound healing: an experimental study.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the effect of sildenafil on the healing process of abdominal wall wound in rats.

Materials And Methods: The study was performed with adult female Wistar-Albino rats. Control group (n = 50) were fed on standard laboratory diet until 12 h before surgery. Study group (n = 50) were applied orally with orogastric tube 10 mg/kg once a day for 10 days of sildenafil therapy. Each rat was anesthetized, and a 4-cm-long midline laparotomy was performed. Ten animals from each group were killed at postoperative days (PODs) 4, 7, 14, 21, and 35. Breaking strength analysis was measured, and the abdominal incision wounds were examined histologically.

Results: Breaking strength for the midline incision, acute inflammation score on POD 14, and neovascularization on PODs 7, 14, 21, and 35 were significantly higher in the study group.

Conclusions: Sildenafil can be used as a supporting factor in wound healing.