The effect of Dermalix® on colon anastomosis leakage: experimental study.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Dermalix® (Dx) on wound healing and anastomotic leakage in a rat model of end-to-end colon anastomosis.

Methods: The study was carried out on 40 rats, as divided into three groups, including a negative control group (n=10, laparotomy only) control group (n=15, colon anastomosis), and the experimental group (n=15, colon anastomosis plus Dx applied to anastomo-sis site). The rats were sacrificed on the 3rd post-operative day, and resected colon segments were evaluated for bursting pressure (mmHg) using an infusion pump set-up and for pathological parameters of wound healing including neutrophil infiltration, epithelial regeneration, granulation tissue formation, local inflammatory response, neovascularization, and foreign body reaction.

Results: Anastomotic leakage rate was significantly lower (1 rat vs. 6 rats, P=0.040). Moreover, mean bursting pressure was signifi-cantly (2.95 times) higher (mean 121 vs. 41 mmHg, respectively, P<0.05) in the Dx experimental group than in the control group. Dx was considered to significantly accelerate wound healing by increasing neovascularization (P<0.001). Control and experimental groups were similar in terms of other pathological parameters.

Conclusion: Based on significantly lower rate of anastomotic leakage and its positive effects especially on the bursting pressure and neovascularization, Dx seems to be considered as a promising technology in preventing anastomotic leakage.