Original Paper

Supplementation with High-Dose Ascorbic Acid Improves Intestinal Anastomotic Healing
M.H. Cevikel^a, P. Tuncyurek^a, F. Ceylan^a, I. Meteoglu^b, D. Kozaci^c, S. Boylu^a

Departments of
^aSurgery,
^bPathology, and
^cBiochemistry, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Surg Res 2008;40:29-33 (DOI: 10.1159/000108622)

  Key Words

• Ascorbic acid
• Anastomotic healing
• Pharmaconutrition

  Abstract

Background/Aim: Ascorbic acid modulates tissue healing but the value of ascorbic acid supplementation during anastomotic healing remains unclear. We examined the role of ascorbic acid treatment in experimental intestinal resection. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats (n = 30) were divided into three groups: sham treatment (group 1), and daily ascorbic acid treatment with 100 mg/kg (group 2) or 200 mg/kg (group 3) via the intramuscular route. Following sacrifice on the 7th postoperative day, bursting pressure of the anastomoses was measured. Hydroxyproline assessment and histological analysis were carried out. Results: The bursting pressure values of groups 2 (171.4 ± 4.3 mm Hg) and 3 (196.4 ± 2.2 mm Hg) were higher than that of group 1 (139.1 ± 4.1 mm Hg; p < 0.05). In addition, the hydroxyproline level of group 3 (249.2 ± 25.1 µg/mg) was higher than that of groups 1 (157.9 ± 14.9 µg/mg) and 2 (187.9 ± 14.8 µg/mg; p < 0.05). The histopathological scores indicated improved healing in groups 3 (6.0 ± 0.2) and 2 (4.4 ± 0.4), compared to group 1 (2.7 ± 0.3; p < 0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, supraphysiologic doses of ascorbic acid improved anastomotic healing. Therefore, vitamin C supplementation poses as a beneficial treatment in the context of collagen accumulation, inflammatory response, and anastomotic strength. However, the clinical value of high-dose ascorbic acid supplementation in the clinical setting is yet to be established.

Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pars Tuncyurek
Adnan Menderes Universitesi Tip Fakultesi Genel Cerrahi Anabilim Dali
TR-09000 Aydin (Turkey)
Tel. +90 256 444 1256 137, Fax +90 256 214 6495
E-Mail tuncyurekp@yahoo.com

  Article Information

Received: February 28, 2007
Accepted after revision: June 15, 2007
Published online: September 20, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 33