Effects of a selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitor on colonic anastomotic and skin wound integrity.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Selective inhibitors of inducible cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) are of potential benefit in the perioperative period for both their analgesic and, perhaps, antineoplastic actions. However, their effects on laparotomy and intestinal wound healing are unknown.

METHODS:

Forty adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent laparotomy, descending colonic transection and handsewn reanastomosis. The animals were randomized to receive either a selective COX-2 inhibitor (rofecoxib, 10 mg/kg) or an equal volume of water by gavage before operation and then daily after surgery. Animals were killed after 3 or 7 days, and their wounds were evaluated by means of tensiometry (skin and colonic wounds) and bursting pressure measurement (colonic anastomoses). In addition, haematoxylin and eosin-stained intestinal sections were examined and scored by a blinded independent observer.

RESULTS:

Five animals that received rofecoxib had anastomotic leaks by day 7 compared with none in the control group (P = 0.048). Intact colonic suture lines were also significantly weaker in this group (tensile strength at day 3, P = 0.043; bursting pressure on days 3 and 7, both P = 0.019). Skin wound strengths were similar in the two groups at both time points.

CONCLUSION:

Although beneficial in the treatment of pathological inflammation, selective COX-2 inhibitors may adversely affect colonic anastomotic healing.

• Authors: R A Cahill, K M Sheehan, R W Scanlon, F E Murray, E W Kay, H P Redmond
• Journal: The British journal of surgery (Br J Surg) Vol. 91 Issue 12 Pg. 1613-8 (Dec 2004) ISSN: 0007-1323 [Print] England
• PMID: 15505871 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd.

Chemical References

• Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
• Isoenzymes
• Cyclooxygenase 2
• Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases

Topics

• Anastomosis, Surgical
• Animals
• Colon (surgery)
• Cyclooxygenase 2
• Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors (pharmacology)
• Isoenzymes (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Male
• Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
• Random Allocation
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Wound Healing (drug effects)