Supplementation with high-dose ascorbic acid improves intestinal anastomotic healing

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 mu g/mg) was higher than that of groups 1 ( 157.9 +/- 14.9 mu g/mg) and 2 ( 187.9 +/- 14.8 mu g/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 (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.