Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effect of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive with polypropylene suture on the healing of colonic anastomosis in Wistar rats.

METHODS:

Thirty two animals, divided in four groups of eight, were established concerning suture with Polypropylene or Cyanoacrylate application, and the day chose for euthanasia: third or seventh day following operation. In the control group, the anastomosis was done in a single layer with 5.0 polypropylene suture. In the adhesive group, the anastomosis was performed by using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate. Operative time, integrity and gross anastomotic healing, bursting pressure, intestinal obstruction, adhesions formation, histological healing and inflammatory process were recorded.

RESULTS:

Adhesion formation was more extensive in the cyanoacrylate group on the seventh postoperative day comparing with suture group (p=0.007). Mechanical strength of the anastomosis assessed on the seventh postoperative day was lower in 2-octyl cyanoacrylate group (p=0.002). Partial intestinal obstruction rate were more frequent in anastomosis using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate compared to those with polypropylene suture on the seventh postoperative day (p=0.029). Operative time were longer in groups with adhesive (p=0.004). The wound healing process, and inflammatory process did not differ statistically between groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The application of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, under experimental conditions seems to be detrimental at the seventh day of the healing, causing intense adhesion formation, colonic obstruction; and impairment healing with less mechanical strength resistance.