The effect of Tannic acid on colonic anastomosis in abdominal sepsis: An experimental study

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tannic acid on colonic anastomosis in a sepsis model induced by cecal abrasion.

Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The animals were randomly divided into three groups of ten: Group 1 (n:10): Colonic anastomosis + 0.9% isotonic NaCl. Group 2 (n:10): Cecal ligation and puncture + Colonic anastomosis + 0.9% isotonic NaCl. Group 3 (n:10): Cecal ligation and puncture + Colonic anastomosis + Tannic Acid group. The rats were sacrificed on the fifth postoperative day, and the resected colon segments, bursting pressure, hydroxyproline levels, and histopathologic features of the anastomosis were evaluated.

The bursting pressure value was statistically significantly higher in Group 3, where tannic acid was administered (p < 0.05). Group 2 and Group 3, in which peritonitis was induced, had moderate levels of fibroblastic activity, inflammatory cell infiltration, neovascularisation, and collagen; whereas, they were higher in Group 1. Although the inflammation value dropped in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2, there was no statistical difference in Group 2. The hydroxyproline values were 2.046 ± 1.1411 mcg/gr and 5.9730 ± 4.35900 mcg/gr tissues, respectively, in Groups 2 and 3, where septic conditions prevailed, and a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.05).

This experimental study revealed that the use of tannic acid during anastomosis has a positive effect on wound healing, acting through higher colonic anastomotic bursting pressures and higher tissue hydroxyproline levels.