Postoperative supplementation effect of zinc and vitamin C in primary colonic anastomosis on peritonitis condition: A study on New Zealand rabbit

Background: Colon has the highest risk of anastomotic leakage and increases 2.5-fold in peritonitis. To prevent leakage of colonic anastomosis, there are some modalities to upgrade the quality of wound healing. The mineral zinc is good for healing intestinal anastomotic wounds and vitamin C, whose function is related to wound healing and maintaining vascular integrity. This study investigated the effect of daily zinc and vitamin C supplementing on rabbits with peritonitis who underwent colonic anastomosis. Material and methods: Thirty-six New Zealand rabbits underwent peritonitis 5 hours after they continued with a laparotomy to wash the abdominal cavity and colonic anastomosis. The rabbits were then divided into 2 groups. First group was given zinc and vitamin C syrup, while the second group was given normal saline without zinc and vitamin C. On the 6-day postoperative, the rabbits were terminated, and tissue was collected at the colonic anastomosis to examine the histological score of anastomotic wound healing. Results: Significant differences in anastomotic healing in terms of histological scores (collagen density α=0.00, p<0.05; Neovascularisation α=0.00, p<0.05; Fibroblasts, α=0.00, p<0.05). This study generally explains the relationship between zinc and vitamin C administration and colonic anastomosis wound healing in peritonitis. Conclusion: There were significant differences in histological wound healing scores (collagen density, neovascularization, fibroblasts) in the treatment group compared to the control group.