ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: In this study we investigated the role of exogenous melatonin administration on the healing of colonic anastomoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups: control, vehicle, 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg melatonin, which was administered postoperatively on days 0, 1, and 2. Following colon resection and anastomosis, the rats were sacrificed on the 3rd and 7th days to measure bursting pressure and hydroxyproline content of the anastomoses. RESULTS: Bursting pressure significantly increased on the 7th day compared with the 3rd day in all groups. Hydroxyproline levels did not show any significant change on the 3rd day compared with the 7th day in any of the groups. Hydroxyproline levels were significantly higher in control groups than in melatonin groups. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that exogenous melatonin has no beneficial effect on the healing of colonic anastomosis.
