Does Rectal Application of Red-Ginseng have an Effect on Colorectal Anastomosis Healing? An Experimental Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the possible effects of red-ginseng on colon anastomosis healing in an experimental rat model. Methods: In Group 1 (sham), laparotomy and colonic mobilization were performed. Colonic transection and anastomosis were performed to Groups 2 and 3. In Group 2 (control), 2 ml of saline was administered rectally to all rats for 10 days. Group 3 (drug group) rats were given 2.5 gr/kg ml red ginseng extract rectally for 10 days. Results: The rats in the sham group had the highest bursting pressure and the rats in the red ginseng group had higher bursting pressure than in the control group (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed only for the total SH level between the control group and the red ginseng group (p= 0.008). The red ginseng group had the highest scores for all parameters in the histopathological evaluation and the differences were significant compared to both the sham group and the control group. Conclusion: Rectally administered red-ginseng significantly increased wound healing parameters and increased anastomotic burst pressure. This is the first study in the literature on the beneficial effects of red-ginseng on colorectal anastomoses.