Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis extract on wound healing, colon anastomosis, and postoperative adhesion in colon anastomosis rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal adhesions increase the incidence and duration of surgical complications. Numerous anti-adhesive agents have been utilized to address this issue, yet no definitive solution has been identified. Research on the prevention and reduction of anastomotic leakage remains a critical focus. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Rosmarinus officinalis extract on colon anastomosis as a surgical model, its anti-adhesive properties, and its impact on wound healing at the laparotomy site to facilitate its clinical application. METHODS: Fourteen rats were divided into two groups of seven. Group C (Control): Laparotomy with colon anastomosis and administration of 2 mL isotonic solution. Group R (Rosmarinus officinalis): Laparotomy with colon anastomosis and administration of 2 mL of 2% Rosmarinus officinalis extract. Macroscopic adhesion scoring was conducted and recorded. Wound tensile strength was as-sessed using tissue samples from the incision site. Histopathological analysis and hydroxyproline level measurements were performed on tissue samples from the incision line. Anastomotic burst pressure was measured at the colon anastomosis site. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in macroscopic adhesion scores was observed between the Group C and Group R (p=1.000). The mean wound tensile strength in the Group R was significantly lower than in the Group C (p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in mean anastomotic burst pressure between the groups (p=0.078). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, the peritoneal administration of Rosmarinus officinalis extract in the early postoperative pe-riod may increase the risk of evisceration at the abdominal incision site.