The Effect of Systemic Carnitine Administration on Colon Anastomosis Healing in an Experimental Sepsis Model.

AIM This study aimed to investigate the effects of L-carnitine, with its known antioxidant properties and positive effects on wound healing, on the healing of colon anastomosis in a cecal ligation and puncture sepsis model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 (n = 10). Groups 1 and 2 had laparotomy and colon anastomosis performed. Groups 3 and 4 had cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and colon anastomosis performed. Rats in Groups 1 and 3 were given 15 mL/kg intraperitoneal 0.9% isotonic NaCl, while the rats in Groups 2 and 4 were given 100 mg/kg intraperitoneal L-carnitine. On the postoperative fifth day, the rats were sacrificed and the burst pressure of anastomosis, histopathological effects, and tissue hydroxyproline levels were investigated. RESULTS In Groups 2 and 4, the anastomosis burst pressure and histopathological results in both noninfected abdomen and presence of peritonitis were statistically high compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Though the hydroxyproline levels were also high, there was no statistically significant difference for this parameter (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings obtained from the experimental sepsis model showed that healing of anastomosis in both the presence of peritonitis and noninfected abdomen was positively affected by the systemic administration of L-carnitine and this may contribute to the safety of anastomosis.