Evaluation of Dextrose Water, Black Tea and Orange Juice on Histopathologic Recovery of Surgery-Induced Intestinal Damage in Rabbits

BACKGROUND The increase in intestinal permeability following damage to the intestinal mucosa in any surgical procedure, trauma or fasting is well- known. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to experimentally evaluate whether antioxidant consumption is associated with decreased intestinal damage in intestinal surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty rabbits were used to compare the pathological changes in the intestine after consumption of dextrose water 5% (D5W), black tea and orange juice in fasting and in cases with intestine resection and anastomosis. They were divided in to five groups as shams (GI), NPO (G II), D5W (GIII), black tea (GIV) and orange juice groups (GV). In GII to GV group with median laparotomy, a 2 cm segment of jejunum was resected and ends of the bowel were anastomosed. Postoperatively, animals fasted for five days. Animals in GII were killed after five days of fasting. On day five case groups were given free access to drinking D5w (GIII), black tea solution (G IV) and orange juice (GV) for a further 7 days. On day 8, animals were reoperated and the repaired segment of intestine was removed. Morphologic data were compared in groups. RESULTS There were 8 rabbits in each group. There was a significant difference in villi lengths in the groups (P = 0.003). GV rabbits had obvious recovery of the villous architecture. CONCLUSIONS Orange juice as a source of vitamin C may be an appropriate liquid for postoperative recovery following intestinal surgery.