Effect of korean red ginseng on colon anastomotic healing: A randomised controlled experimental study

Aim: Although vegetable medicinal products are used worldwide, their beneficial and harmful effects have not been well documented. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on the healing of experimental colonic anastomosis in a rat model. Material and Methods: Forty rats were randomized into four groups as follows: control groups (A and B) and KRG groups (C and D). Surgical procedure consisted of a transection and handsewn anastomosis of the ascending colon. Animals daily received either KRG (50m1/kg) or an equal volume of water by gavages 5 days before operation and then the surgery was done. Rats in Groups A and C were sacrificed on postoperative day (POD) 3, rats in Groups B and D were sacrificed on POD 7. Anastomotic complications and anastomotic bursting pressure measurements were recorded. Following these measurements, the anastomotic segment was resected for hydroxyproline (HPO) and histopathological evaluation. Results: No significant differences were found in anastomotic complications. The colonic bursting pressures in the KRG groups were statistically significantly better than in the control groups. The hydroxyproline content was also significantly higher in Group C than in Group A. Histological examination confirmed that KRG treatment significantly increased neovascularization, fibroblastic activity and collagen content compared with controls on POD 7. Discussion: Peri-operative administration of the KRG has a positive influence on the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.