Effect of carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronate solutions on jejunal healing in horses.

This study explores the effects of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and sodium hyaluronate solutions on the healing process of intestine in horses. The findings indicate that coating single-layer appositional intestinal junctions with these solutions does not hinder healing. Furthermore, applying sodium hyaluronate to the serosal surface of the intestine significantly reduces adhesion formation.

Background

• The research was initiated to evaluate the impact of two solutions, 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) and 0.4% sodium hyaluronate, on intestinal wound healing in horses.
• The study also aimed to examine the formation of adhesions, which are fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs following surgery or injury.

Methodology

• A total of 18 adult horses were involved in the experiment, which involved surgical intervention to create an end-to-end linkage (anastomosis) within the small intestine (jejunum).
• The horses were divided into three groups: a control group where no treatment was applied; a group where SCMC was applied; and a group where sodium hyaluronate was applied.
• In addition to merely coating the anastomosis, 500 mL of the respective treatment solution was applied to the jejunal serosal surface, and two sites were deliberately abraded to study the effect of the solutions on healing and adhesion formation.
• Subsequently, the horses were euthanatized ten days post-operation, and an examination was conducted to assess the healing and adhesions.

Results

• The study found that anastomotic healing did not suffer any adverse effects from coating with SCMC or the hyaluronate solutions. Instead, The SCMC group showed greater bursting wall tension, which indicates better healing, compared with the control group.
• The horses treated with hyaluronate solution showed fewer adhesions at the abrasion sites compared with the control group horses.
• However, no significant differences were observed in adhesion formation at the anastomotic sites among the three groups.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that utilizing SCMC or hyaluronate solutions to coat the anastomosis in a horse’s intestine does not negatively affect healing. It was also noted that the application of hyaluronate solution on the surface of the jejunum significantly reduced the incidence of adhesion formation.
• Such findings allow for improved surgical procedures and post-operative care in veterinary medicine, especially concerning intestinal surgery in horses.