The effect of epidermal growth factor on anastomosis, fascia, and skin wound healing

BACKGROUND: The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on gastrojejunostomy (anastomosis), fascia, and skin wound healing in rats was investigated. METHODS: The animals (rats) were separated into two main groups. In the first group (control group n:23), rats were fed on standard diet and tap water without administration of EGF. In the second group (EGF group, n:19), EGF was added to the diet. Skin, fascia, and anastomosis wounds were created on three different locations via laparotomy and gastrojejunostomy in all rats. In both groups, the rats divided into three subgroups were sacrificed on the 3rd, 7th, and 21st days post operatively. Tensile strength of skin and fascia and bursting pressure strength were measured for wound healing in both groups on 3rd, 7th, and 21st days. RESULTS: Anastomosis tensile strength of EGF group on the 3rd day of postoperation was found to be significantly higher than that of the control group and when we compared anastomosis bursting pressure, fascia tensile strength, and skin tensile strength in both groups, we did not find any significant differences. CONCLUSION: The measurements indicated that on the 3rd day EGF administered group, which had a more remarkable fibroblastic activity at gastrojejunostomy site, was superior to the control group only in terms of anastomosis breaking tensile strength.