Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and phenytoin on healing of abdominal wall fascia and colonic anastomoses

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and phenytoin on wound healing in rats compromised by methylprednisone. This study was conducted in four groups consisting of 20 male Wistar rats. Rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 had a daily injection of methylprednisolone 5 mg/kg/day for 15 days. Laparotomy and sigmoid transsection were performed on day 15. In the postoperative period, rats in group 1 received no medication, group 2 received methylprednisolone 5 mg/kg/day intramuscularly, group 3 received bFGF 5 mu g/kg on days 1-3 subcutaneously, and group 4 received phenytoin 40 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally. bFGF and phenytoin had a positive effect on tensile strength, hydroxyproline content, and wound healing parameters in abdominal wall fascia. In colonic anastomosis, phenytoin corrected all parameters, but bFGF had no effect.