Effects of high bilirubin levels on the healing of intestinal anastomosis

Abstract

Purpose: This article analyzes the relationship between high biluribin levels and anastomotic healing in the long term.

Methods: Ninety rats were randomly divided into six groups. The first three groups were jaundiced while the other three were unjaundiced. In the jaundiced groups, the rats' common bile ducts were ligated for 1, 2, and 3 weeks and ileal anastomosis was performed. In unjaundiced groups, only anastomosis was performed for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. At the end of the study, the values of the bursting pressures and hydroxyproline levels were determined in all groups. The bilirubin levels were also followed in jaundiced groups.

Results: In the jaundiced groups, the mean hydroxyproline contents were 7.5 +/- 4.0, 6.3 +/- 2.3, and 5.6 +/- 2.1 (microHP/mg tissue) and the mean bursting pressures were 178 +/- 38, 171 +/- 23, and 164 +/- 26 mmHg at weeks 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the unjaundiced groups, the mean hydroxyproline contents were 7.6 +/- 3.2, 8.1 +/- 3.0, and 8.6 +/- 2.5 (microHP/mg tissue) and the mean bursting pressures were 181 +/- 28, 183 +/- 21, and 186 +/- 22 mmHg at weeks 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The bilirubin levels were 3.8 +/- 1.5, 6.5 +/- 2.3, and 11.2 +/- 2.9 mg/dl at weeks 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in the jaundiced groups and 0.6 +/- 0.06, 0.6 +/- 0.03, and 0.7 +/- 0.04 mg/dl in the unjaundiced groups.

Conclusion: This study showed that the bilirubin levels can lead to a deterioration depending on the magnitude of the rise in the bilirubin levels.