Abstract
Purpose : Infiltration of a local anesthetic to provide postoperative analgesia is a frequently used method. However the infiltrated agents may have negative effects on wound healing. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tramadol, a weak opioid with a local anesthetic effect, on wound healing.
Methods : Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Tramadol and saline infiltration was randomly performed on the left and right backs of rats. Following a linear incision, the site was sutured. A follow-up was conducted after seven days, and the tissue samples from both locations were extracted for histopathological examinations (fibrotic index: no fibrosis 0, mild 1, moderate 2, severe 3) and hydroxyproline measurements.
Results : The hydroxyproline level found in the tramadol group was 0.060 ± 0.04 ng/mg.protein. In the control group the hydroxyproline level was 0.012 ± 0.01 ng/mg.protein (p = 0.01). The fibrotic index levels in the tramadol group were higher than the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion : It was concluded that tramadol infiltration in a surgical incision site has no adverse effect on wound healing.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
D. Özkan
D. Özkan, M.D. Anesthesiology Department Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital 06110 Ankara, Turkey Tel.: +90 3125962553 Fax: +90 3123186690 E-mail: [email protected]