BACKGROUND: Growth factors are substances that modulates tissue healing. Fibroblast growth factor is produced by platelets, macrofages and fibroblasts itself, stimulates cellular proliferation, collagen production and other elements of the cellular matrix, enhancing the healing proccess, even under adverse conditions. In order to study the influence of the basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FCF-b) on the healing of esophageal anastomosis, an experimental model was produced to measure the anastomosis strenght, the amount of collagen and granulation tissue. METHODS: Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing 275±17g, were randomly allocated into two groups of ten each: Group A and B, were submitted to esophageal transection and anastomosis through a laparotomy approach. The anastomosis suture line of the group A was treated with a topical solution containing 10ng of FCF-b, whereas the control group (B) was treated with saline. Animals were killed on the 7th postoperative day, and the esophageal specimen removed to evaluate the anastomosis strenght, the input of inflamatory cells, and the amount of angiogenesis and collagen layered at the suture line. A digital system was used to process the histologic study. RESULTS: Group A showed greater amounts of inflamatory cells, angiogenesis and collagen density, as compared with the control group B. The quantitative mean density of the hystological data reached 9095.51±1284.5 in Group A and 7162.40±1273.19 in group B (p=0.013). The anastomosis suture line resistance to blowout was 210±18.88 mmHg in group A and 157±29.55 mmHg in group B (p=0.0024). CONCLUSION: This experimental model in rats confirms that FCF-b, when applied topically, enhances healing of esofageal anastomosis.
Wound healing; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; Collagen; Esophagus; Anastomosis, surgical
