Effects of lanreotide on the healing of small bowel anastomoses following obstructive ileus in rats.

PURPOSE: Lanreotide, a long-acting somatostatin analogue, inhibits intestinal, bile and pancreatic secretions and decreases intestinal motility. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the effects of lanreotide on the healing of intestinal anastomoses following small bowel obstruction. METHODS: Two groups of 16 Wistar rats (average weight 310 g) were used. Basal diameters of ileus were measured prior to the ligation of the bowel, 15 cm from the ileocecal valve. Luminal fluid was also withdrawn proximal to the obstructed bowel for sodium and potassium analysis. Lanreotide was administered intramuscularly in a single dose (5.4 mg/kg) in the first group, while the same volume of saline was used in the control group. 48 h later rats were re-operated upon. Diameters of the obstructed segments were measured, and luminal fluid of the obstructed bowel was withdrawn and sodium and potassium levels were measured. A segment of 1 cm of the obstructed bowel was resected and end-to-end intestinal anastomosis was performed. Rats were sacrificed on day 7 following the second operation. Anastomoses were examined macroscopically and resected including a 2.5 cm of small bowel on either side. Bursting pressures were measured and the specimens were send for histological examination. RESULTS: The diameter of obstructed bowel increased significantly in both groups. The increase was more prominent in the control group (P < 0.001). Total luminal electrolyte contents for sodium and potassium were stastistically higher in the control group compared to the lanreotide group (P < 0.001). Adhesion formation was more extensive in the control group. Bursting pressures were significantly higher in the lanreotide group compared to the control group (P=0.003). Histological examination of anastomoses showed a more profound inflammatory reaction in the control group compared to the lanreotide group while microscopical healing of the anastomoses was almost the same in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lanreotide administration in rats with small bowel obstruction decreases significantly distension and electrolyte losses and seems to improve strength of small bowel anastomoses.