The hemostatic effect of calcium alginate in experimental splenic injury model.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effect of calcium alginate as a hemostatic agent in a splenic injury model. METHODS: Experimental rats (Wistar albino) were divided into four groups. Group I: Laparotomy was not performed. Group II: After laparotomy, the abdomen was closed without any splenic injury. Group III: After laparotomy, splenic injury about 0.5 cm in depth and 0.3 cm in length was created by standard Rochester pean forceps. Physiological serum treated gauze dressing, about 2x2 cm in size, was applied to the injured splenic tissue for 3 minutes. Group IV: After laparotomy, standard splenic injury about 0.5 cm in length and 0.3 cm in depth was created. Calcium alginate wound dressing, 1x1 cm in size, was applied to the splenic wound. In all groups, blood samples for bleeding time and hemogram were taken. Peroperative blood loss, pre- and post-operative hemoglobin and hematocrit values were calculated. RESULTS: Comparing hematocrit values and peroperative bleeding in Groups III and IV, Group IV had a lower decline in hematocrit values and lower peroperative bleeding. CONCLUSION: Calcium alginate has hemostatic capacity. It may be used in splenic injuries, especially for Grades I and II.

The early anti-inflammatory effect of Kefir in experimental corrosive esophagitis.

AIM: Corrosive esophageal burns are still an important problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of kefir in an experimental corrosive esophagitis model. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-four male wistar albino rats were used in this experimental study. The rats were randomized into three groups according to the procedure and treatment type (each group has eight rats). Group I: (Control group), Group II: (Induction of corrosive esophagitis with 5 % NaOH without any treatment) and Group III: (Corrosive esophagitis treated with kefir). The rats were sacrificed on the first and seventh days. Mediastinum and abdominal cavity of rats were explorated. Approximately 1.5 cm of esophagus was removed for histopathological examination. Inflammation, injury in the muscularis mucosa and collagen deposition were evaluated. RESULTS: Histopathological results on the first day after caustic injury; inflammation was detected in three rats in Group II and there were no inflammation in rats in Group III. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Injury in muscularis mucosa was detected in three rats in Group II and in one rat in Group III. Histopathological results on the seventh days after caustic injury; Inflammation was positive in four rats in Group II and three rats in Group III. Injury in muscularis mucosa was equal in two groups (three rats each). Collagen deposition with high grade (Grade 2) was detected in two rats in Group II and in four rats in Group III (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Kefir has anti-inflammatory effect specially in early phase of caustic injury. It has also some beneficial effect in wound healing.