Histological evaluation of the effects of 5-fluorouracil on partially divided flexor tendon injuries in rabbits

• Published in: European journal of plastic surgery 2017-02, Vol.40 (1), p.1-10
• Main Authors: Duci, Shkelzen B., Arifi, Hysni M., Ahmeti, Hasan R., Manxhuka-Kerliu, Suzana, . Mekaj, Agon Y, Shahini, Labinot, Kurshumliu, Fisnik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Experimental Study; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Plastic Surgery
• ISSN: 0930-343X; 1435-0130
• DOI: 10.1007/s00238-016-1237-z

Background The most frequent complication after flexor tendon repair is the development of adhesions. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on tendon adhesions in partially divided profundus flexor tendons (flexor digitorum profundus (FDPs)) following surgical repair and in partially divided FDPs without surgical repair. Methods The study was performed on the deep flexor tendons of the second and third digits of the right hind paws of rabbits. Results Results of the repair versus the nonrepair of zone two injuries were compared via histopathological evaluations of tendon adhesions. Based on the results observed in our experimental study, during histological evaluation, the adhesion was significantly greater in subgroup 1a in which the tendons were repaired surgically and not treated with 5-FU than those of subgroup 2a in which the tendons were repaired surgically and treated with 5-FU. There were no significant differences in histological evaluation of the tendons of subgroups 1b and 2b. Based on the results observed in our experimental study, we conclude that 5-FU did not affect on the creation of adhesion in partially divided flexor tendons that have not been surgically repaired. Conclusions A single topical application of 5-FU at a concentration of 25 mg/ml was effective in controlling peritendinous adhesions following surgical repair in this animal model. Level of Evidence: Not ratable.