Effect of Extractum cepae, heparin sodium and allantoin combination (ContractubexTM) on adhesion and fibrosis after neck surgery (thyroidectomy) in rats

OBJECTIVE Reoperative thyroid surgery is technically difficult process with increased complications due to the adhesions and fibrosis caused by the previous surgery. In this experimental animal model, we planned to investigate the effect of ContracttubexTM, a mixture of Extractum cepae, Heparin sodium and Allantoin, on adhesion and fibrosis after neck surgery (thyroidectomy). METHODS The current study is an experimental animal model of post-thyroidectomy adhesion. Twelve Wistar-Albino male rats in two groups were used. Under sterile conditions, a midline incision on the neck was made. The anterior thyroid muscles were separated and the thyroid lodge was reached. As a minor interventional procedure, a sponge was applied to the thyroid tissue, and then a combination of 1 g Extractum capae, heparin, sodium, and allantoin was applied to the dissection site in the drug group. Rats in both groups were sacrificed on 30th day. Cervical regions were dissected and evaluated for macroscopic adhesion. Tissue samples were taken for microscopic evaluation for fibrosis and inflammation. RESULTS In the experimental group in which ContractubexTM was applied, inflammation was not detected in five (83.3%) of six rats while no inflammation was detected in four (66.7%) of six rats in the control group (p=0.505). Considering the fibrosis score, mild or moderate fibrosis was detected in four (66.7%) of six rats in the control group, while fibrosis was found in only two (33.3%) rats in the experimental group (p=0.264). When macroscopic adhesion was evaluated, two (33.3%) rats of the control group subjects were Grade 4, and one (16.7%) was Grade 3. No rats in the experimental group were Grade 4 (p=0.392). CONCLUSION ContractubexTM seems to be effective in preventing adhesions and fibrosis after thyroidectomy and neck surgery, but further research is needed for use in human studies.