Use of Antioxidant Substances in Intestinal Anastomosis in Rats

Introduction: Intestinal anastomosis consist of surgical procedures which there is an anastomotic line between two intestinal segments in order to reconstruct or divert the digestive transit. However, several complications may result from this surgical procedure. Objective: Present, describe and discuss the findings of the literature regarding substances capable of reducing injury and possible complications of intestinal anastomoses. Method: The data were collected by literature review using the descriptors: "intestinal anastomoses", "antioxidants"; and as basis articles published in the published Scientific Electronic Library (Scielo), Lilacs, MedLine and Pubmed databases. Inclusion criteria were original and review articles published in full in the online form in the Portuguese, Spanish and English languages, using the descriptors mentioned above in the respective languages. Results: Scientific articles were collected, in which 38 papers were included in the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: The major parts of substances described in the present study demonstrated be statistically relevant results and the capacity to optimize the anastomotic healing.