Comparative Evaluation of Vitamin C as Adjunct Therapy in Surgery Using Dead Space Wound Model in Albino Rats

Abstract

The global burden of wounds in clinical practice has necessitated inclusion of adjunct therapies in wound management. This study comparatively evaluated vitamin C as an adjunct therapy in surgical wound management using the dead space wound model. Twenty-four male white albino rats (mean weight of 271.33 ± 5.71 g) were assigned to 3 groups of 8 rats each and subjected to dead space wounding. Group 1 rats were post-surgically treated with vitamin C; Group 2 rats were pre-surgically treated with vitamin C before wounding while Group 3 rats (Control) received no vitamin C treatment. Vitamin C was administered at the dose of 200 mg/kg, IM for 5 consecutive days. All groups received routine post-operative care. On post-surgical day (PSD) 10, blood samples were collected from each rat and assayed for biochemical and haematological indices. Granulation tissue was harvested and evaluated for wound healing indices. The results showed significantly (p<0.05) improved liver and kidney functionality and haematological indices in the post-surgically treated group 1 rats, suggestive of improved homeostasis. Higher granulation tissue relative dry weight, lower percentage water content and wet to dry ratio in group 1 indicated that the group also had the best granulation tissue qualities. This was confirmed by the histopathology which revealed improved and more matured granulation tissue. These results showed that vitamin C administration post-surgery facilitated wound healing by enhancing granulation tissue qualities and haematological indices while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the liver and kidneys.