An experimental study on selective decontamination of digestive tract in prevention of infections secondary to acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the role of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) in prevention of bacterial infections secondary to acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Methods A total of 60 rats were employed to establish the model of ANP with retrograde infusion of artificial bile into the main pancreatic duct. Then animals were randomized into the normal control group (n =6), sham operated group (n = 14) and SDD-treated group (polymycinE, tobramycin and nystatin mixture were used). Visceral pathological changes, serum levels of amylase, intestinal flora, incidence of bacterial translocation to organs and mortality were determined 72 h after the operation in all the 3 groups. Results In SDD-treated group, damages in the pancreas were remarkably attenuated and serum level of amylase significantly decreased. At the 72nd h after treatment, the rate of bacterial translocation to other organs and mortality markedly decreased to 33.3% and 14.3% from the original 59.5% and 58.8%, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusions SDD can prevent infections secondary to ANP through controlling bacterial disturbance in the digestive tract and reduce bacterial translocation.