The effect of mitomycin-C on the healing process in rabbit extraocular muscle surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: One of the most serious complications following e xtraocular muscle surgery is formation of postoperative adhesions that may result in restrictive ocular motility dysfunction. The effect of mitomycin- C (MMC) on postoperative wound healing in extraocular muscle surgery was in vestigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen albino rabbits (24 eyes) were used and anest hetized with ketamine and xylazine. These rabbits were divided into 3 group s; (1) control group (balanced salt solution (BSS) exposure for 5 minutes), (2) Group 1 (0.5 mg/ml MMC exposure for 1 minute) and (3) Group 2 (0.5 mg/ ml MMC exposure for 5 minutes). After 3 mm recession of superior rectus mus cle, MMC or BSS was applied using Weck-Cel sponge (Solan, Jacksonville, FL) . The reduction of fibroblast and collagen fiber proliferation were evaluat ed histopathologically with light microscope at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after o peration. We also evaluated the amount of basic fibroblast growth factor (b FGF) by immunohistochemical study at the same time. RESULTS: Histopathologically, there was a more significant reduction of fib roblast and collagen fiber proliferation in Group 1 and 2 than the control group. Immunohistochemically, Group 1 and 2 showed lesser expression of bFG F than the control group. But, there was no difference between Group 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Topical intraoperative application of mitomycin C in extraocul ar muscle surgery may reduce postoperative adhesions.