Morphological Alterations in the Large Intestine Following Experimental Anesthesia

This study investigated the morphological alterations in the large intestine following exposure to anesthesia in an experimental model. Despite the widespread use of anesthetics in surgical procedures, their effects on intestinal morphology remain incompletely understood. Using a controlled experimental design with laboratory rats (n=48), this research examined the histopathological changes in colonic tissue after administration of commonly used anesthetics (isoflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol) at clinically relevant dosages. Tissue samples were collected at predetermined intervals (3, 6, 12, and 24 hours post-anesthesia) and subjected to comprehensive histological analysis. Results demonstrated significant time-dependent changes in mucosal architecture, including decreased mucosal thickness, reduced goblet cell density, and altered crypt morphology following anesthesia exposure. Notably, propofol demonstrated fewer detrimental effects on intestinal morphology compared to volatile anesthetics. Ultrastructural analysis revealed mitochondrial swelling and endoplasmic reticulum stress in enterocytes following prolonged anesthesia exposure. These findings provide novel insights into the potential mechanisms underlying post-operative intestinal dysfunction and suggest that anesthetic choice and duration may be important considerations in surgical procedures where intestinal integrity is of particular concern. This research contributes to our understanding of anesthesia-related gastrointestinal complications and may inform clinical practice regarding anesthetic selection in abdominal surgeries.