From anesthesia to healing: the potential of topical sevoflurane in enhancing wound repair

Aims: Sevoflurane is a volatile anesthetic agent commonly used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Recent case reports and case series have highlighted the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of sevoflurane when applied topically to venous ulcers, diabetic wounds, and infected wounds. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of topically applied sevoflurane on thermal burn wounds in rats, focusing on inflammatory responses and wound healing processes. Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar Albino rats underwent the induction of a second-degree thermal burn covering 3 cm² on the interscapular skin. The animals were randomized into three groups: the experimental group (Group S) received 3 ml of topical sevoflurane (1 ml/cm²), the control group (Group I) received 3 ml of isotonic saline, and the sham group (Group K) received no treatment. Plasma concentrations of TNF-?, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured at baseline, and on days 7 and 14 post-injury. Histopathological evaluations of the burn sites were conducted on day 14, assessing for active and chronic inflammation, granulation, and fibrosis. Results: All rats in the study maintained similar age and weight profiles across the groups. Histologically, the sevoflurane group exhibited significantly reduced chronic inflammation and enhanced granulation and fibrosis compared to controls. Immunologically, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were elevated in the isotonic group but did not differ significantly from baseline in other groups. Plasma cytokine levels were comparable across all groups. Conclusion: Topical sevoflurane appears to promote wound healing by modulating inflammatory responses and enhancing tissue repair processes in a rat burn model. These findings indicate that sevoflurane may serve as a beneficial adjunctive therapy in the management of burn injuries and general wound care. Given its established anti-inflammatory effects when inhaled, there is a compelling need for further research to investigate the potential benefits and mechanisms of topical sevoflurane application. Such studies could provide valuable insights into optimizing wound healing processes and improving patient outcomes.