Publication:

Proteases and tissue repair: peri operative role of chymotrypsin: trypsin in surgical patients

Background Proteolytic enzymes have been used to facilitate tissue repair ever since ancient times. Trypsin: Chymotrypsin, proteolytic enzyme oral preparation which has been in clinical use ever since 1960s, provides a better resolution of inflammatory symptoms and promotes speedier recovery of acute tissue injury by minimising the fibrinolytic shut down. This paper revisits the role and clinical utility of chymotrypsin: trypsin oral combination in tissue repair, in surgical patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of chymotrypsin n trypsin in reducing post-operative oedema and haematoma formation and its role in surgical prophylaxis and scar formation.

Methods A prospective study was done on 50 electively posted surgical patients during a period of 6months comparing placebo with chymotrypsin and trypsin oral combination.

Results Statistically significant reduction in post-operative oedema, seroma and haematoma formation and reduction in pain and incidence of suture site infection, better cosmetic appearance of the scar and decline in need for secondary suturing was noted.

Conclusions From the current study, it is thus concluded that trypsin: chymotrypsin prophylaxis pre-operatively and post-operative treatment in surgical patients hastens the healing process and significantly reduces the recovery time.