[Effect of ornithine oxoglutarate on the duration and quality of wound healing in extensive reparative and plastic surgical methods].

Fifty-two overweight female patients hospitalized for a major plastic surgical procedure were included in a therapeutic trial designed to evaluate wound healing. Twenty-seven patients were randomized to a placebo and 25 to ornithine oxoglutarate (Cetornan). There were no statistical differences between patients concerning age, type of plasty, extent of detachment, or overall evaluation of physical condition at the time of randomisation. Evaluation was based mainly on clinical criteria, including duration and quality of healing, and type of complications. Results showed a significant improvement in time to healing in the Cetornan group (18 +/- 1 day) as compared to the placebo group (26 +/- 3 days) (p less than 0.01). Complications occurred in nine of the 27 patients under placebo (30%) and in three of the 25 patients under Cetornan (12%) (p = 0.07). Clinical and biological tolerance was outstanding. No patient was excluded during the trial.