【Abstract】ObjectiveTo study the positive effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on rabbit intestinal anastomotic wound healing after bowel resection. MethodsFortyeight white rabbits were randomly divided into study group in which rhEGF was injected and spinged in the submucosa and mucosa respectively during intestinal anastomosis after bowel resection, and control group in which only intestinal resection and anastomosis was performed. The leukocyte was counted. The incidence of anastomotic leakage and the synthesis of collagen fibrils and hydroxyproline were observed. ResultsThe leukocyte numbers in the anastomotic tissue in two groups rabbits increased slightly 3 d, 5 d and 7d after intestinal anastomosis, but the difference between study group and control group was insignificant (Pgt;0.05). The incidence of anastomotic leakage in the control group (16.7%) was higher than that of the study group (4.3%). The area of collagen fibrils 3 d, 5 d and 7d after intestinal anastomosis in the study group were significantly more than that in the control group (P＜0.05). Number of fibroblast was higher in the study group and the cells appeared bigger nucleus and dense colouration as well as enriched plasm. Angiogenesis in anastomosis tissue in the study group was significant and normal structure was present. Cell structure of anastomosis mucosa was damaged in the control group. Synthesis of hydroxyproline in anastomotic tissue 5 d and 7 d after anastomosis in the study group was more than that in the control group (P＜0.05).ConclusionInflammation was present in the whole process of wound healing, and local using of EGF had insignificant effect on system inflammation. EGF functions as chemoattractant and increases the recruitment of leukocytes, monocytes and fibroblasts into the wound area. EGF increases the production of collagen, angiogenesis and the synthesis of hydroxyproline. So EGF could promote wound healing and protect from anastomosis leakage in this study.