Basic Research
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2006; 12(35): 5668-5673
Published online Sep 21, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i35.5668
Mechanical behavior of colonic anastomosis in experimental settings as a measure of wound repair and tissue integrity
Konstantinos A Ekmektzoglou, Georgios C Zografos, Stavros K Kourkoulis, Ismene A Dontas, Panagiotis K Giannopoulos, Katerina A Marinou, Maria V Poulakou, Despina N Perrea
Konstantinos A Ekmektzoglou, Ismene A Dontas, Maria V Poulakou, Despina N Perrea, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “NS Christeas”, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
Georgios C Zografos, Panagiotis K Giannopoulos, 1st University Department of General Surgery, Athens School of Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Athens, Greece
Stavros K Kourkoulis, Laboratory of Testing and Materials, Department of Mechanics, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
Katerina A Marinou, BVMS, MVM, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “NS Christeas”, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece and Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, General Directorate of Veterinary Services
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Konstantinos A Ekmektzoglou, MD, 15 Zoodohou Pigis Street, Melissia, Athens 15127, Greece. ekmektzo@hotmail.com
Telephone: +30-210-8033273 Fax: +30-210-8033273
Received: July 17, 2006
Revised: July 20, 2006
Accepted: July 29, 2006
Published online: September 21, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To determine the mechanical properties of anastomotic colonic tissue in experimental settings and therefore give a measure of wound healing.

METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were used as experimental models of anastomotic tissue integrity. On the 5th post-operative day, the tensile strength was measured by application of an axial force, providing a quantitative measure of anastomotic dehiscence and leakage.

RESULTS: Diagrams of the load as a function of the time [P = P (t)] and of the displacement also as a function of time [Δs = Δs (t)] were recorded for each test, permitting the design of the load versus the displacement diagram and thus providing significant data about the critical values of anastomotic failure. Quantitative data were obtained concerning the anastomotic strength of both control specimens (healthy rats), as well as specimens from non-healthy rats for comparison.

CONCLUSION: This experimental model provides an excellent method of measuring anastomotic strength. Despite the relative small number of specimens used, this method provides an accurate way of measuring wound repair. More experimental measurements need to be performed to correlate emerging tensile strength values to anastomotic failure.

Keywords: Mechanical behavior; Failure load; Colon; Anastomosis; Wound healing