Influence of intraperitoneal Escherichia coli with septicemia on the healing of colonic anastomoses and skin wounds. An experimental study in the rat.

In rats a standardized left colonic resection was performed and colonic continuity restored by an end-to-end anastomosis in one layer. The rats were subjected to an LD50 septic challenge by intraperitoneal injection of live Escherichia coli pre- or postoperatively. Controls received saline in a corresponding manner. Groups of animals were sacrificed on the 3rd or 7th postoperative day. The breaking strengths of the anastomosis and of the skin wound were measured. The collagen content of the anastomotic segments was analyzed. There were no differences in anastomotic or skin wound strength between septic animals and controls. Collagen content was unaffected. Wound healing was not influenced by sepsis in this model.