Postoperative decrease in suture holding capacity in laparotomy wounds and anastomoses.

Rats were subjected to oesophageal, gastroduodenal, small intestinal or colonic anastomosis or to a median laparotomy only. Interrupted sutures were used throughout. The breaking strength with the sutures in place, i.e. the suture holding capacity, was measured in different groups immediately after suture and after 48 hours. During the first 48 hours there was significant decrease in breaking strength, by 37% in oesophagus, 64% in the gastroduodenostomy, 70% (measured at 24 hours) in the small intestine, 72% in colon and 47% in the laparotomy wound. A reduction of suture holding capacity seems to be a generally valid reaction following tissue trauma induced by surgery.