The effect of relative bowel rest on healing of colonic anastomoses. Collagen synthesis and content in the colonic wall after left colon resection and anastomosis in the rat.

Collagen metabolism was studied in the colonic wall of rats after standardized resection and anastomosis. Diminished faecal loading was obtained by feeding rats low-residue diet (Bisorbin MCT). The postoperative increase of collagen synthesis and collagen content was on a lower level in these rats than in rats on standard laboratory diet. The increase was confined to the immediate anastomotic region and presumably represented changes in collagen caused by the operative trauma per se. It was concluded that the intraluminal content is an important factor in stimulating collagen turnover. The findings of lower collagen turnover in the anastomotic area in animals on low-residue diet may have positive significance, but could also imply impairment of healing. For elucidation of this question, studies on mechanical strength of the anastomosis are necessary.