The aim of the present study was the correlation between electrocoagulation, sutures and wound infection. Seventy-eight Wistar rats, weighting between 180-250 g were studied. Under ether anaesthesia, 4 incisions were performed at the back of the animal. For hemostasia as well for closure of the dorsal muscular layer, 3 types of sutures were used: poliglactin, cotton, plain catgut. Each wound was closed with one of the sutures mentioned above and electrocoagulation was employed abusively in one of the wounds. The animals were also allocated in 3 different groups: G I - Wounds treated with sutures and electrocoagulation. G II - Wounds without sutures or electrocoagulation, where Staphilococus aureus were inoculated. G III - Wounds with sutures, electrocoagulation and bacteria. Seven days later the wounds were examined, the stitches were taken out and the discharge from the wound was sent for cuture. In the G I group all wounds healed properly, without infection. In the G II group 35 % of the wounds developed infection. In the G III 69,8 % were infected. We conclude that sutures and the eletrocoagulation increased significantly the rate of wound infection.
Infection; Hemostasia; Sutures
