The treatment of colonic lesions has been modified regarding the choice of primary repair technique, colostomy and secondary repair. Among risk factors for primary repair is time lapse. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of the time span between the induced lesion and surgical repair, regarding wound healing. Eighty PUC-PR Wistar rats were used for this purpose. Under ether anesthesia a lesion in the left colon was made, affecting 50% of the circumference of the intestine. After 12, 18 and 24 hours the repair was done. The colonic repairs were compared to the those made immediately after the lesion. Wounds were evaluated on the 4th and 7th post-operative days and the repair was evaluated regarding the presence of leakage and abscess were evaluated. The breaking strength and the collagen synthesis were also analysed. Five rats died. In the experimental groups, peritonitis was observed and when compared to the control group a high statistically significant difference was demonstrated (for group B p=0.0018, for group (p=0.0033 and for D p=0.000008). In 19 animals, dehiscence was present and was statistically significant in the 24 hours group (p=0.000002). The amount of mature collagen (type I) on the 4th day was similar to the control group of 12 and 18 hours and lesser in the 24 hour group (p<0.05). On the 7th day it was lesser in the 18 hour group (p<0.05) and in the 24 hour group (p=0.00001). There was a lesser concentration of immature collagen (type III) in the 24 hour group on the 4th day (p=0.000268) and on the 7th day in the groups of 18 hours (p=0.0009) and of 24 hours (p=0.000009). It may be concluded that delayed repair, longer than 12 hours increases morbidity and delay collagen deposition.maturation.
Wound healing; Colon; Collagen
