Wound healing in colonic anastomosis in hypothyroidism

Colonic anastomosis healing in hypothyroidism was evaluated. Twenty Wistar rats were separated into two groups: the study group (n = 10), which underwent total thyroidectomy to induce hypothyroidism, and the control group (n = 10). After 10 weeks, hypothyroid status was confirmed by blood tests (p < 0.0001). Three days later, a colonic anastomosis was performed, and the animals were sacrificed 1 week later. The colon containing the anastomosis was resected for bursting strength tests and histological studies. The slides were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and with Sirius red to quantify and classify the collagen. Reduced values were found for the bursting strength test (p = 0.0006) and for collagen density in the experimental group. There was a prevalence of immature type III collagen (p < 0.0001) and a decrease in mature type I collagen (p < 0.0001) in the hypothyroid group.