Changes in collagen content of the small intestinal wall after anastomosis

Collagen content of small intestinal anastomosis in the rat was investigated in relation to previously reported changes in suture-holding capacity. The decrease in suture-holding capacity during the first 3 days previously observed, the inflammatory phase, did not correlate with collagen content during this period. However, the increase in suture-holding capacity from the third to the seventh days, the phase of fibroplasia, correlated well with an increased collagen content in the intestinal wall in both the ileum and jejunum. Anastomotic strength and collagen content correlated well after the third day. Deposition of collagen, not only in the wound but also in the intestinal wall and within the loop of the suture during the phase of fibroplasia, is the likely explanation for the rapid increase of suture-holding capacity during this period.