Suture technique and early breaking strength of intestinal anastomoses and laparotomy wounds

The influence of different suture techniques on early fascial and intestinal breaking strength was studied in rats subjected to either colonic anastomosis or median laparotomy only. Interrupted sutures were used throughout. The sutures were inserted either 3 mm or 1.5 mm from the wound edges. The breaking strength with the sutures in situ, i.e. the suture holding capacity, was measured either immediately or 48 hours after their insertion. The breaking strength of the sutured fascia, but not that of the colon, was higher when sutures were inserted at the longer distance from the wound edges. Postoperative decrease of suture holding capacity occurred in both colon and fascia, but only when the sutures had been placed near the incision.