Effect of obstructive jaundice on wound healing. An experimental study in rats

The effect of obstructive jaundice on wound healing was investigated in an experimental study of gastric and abdominal wounds in rats after ligation and division of the common bile duct. The healing of a parietal defect in these animals showed histologic evidence of delayed healing compared with controls. The bursting strength of the abdominal incision was also decreased, but not that of the stomach. These findings suggest that the biochemical changes in the wounds of jaundiced animals interfere with wound repair. The possible causes of this delay in healing and its clinical implications require further investigation.