Mechanical behavior of colonic anastomosis in experimental settings as a measure of wound repair and tissue integrity.

Aim: To determine the mechanical properties of anastomotic colonic tissue in experimental settings and therefore give a measure of wound healing.

Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were used as experimental models of anastomotic tissue integrity. On the 5th post-operative day, the tensile strength was measured by application of an axial force, providing a quantitative measure of anastomotic dehiscence and leakage.