Effects of CO2 insufflation and laparotomy on wound healing in mice

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of lap arotomy and CO2 insufflation on wound healing in a murine incisional wound healing model. Methods: Seventy-two male Swiss Albino mice were randomly allocated into th ree groups of control, laparotomy and CO2 insufflation. A transverse skin i ncision of 15 mm was made in the dorsum of each mouse, and four interrupted mattress sutures with 4.0 polypropylene thread were laid for wound closure . A median laparotomy was performed in the laparotomy group. CO2 insufflati on was performed with an intra-abdominal pressure of 9 mmHg. The retained g as was evacuated from the abdominal cavity at the end of a 60-min period. M ice were killed on the 3rd, 7th and 15th postoperative days. The wound tens ile strength and 5-hydroxyproline concentration in the wound tissue were me asured. Results: Tensile strength of the incised skin increased as the post-incisio n period progressed. There was no significant difference between the tensil e strengths of the incised skin of control, laparotomy and CO2 insufflation groups throughout the observation period. The skin 5-hydroxyproline concen trations of all groups were not significantly different at the 3rd postoper ative day. But laparotomy and CO2 insufflation groups had lower 5-hydroxypr oline concentrations at the 7th and 15th postoperative days, when compared to controls (P < 0.02 for 7th and 15th days). Conclusion: CO2 insufflation and laparotomy reduce the 5-hydroxyproline con centration of the wound, suggesting a diminished wound healing capacity.