There is little and contradictory data about the impact of laparoscopy on wound healing. In this experimental study, gas-related effects of pneumoperitoneum on collagen I mRNA synthesis were analysed separately in fibroblast cultures in vitro.
3T3 mouse fibroblasts were incubated for 1 h with either CO2 or helium (gas flow: 1 l/min, pressure: 12 mmHg). Control fibroblasts were exposed to room air for 1 h. Hereafter, expression of collagen type IA1 was analysed by real-time PCR.
Expression of collagen type IA1 analysed was 0.7 times lower after incubation with CO2 when compared with controls. After helium insufflation, collagen type IA1 expression showed a 1.1-fold increase.
The observed gas-related influence on collagen synthesis might give evidence of a potential effect of laparoscopy on intra-abdominal wound healing.