Paediatric Surgery (Ukraine). 2026. 2(91): 24-30. doi: 10.15574/PS.2026.2(91).2430
Khimich S. D.¹, Kryvonos M. I.¹, Khimich O. S.¹, Solomchak P. V.², Katelian O. V.^1
1National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine,
²Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine

For citation: Khimich SD, Kryvonos MI, Khimich OS, Solomchak PV, Katelian OV. (2026). The effect of collagenase on the quality of postoperative scar formation in experimental animals. Paediatric Surgery (Ukraine). 2(91): 24-30. doi: 10.15574/PS.2026.2(91).2430.
Article received: Mar 31, 2026. Accepted for publication: Jun 15, 2026.

Research into the effect of collagenase on the process of scar organization and remodeling may open up new possibilities for its practical application.
Aim – to study the effect of collagenase on the course of postoperative scar formation in an experimental model to establish the prerequisites for its use in clinical practice.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 20 rabbits, which were divided into 4 groups. Under anesthesia, wounds were created in the interscapular region and then sutured. In Group 1, dressings with antiseptics were applied; in Group 2, starting from day 5, 1 g of collagenase gel was additionally applied daily to the wound; in Group 3, starting from day 7, 1 g of collagenase gel was additionally applied daily; in the fourth group, dressings with antiseptics were applied, and on day 7, 1 g of collagenase gel was applied once. Sacrifice of animals was performed on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 under anesthesia.
Results. In the treatment of wounds using collagenase, macroscopically, a softer scar was observed compared to treatment without collagenase. Scar formation was slightly prolonged when collagenase was used. The use of collagenase promotes a more rapid transition of type III collagen fibers to type I collagen, which improves the strength of the postoperative scar.
Conclusions. It is advisable to begin using collagenase in the postoperative period 5-7 days after surgery to improve tissue remodeling, epithelialization, and the cosmetic outcomes of healing.
When carrying out experiments with laboratory animals, all bioethical norms and recommendations were observed.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: wound, wound healing process, postoperative scar, skin, collagen, collagenase, experimental animals, rabbits.

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