Effect of pimecrolimus on postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rat: An experimental study

Abstract

IntroductionPostoperative peritoneal adhesions (PPAs) is a common complication of abdominal surgeries causing significant morbidity and mortality. The inflammatory response to damaged peritoneal tissue is a speculated culprit. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of pimecrolimus, an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator agent, in formation of PPAs in rats. MethodsComplied with the Animal Research Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) Guidelines Checklist, 50 Albino rats underwent laparotomy and were allocated into 5 groups. In groups 1 to 3, topical pimecrolimus (25, 50 and 100% concentration, respectively) was applies on a scratched area of peritoneum. In group 4, only topical Eucerin was used and group 5, was the control group. On postoperative days 7 and 28, five rats from each group were randomly selected and the tensile strength and adhesiveness of intraabdominal fibrotic bundles were assessed. ResultsThere was no significant difference in tensile strength and adhesiveness, between the groups on postoperative day 7. On postoperative day 28, however, the tensile strength was significantly lower in pimecrolimus groups than in Eucerin (<0.001) and control (<0.001) groups. Groups with higher concentrations of pimecrolimus (group 2 and 3) developed significantly less adhesions than group 1, in which lower pimecrolimus concentration was used. ConclusionAdministration of topical pimecrolimus decrease adhesions and their tensile strength on postoperative day 28 in rats.