Reduction of adhesion formation with hyaluronic acid after peritoneal surgery in rabbits

Abstract

To examine the effect of hyaluronic acid, a high-molecular-weight glucosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix, on the formation of adhesions, a major source of postoperative complications. The ability of hyaluronic acid to reduce adhesion formation was evaluated using a standardized rabbit model. The material was administered i.p. at the end of surgery. University laboratory. New Zealand White female rabbits. Intraperitoneal administration of various formulations of hyaluronic acid at the end of surgery. One week after surgery, a second laparotomy was performed and the extent of adhesion formation was determined. Five separate molecular weight ranges of hyaluronic acid representing eight viscosities between 1,000 and 12,000 centipoise (CPS) were shown to reduce adhesion formation in this model. All volumes, 1 to 30 mL, of hyaluronic acid tested reduced adhesion formation. In addition, the low-viscosity, low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid significantly reduced adhesion formation when added to the trauma site or when injected at a site remote from the trauma area. This study showed that hyaluronic acid administered at the end of surgery reduced adhesion formation.