Prevention Of Adhesion Formation Research Articles

Reduction of postoperative adhesion formation after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy

The purpose of this randomized, open-label study was to assess the efficacy of the product Interceed absorbable adhesion barrier in the prevention of adhesion formation on the ovary after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. A total of 25 patients requiring laparoscopic bilateral ovarian cystectomy were enrolled into this study. After removal of ovarian cysts, peri-adnexal adhesions, and peritoneal irrigants, and the attainment of meticulous haemostasis, the random assignment of one ovary for wrapping with Interceed was revealed to the surgeon. The other ovary served as the untreated control. A follow-up laparoscopy was performed 8-30 weeks after the initial procedure in 17 patients. Significantly fewer adhesions formed at the Interceed treated ovaries compared with the control (untreated) ovaries (P < 0.05). In terms of adhesion-free outcome, 76% (13/17) of Interceed treated ovaries and 35% (6/17) of control ovaries were free of adhesions. A significant reduction was observed in the area of the sutured ovaries involved with adhesions when Interceed (6%) was used, compared with controls (20%). The reduction of adhesion formation was not related to the size of the cysts at the initial procedure. No adverse events were reported by any patient during the study. In conclusion, Interceed was found to be safe and effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative adhesion formation in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.

Local Release of Fibrinolytic Agents for Adhesion Prevention

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), and streptokinase were evaluated for their ability to reduce postsurgical adhesion formation in a rat uterine horn devascularization and serosal injury model in a blinded, randomized study. Small doses of tPA, uPA, or streptokinase were delivered over approximately a 4-day period either from a biodegradable hydrogel matrix or as four daily intraperitoneal injections. The hydrogel was formed upon the uterine horns by photopolymerization of an aqueous precursor solution containing dissolved drug. A control group that received no treatment had an average extent of adhesion formation of 72 ± 15% (mean ± SEM, percentage of the length of the uterine horns involved in adhesions). Application of this formulation of the hydrogel alone reduced the extent of adhesion formation to 22 ± 10% by functioning as a mechanical barrier. When tPA was released from the hydrogel, adhesion formation was reduced to 4 ± 3%, while when tPA was given by intraperitoneal injection, adhesion formation was only reduced to 49 ± 8%. Local delivery of urokinase reduced adhesion formation to 6 ± 6%, but intraperitoneal injection of urokinase did not reduce adhesion formation. Streptokinase did not reduce adhesion formation when administered by intraperitoneal injection and increased adhesion formation to 45 ± 9% when locally released relative to the hydrogel alone. These results suggest that both tPA and uPA may be used to prevent adhesion formation when delivered locally.

Experimental model for neoangiogenesis in adhesion formation.

This study presents an animal model for the observation of adhesion formation, from a vascular viewpoint. In 60 Wistar rats, a 4 cm midline incision was made and a 0.5 cm square piece of silastic 0.2 mm thick was fixed on the right side of the peritoneum with two separate angular stitches of nylon 9/0. The rats were randomized in six groups of 10 animals and were operated on again on days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 respectively. Biopsies for scanning electron microscopy were obtained by resecting a 2 x 2 cm square of parietal peritoneum around and covering the silastic patch. Foreign body reaction induced by the silastic patch and ischaemia caused by stitching are the stimuli for adhesion formation. The results showed a gradual progression in the type and tenacity of adhesion formation. The maximal degree of peritoneal reactive angiogenesis was noted between days 8 and 12, together with a decrease and a redistribution in the extent of adhesions. In the early stages, vascularization is part of the organization of adhesions while their extent is limited. Two parallel mechanisms take part in trauma healing: while omento-parietal adhesions are vascularized, new peritoneal tissue with its vascular network develops and covers the silastic surface and the traumatized area. This theory is supported by the presence of fibroblasts differentiating into mesothelial cells on day 8. Theoretically, a valid treatment in preventing adhesion formation should increase the peritoneal neoangiogenesis and the repair of peritoneal lesions, but at the same time prevent the vascularization of adhesions. The present model offers the possibility of testing the effect of any treatment or device for preventing post-operative adhesions in a relatively short time.

Laparoscopic implant of Gore-Tex surgical membrane

One of the major postoperative complications of reproductive surgery is the formation of adhesions. 1, 2 Over the past several decades a number of methods have been explored to solve this problem, g, 4 Recently there has been renewed interest in covering the damaged peritoneal surface with an absorbable or nonabsorbable barrier as a means of preventing adhesions after fertility-enhancing surgery. Currently two barriers are commercially available for clinical use: Interceed Absorbable Adhesion Barrier (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ), which is composed of oxidized regenerated cellulose, and the Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ), constructed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). Interceed has been investigated both experimentally and clinically and has proved effective in some circumstances. 5, 6 Studies also report on the laparoscopic application of Interceed in fertility-enhancement procedures.7, 8 Recent reports, however, have questioned the product 's degree of effectiveness and raised concern about possible residual effects it may have on peritoneal tissue? 11 GoreTex Surgical Membrane has been indicated for use in peritoneal reconstruction since 1983, and experimental and clinical reports describe its effectiveness in preventing adhesion formation. 12-14 Interceed is an absorbable material that is phagocytized by macrophages within 1 month. Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane is nonabsorbable and is intended to be a permanent implant. Since all published reports on the clinical application of the Gore-Tex membrane discuss implantation by laparotomy, ~g, 14 the ease of use of this product in laparoscopic surgery is of particular interest. Moreover, because of its permanence, its long-term safety and effectiveness merit examination. A prospective, multicenter clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the ease of using Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane laparoscopically.

Prevention of post-surgical adhesion formation using aspirin in a rodent model: a preliminary report.

Pelvic adhesions are one of the major factors which significantly and adversely affect surgery outcome due to intra- and postoperative morbidity and reduce future female fertility. Using a rodent model, we evaluated the efficacy of aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in the prevention of adhesion formation. A total of 72 female Wistar rats received a standardized primary traumatic lesion to the right uterine horn. They were randomly divided into eight groups: group I (control) had no treatment and group II received a single pre-operative 0.70 mg aspirin. All the succeeding groups (III-VIII) received aspirin in doses of 0.35, 0.70, or 1.40 mg every 6 h for either 48 or 96 h in addition to the pre-operative aspirin (0.70 mg). All animals were killed 4 weeks later and adhesions were assessed using a modified adhesion scoring scale. The lowest adhesion score was found in the group treated with 0.35 mg of aspirin for 96 h, and the highest was found among the groups treated with either 0.70 or 1.40 mg for 48-96 h respectively (P < 0.05). These results are in line with the hypothesis that administration of a low dose of aspirin selectively inhibits the production of thromboxane A2, whereas basal prostacyclin biosynthesis is preserved. This phenomenon might contribute to reducing postoperative adhesion formation in a rat model. Thus, future studies into the prevention of adhesion formation may require the additional use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for which aspirin deserves further attention, before extrapolation into human therapy.

Use of 6% dextran 70 following surgical embryo collection in ewes and does in an attempt to prevent adhesion formation

Thirty-six ewes and 19 does were randomly assigned to control (15 ewes and 9 does) or treatment groups (21 ewes and 10 does). Ventral midline laparotomy was performed 6–8 d after dl of estrus. Number of corpora lutea (CL) and oocytes/embryos were recorded and compared. Treated animals received 500 ml 6% dextran 70 intra-abdominally following uterine flushing. Control animals received 500 ml 0.9% NaCl irrigation solution. At the time of the second laparotomy, degree and extent of adhesion formation were assessed and scored on a scale of 0 to 3, and CL and embryos/oocytes were counted and compared. There was no difference in adhesion scores between control and dextran-treated groups for ewes (P ⩾ 0.61) or does (P ⩾ 0.43). Number of live embryos at the second surgery in control ewes was higher than in dextran-treated ewes (P<0.01) but not in does (P ⩾ 0.53). Likewise, there was no beneficial effect of dextran on total number of embryos recovered in either ewes (P ⩾ 0.43) or does (P ⩾ 0.22). We conclude that dextran had no effect on adhesion formation and no positive effect on viable embryo recovery rates following surgical embryo collection.

Prevention of postoperative pericardial adhesions with a hyaluronic acid coating solution

Postoperative pericardial adhesions complicate reoperative cardiac procedures. Topical application of solutions containing hyaluronic acid have been shown to reduce adhesions after abdominal and orthopedic surgery. The mechanism by which hyaluronic acid solutions prevent adhesion formation is unknown but may be due to a cytoprotective effect on mesothelial surfaces, which would limit intraoperative injury. In this study, we tested the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid coating solutions for the prevention of postoperative intrapericardial adhesion formation. Eighteen mongrel dogs underwent median sternotomy and pericardiotomy followed by a standardized 2-hour protocol of forced warm air desiccation and abrasion of the pericardial and epicardial surfaces. Group 1 (n = 6) served as untreated control animals. Group 2 (n = 6) received topical administration of 0.4% hyaluronic acid in phosphate-buffered saline solution at the time of pericardiotomy, at 20-minute intervals during the desiccation/abrasion protocol, and at pericardial closure. The total test dose was less than 1% of the circulating blood volume. Group 3 (n = 6) served as a vehicle control, receiving phosphate-buffered saline solution as a topical agent in a fashion identical to that used in group 2. At resternotomy 8 weeks after the initial operation, the intrapericardial adhesions were graded on a 0 to 4 severity scale at seven different areas covering the ventricular, atrial, and great vessel surfaces. In both the untreated control (group 1, mean score 3.2 +/- 0.4) and vehicle control (group 3, mean score 3.3 +/- 0.2) animals, dense adhesions were encountered. In contrast, animals treated with the hyaluronic acid solution (group 2, mean score 0.8 +/- 0.3) characteristically had no adhesions or filmy, transparent adhesions graded significantly less severe than either the untreated control (group 2 versus group 1, p < 0.001) or vehicle control (group 2 versus group 3, p < 0.001) animals. In separate experiments, six baboons were infused with 0.4% hyaluronic acid in phosphate-buffered saline solution in volumes equivalent to 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of the measured circulating blood volume. The 2.5% and 5% infusions had no effect on the parameters measured; infusion of the 10% volume produced transient hemodynamic, coagulation, and gas exchange abnormalities. Hyaluronic acid solutions are efficacious in the prevention of pericardial adhesions in this model, and they appear safe in doses five times the amount needed to prevent adhesions. Further studies investigating the mechanism by which these solutions prevent adhesions, their optimal dose and method of application, and documentation of their safe use in humans are warranted.

Contemporary adhesion prevention

To (1) review the events leading to peritoneal adhesion formation; (2) review traditional adhesion prevention adjuvants; (3) overview studies for adhesion prevention barriers including a perspective for their use; and (4) look toward the future of adhesion prevention. A great deal of effort has been dedicated to reduce adhesion formation because of the morbidity associated with adhesions and the associated economic burden, which considering only hospital costs and surgeons' fees, was $1,180 million in the United States. To understand the role of adhesion barriers in gynecological surgery, an appreciation of the cellular cascade and temporal nature of peritoneal repair is necessary. Evidence indicates that areas denuded of peritoneum will heal satisfactorily and that suturing of the peritoneum may increase adhesion formation. Physical barriers, including both mechanical and viscous solutions, are widely used to prevent adhesion formation by limiting tissue apposition during the critical stages of mesothelial repair. Clinical studies do not support the use of intraperitoneal, dextran for adhesion prevention. Theoretical considerations of peritoneal fluid dynamics indicate that crystalloid instillates should not prevent adhesion formation because of their short intraperitoneal residence. This prediction is consistent with clinical observation. The availability of Interceed (Johnson and Johnson Medical, Inc., Arlington, TX) and Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane (W.L. Gore, Flagstaff, Arizona) barriers provides substantial progress in postsurgical adhesion prevention. Although many investigators are incorporating adhesion prevention barriers into their routine clinical situations, physician acceptance is constrained by technical difficulties.

Expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene but not oxidized regenerated cellulose prevents adhesion formation and reformation in a mouse uterine horn model of surgical injury

To evaluate the ability of the two currently available surgical barriers, oxidized regenerated cellulose and expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), to prevent postsurgical adhesions. Murine uterine horns were approximated in the midline and the contacting uterine surfaces injured by electrocautery, cutting, and scratching, with and without barriers interposed. Sham-operated and experimental animals had adhesions assessed visually and histologically 7 days postoperatively. In another group, adhesions were created and then lysed 7 days later with barriers interposed. Readhesion formation was assessed 14 days after lysis with the PTFE being removed 7 days after lysis. Research laboratory Adhesions occurred at 58.5% of the electrocautery sites without barriers, 100% of the readhesion sites with recautery for hemostasis, and 92% of the recautery sites without hemostasis. None of the sham-operated sites developed adhesions. When oxidized regenerated cellulose was interposed, adhesions were observed at 36% of uninjured uterine horn sites, 62% with single and 92% with double electrocautery injuries and 90% of the reformation sites. The PTFE did not cause adhesions in uninjured controls and completely prevented adhesion formation and reformation, regardless of the type of injury or whether hemostasis was achieved. A thin cellular membrane, continuous with the uterine serosa, enveloped the PTFE. Expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene, but not oxidized regenerated cellulose, prevents adhesion formation and reformation in this murine uterine horn model. Additionally, oxidized regenerated cellulose was adhesiogenic even without surgical injury.

Transient Protection of Incomplete Colonic Anastomoses with Fibrin Sealant: An Experimental Study in the Rat

Fibrin glue has been used as a protective seal in normal and high-risk anastomoses to prevent leakage. The influence of fibrin adhesive on the healing colonic anastomosis in a control and high-risk model was tested. Resection and anastomosis of the left colon was performed in rats. In group Ia an end-to-end anastomosis was constructed with 12 7-O polypropylene sutures; in group Ib the anastomosis was sealed with fibrin adhesive. In group II an incomplete anastomosis was constructed with only 4 sutures at 9°, therefore potentially leaking. In group IIb additional sealing with fibrin glue was performed. On Days 2, 4, and 7 body weight, adhesion formation, anastomotic bursting pressure, and collagen concentration were measured. The results showed increased adhesion formation after fibrin sealing. The anastomotic bursting pressure of incomplete anastomoses showed a significant increase after sealing on Day 2 only; on Day 4 and 7 no differences were found. Sealing of control anastomoses caused lower bursting pressures on Day 4. Collagen concentration is significantly reduced after fibrin sealing of normal anastomoses. We conclude that fibrin sealing of control anastomoses inhibits wound healing. Incomplete anastomoses are temporarily protected by fibrin glue sealing. Finally, fibrin sealing of the colon wound does not prevent adhesion formation.

Prevention of adhesion formation around the internal mammary artery pedicle by Gore-Tex surgical membrane. An experimental study in goats.

The effects of wrapping the internal mammary artery in Gore-Tex surgical membrane on the formation of adhesions were investigated. In seven goats both internal mammary arteries were dissected free from the thoracic wall. In six goats the internal mammary arteries were wrapped in Gore-Tex surgical membrane. In the remaining animal both arteries were removed and used as controls. After 6 months the goats were reoperated and it was found that the wrapped segments of all arteries were completely free of adhesions, whereas the non-wrapped segments showed severe adhesion formation. Histologic examination could not detect differences between the wrapped arteries and the controls. One of the 12 wrapped arteries was occluded by a longer existing thrombus, which is attributed to the surgical technique and the fact that postoperatively no anticoagulation was given. The beneficial effect of the use of Gore-Tex surgical membrane on the prevention of adhesion formation is excellent and this implies that it could be used in coronary artery bypass operations, thus reducing the chance of damage to the bypass in case of reoperation.

Effect of transforming growth factor β on postoperative adhesion formation and intact peritoneum

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is an extremely potent chemoattractant for macrophages, mononuclear leukocytes, and fibroblasts. It also acts as a potent stimulant for collagen and fibronectin synthesis and inhibits epithelial cell growth. TGFβ plays an important role in healing many types of wounds, but its role in peritoneal adhesion formation is not known. These studies were performed to determine if TGFβ could affect postoperative wound healing in a rat model. In the first experiment, 20 rats were divided into two groups and received either 2 μg TGFβ or control diluent IP daily for 5 days after surgical injury to the uterine horns. The severity of the adhesions were graded 2 weeks postoperatively using a score of 0–3. The TGFβ group showed a higher adhesion score at 2 weeks compared to control, 2.9 ± 0.34 and 1.6 ± 0.61, respectively ( P < 0.001). On H&E stained sections of the adhesions, there was an increase in the number of both inflammatory cells and fibroblasts in the TGFβ-treated animals. A comparison trial of bone-derived TGFβ (a gift from Collagen Corporation, Palo Alto, CA) versus recombinant TGFβ (a gift from Oncogen, Seattle, WA) versus control using the same protocol as above showed that both sources of TGFβ were more effective in promoting postoperative adhesions when compared to controls, and there was no difference between TGFβ groups, 3.0 ± 0 for both TGFβ groups, and 2.2 ± 0.91 for control ( P < 0.001). TGFβ did not induce adhesions when given in the same dosage for 5 days ip in unoperated rats, although it did induce fibrosis if injected into the abdominal wall. These data suggest that TGFβ may play a role in stimulating fibrosis in postoperative fibrinous adhesions, but has no effect on intact mesothelium. Prevention of TGFβ production postoperatively may help prevent adhesion formation.

Reduction of primary posttraumatic adhesion formation with the prostacyclin analog iloprost in a rodent model

Recent evidence suggests that inhibition of postsurgical adhesion formation may be effected by modulation of the activities of inflammatory cells contributing to mesothelial repair. Iloprost, a stable analog of prostacyclin, has been shown to exert vasodilatory, antiinflammatory, fibrinolytic, and antithrombotic influences. To determine whether these properties of iloprost might protect mesothelial surfaces from perioperative damage and hence prevent adhesion formation, we evaluated the effect of iloprost on peritoneal healing in a hamster model for primary pelvic injury. Perioperative iloprost therapy significantly reduced posttraumatic adhesion formation when compared with that in vehicle-treated controls. Dose-response studies demonstrate adhesion prevention with doses ranging from 0.04 to 4 mg/kg per 8 hours given subcutaneously over the course of 3 days. These data demonstrate that iloprost is a potent positive modulator of peritoneal healing after pelvic trauma. Further studies to characterize the potential application of iloprost as an adjuvant in reproductive surgery are indicated. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1991;165:1817-20).

Synergistic effect of intraperitoneally administered calcium channel blockade and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to prevent adhesion formation in an animal model

Previous reports have shown the benefits of calcium channel blockers and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to prevent postoperative adhesion formation in animal models. To assess the potential benefit of synergistic therapy for the prevention of postoperative adhesion formation, these agents were studied in a rabbit uterine horn model. Four groups of New Zealand White rabbits (n = 8 per group) had a bilateral devascularization injury to the uterine horns. Before closure saline solution, verapamil hydrochloride (2.5 mu/kg/hour), recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (4 mg total dose), or a combination of verapamil and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator at the stated doses were instilled by means of an Alzet osmotic pump x 200 hours. Adhesion scores were evaluated after this time period by estimating the total uterine horn surface involved in adhesions at a terminal laparotomy and by clinically grading the response to determine whether minimal adhesions formed. Results of the total uterine horn surface scores were (mean score +/- SE): saline solution, 44% +/- 3.7%; verapamil, 19% +/- 4.8%; recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, 11% +/- 3.6%; combined, 3% +/- 1% (p less than 0.01 to control and p less than 0.05 to single-drug therapy). Results of the number of animals per group with minimal adhesions were as follows: saline solution, 0; verapamil, 1; recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, 3; combined, 8 (P less than 0.01). These results show a synergistic benefit of verapamil and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to prevent postsurgical adhesion formation when delivered via the intraperitoneal route.

The Use of Hyaluronic Acid Polymers to Reduce Postoperative Adhesions

ABSTRACT The use of adjuvant therapy in an attempt to prevent adhesion formation and reformation is widely practiced. Proteoglycans, such as heparin, heparan, chondroitin sulfate, and others, have been shown, at least in experimental models, to decrease adhesion development. This study examines the ability of another proteoglycan, hyaluronic acid (HA) polymers (Pharmacia AB, Sweden), in four different formulations, to reduce adhesion formation in a rabbit model. New Zealand white rabbits underwent a midline laparotomy with bilateral ovarian bisection and were randomized to four treatment groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 consisted of viscous solutions of HA polymers of differing molecular weights (2 ml applied to the treated ovary), and group 4 consisted of a polymer slab (2 × 2 cm piece applied to the treated ovary). The animals were killed 10−14 days after the initial laparotomy, and the adhesions were scored by a blinded observer. None of the formulations of HA solutions resulted in a reduction of ovarian adh...

Prevention of postsurgical adhesions by INTERCEED(TC7), an absorbable adhesion barrier: a prospective, randomized multicenter clinical study

INTERCEED(TC7) (Johnson & Johnson Patient Care Inc., New Brunswick, NJ) is an absorbable fabric specially designed to reduce postsurgical adhesions. The authors report on a prospective, randomized, multicenter, clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy of Interceed in reducing adhesions in humans. Infertility patients (n = 74) with bilateral pelvic sidewall adhesions were studied at treatment laparotomy and “second-look” laparoscopy to determine Interceed’s effectiveness. After removal of adhesions at laparotomy, the deperitonealized area of one pelvic sidewall was covered with Interceed. The contralateral untreated sidewall served as the control. Pelvic sidewalls covered with Interceed had a 90% improvement over control sidewalls in preventing adhesion formation. Additionally, Interceed treatment was associated with a 57% reduction of the extent of adhesion formation over that obtained by microsurgical techniques alone. Interceed also provided a significant benefit in reducing the severity of those adhesions that did form, and significantly reduced the number of adhesions between the ovary and pelvic sidewall. In conclusion, Interceed significantly reduced the incidence, extent, and severity of postsurgical pelvic adhesions.

Use of Pentoxifylline as an Adjuvant to Reduce Primary Postsurgical Adhesion Formation: Preliminary Investigations in a Rodent Model

Formation of pelvic adhesions following infertility procedures remains a significant problem in reproductive surgery. Pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative, is known to decrease leukocyte activation, ameliorate phagocytic injury, and enhance plasminogen activator production. To determine whether these properties of pentoxifylline might protect mesothelial surfaces from perioperative damage and hence prevent adhesion formation, we evaluated the effect of pentoxifylline on peritoneal healing in a hamster model for primary pelvic injury. Perioperative pentoxifylline therapy significantly reduced posttraumatic adhesion formation as compared to vehicle-treated controls. Dose–response studies demonstrate maximal adhesion prevention with doses ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg/12 hours given subcutaneously over the course of 3 days. Intraperitoneal administration did not convey additional benefit. Delaying the onset of pentoxifylline administration by as much as 72 hours did not significantly impair adhesion reduction. These data demonstrate pentoxifylline to be a potent positive modulator of peritoneal healing following pelvic trauma. Further studies to characterize the potential application of pentoxifylline as an adjuvant in reproductive surgery are indicated. (J GYNECOL SURG 5:367, 1989)

Sutureless colon anastomosis with fibrin glue in the rat

The only technique available for creating an intestinal anastomosis without tissue strangulation is gluing. Theoretically, this could lead to a higher hydroxyproline content and greater mechanical strength than in a sutured anastomosis. To test the hypothesis, 83 rats underwent left colon resection and inverted primary anastomosis with either one layer of sutures (NG group) or fibrin glue (FG group). Seven-day FG anastomoses showed less adhesions (P = .02) but one subclinical leakage and a further radiologic one, compared with a greater amount of adhesions but no leakages in the NG group. The mean bursting pressures (mmHg) in the FG and NG groups, respectively, were 25 +/- 20 (SD) and 63 +/- 23 (N.S.) 30 minutes after surgery, 107 +/- 33 and 115 +/- 30 after one day, 81 +/- 31 and 133 +/- 26 (P less than .001) after four days, and 161 +/- 36 and 175 +/- 24 after seven days. The somewhat earlier rise in hydroxyproline content in the glued anastomoses did not lead to significant intergroup differences. The glued anastomoses were thus weak during the critical lag period of healing. Also, by preventing adhesion formation, the glue may reduce the extra blood supply from perianastomotic vessels. The outcomes might have differed more under demanding experimental or clinical situations.

Efficacy of a modified oxidized cellulose fabric in the prevention of adhesion formation.

A new fabric of regenerated oxidized cellulose (TC-7) was evaluated for the prevention of postoperative adhesions. Standardized injuries were performed on the uterine fundal serosa, the unilateral uterine cornu, and the contralateral ovary in 24 New Zealand rabbits. TC-7 was applied to the injured surfaces in 12 rabbits utilizing a randomized study design. At second-look laparotomy 3 weeks later, adhesions were graded without knowledge of the treatment category in the 22 rabbits surviving the study. There were no statistically significant differences in adhesion formation between treated and control animals at any of the injury sites. No gross or histologic residua of the TC-7 were evident 3 weeks after intraperitoneal application. Further studies will be needed to clarify the clinical role of this new fabric.

Lack of Prevention of Adhesion Formation Following Tubal Microsurgery in the Rabbit

Lack of Prevention of Adhesion Formation Following Tubal Microsurgery in the Rabbit