Efficacy of three adhesion-preventing agents in reducing severe peritoneal trauma induced by bipolar coagulation in a laparoscopic rat model.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the antiadhesion efficacy of three agents (4% icodextrin, ferric hyaluronate gel, and Ringer's lactate) in severe peritoneal trauma caused by bipolar coagulation in a laparoscopic rat model.

DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded experimental study.

SETTING: International Laparoscopic Surgery Centre, Clermont-Ferrand, France.

ANIMAL(S): Female Sprague-Dawley rats.

INTERVENTIONS: Animals were prospectively randomized to receive one of the three agents or to be controls. Coagulation of the parietal peritoneum was performed using a bipolar 40-W current followed by administration of an antiadhesion agent. Postoperative adhesion assessment was carried out on day 7 in 42 rats.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Adhesions were scored according to their extent and severity.

RESULT(S): Adhesions occurred in all rats, however, adhesion and vascular adhesion rate scores were significantly higher in controls compared with treated groups. Adhesions were more likely to be filmy and easily separable in the 4% icodextrin group compared with the Ringer's lactate solution group.

CONCLUSION(S): Adhesion scores were decreased by the use of antiadherent agents. However, no rats were found to be free of adhesions after severe peritoneal trauma induced by 40-W bipolar coagulation of the peritoneum.