Prevention of peritoneal adhesions in rats with verapamil, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, and phosphatidylcholine
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
Creation of Abdominal Adhesions in Mice
Published on: August 27, 2016
A M Kappas1, G H Barsoum, J B Ortiz
1Department of Surgery, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, UK.
Objective:
To assess the effectiveness of verapamil, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, and phosphatidylcholine in the prevention of experimental adhesions.
Design:
Randomized trial.
Material:
80 rats.
Interventions:
Laparotomy and intraperitoneal irrigation with saline 40 degrees C, then verapamil hydrochloride 1 mg/kg intravenously 15 min before, during, and after irrigation; or hydrocortisone sodium succinate 50 mg/kg intravenously half an hour before irrigation; or phosphatidylcholine 5.5 mg/kg orally eight days before and seven days after irrigation plus 0.5 mg/ml in the irrigation fluid; or no further intervention.
Main Outcome Measures:
Development of adhesions two weeks after irrigation, and completeness of wound healing.
Results:
Adhesions developed in 13 of 19 control animals; 7 of 20 that were given verapamil; 6 of 20 that were given hydrocortisone; and 3 of 20 given phosphatidylcholine.
Conclusion:
Adhesions that developed in rats after laparotomy and intraperitoneal irrigation with saline at 40 degrees C can be significantly reduced by phosphatidylcholine.
