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Updated: May 25, 2026
Transplantation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Sheet to Reduce Leakage After Partial Colectomy in A Rat Model
Published on: August 11, 2018
Postoperative adhesion prevention using a statin-containing cellulose film in an experimental model
M Lalountas1, K D Ballas, A Michalakis
1Laboratory of Scientific Research and Experimental Surgery, Second Propedeutical Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University, and Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. miltiadislalountas@yahoo.gr
Background:
Intraperitoneal adhesions are a common problem in abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Statofilm, a novel antiadhesive film based on cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose and atorvastatin, with that of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm(®)) in the prevention of postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions in rats.
Methods:
One hundred male Wistar rats underwent a laparotomy and adhesions were induced by caecal abrasion. The animals were allocated to five groups: a control group with no adhesion barrier, Seprafilm(®) group, placebo group with a film containing carboxymethylcellulose without atorvastatin, and low- and high-dose groups with films containing carboxymethylcellulose and atorvastatin 0·125 and 1 mg per kg bodyweight respectively. Adhesions were classified by two independent surgeons 2 weeks after surgery. Caecal biopsies were obtained for histological evaluation of fibrosis, inflammation and vascular proliferation.
Results:
All antiadhesive film groups (Seprafilm(®), placebo, low-dose and high-dose) had statistically significant adhesion reduction compared with the control group (P < 0·001, P = 0·015, P < 0·001 and P < 0·001 respectively). The low-dose Statofilm was superior to Seprafilm(®) in terms of adhesion prevention (P = 0·001). Adhesions were present in three-quarters of rats in the Seprafilm(®) group, but only one-quarter in the low-dose Statofilm group.
Conclusion:
The data suggest that the newly developed adhesion barrier Statofilm has better results than Seprafilm(®) in preventing postoperative adhesions in rats. A low-dose atorvastatin-containing film, such as Statofilm, could be evaluated for future clinical application.
