Zn2+-SCMC versus HA for preventing intraperitoneal adhesions: a rat model study

Area of Science:

• Surgical Complications
• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Intraperitoneal adhesions are a significant postoperative complication following abdominal surgery.
• Effective prevention strategies are crucial to reduce patient morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of zinc-modified sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Zn(2+)-SCMC) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in preventing postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions.
• To evaluate the potential of Zn(2+)-SCMC as an anti-adhesion agent.

Main Methods:

• A rat model was used to induce peritoneal adhesions by cecal mucosa abrasion.
• Rats were randomized into three groups: no treatment, HA treatment, or Zn(2+)-SCMC treatment.
• Adhesion incidence and severity were assessed two weeks post-treatment via scoring and histological examination.

Main Results:

• The Zn(2+)-SCMC group showed a significantly lower incidence of intraperitoneal adhesions (48.7%) compared to the HA group (77.5%) and the untreated group (77.5%).
• Mortality rates were lowest in the Zn(2+)-SCMC group (2.5%) compared to HA (5.0%) and untreated (12.5%) groups.
• Both agents promoted abdominal serosa repair, but Zn(2+)-SCMC was more effective.

Conclusions:

• Zinc-modified sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Zn(2+)-SCMC) is more effective than hyaluronic acid in preventing postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions.
• Zn(2+)-SCMC represents a promising therapeutic agent for reducing surgical adhesion formation.