Dextran and adhesions in guinea-pigs

Area of Science:

• Surgical Research
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Device Research

Background:

• Post-operative intra-abdominal adhesions are a common complication following abdominal surgery.
• Recurrent adhesions after adhesiolysis can lead to significant morbidity.
• Effective prevention strategies for adhesions are crucial in surgical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 6% dextran 70 in preventing the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions.
• To assess the role of 6% dextran 70 in preventing recurrent adhesions after surgical lysis.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, blinded study was conducted using 50 guinea pigs.
• Adhesions were induced via strip lesions and end-to-end anastomosis on uterine horns.
• Animals received either 6% dextran 70 or saline intraperitoneally post-operatively and post-adhesiolysis.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in adhesion formation was observed between the dextran 70 and saline groups.
• Dextran 70 did not demonstrate a beneficial effect in preventing recurrent adhesions after adhesiolysis.
• The end-to-end anastomosis model was more effective in inducing adhesions than the strip lesion model.

Conclusions:

• 6% dextran 70 (molecular weight 70,000) does not appear to be effective in preventing primary or recurrent post-operative intra-abdominal adhesions in this guinea pig model.
• Further research may be needed to explore alternative adhesion prevention methods.