Hypothermia decreases postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation

Area of Science:

• Surgical research
• Physiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion is a common complication.
• Hypothermia is a potential strategy to mitigate adhesion formation.
• Optimal temperature for hypothermia-induced adhesion reduction remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the most suitable temperature for hypothermia to decrease postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion.
• To evaluate the impact of different hypothermia temperatures on adhesion scores and cytokine levels.

Main Methods:

• 120 male BALB/c mice were randomized into five groups.
• Groups received cold saline infusion at 15°C, 10°C, or 4°C, or no saline.
• Adhesion scores, incidence, and serum cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α) were measured postoperatively.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in adhesion scores between hypothermia groups (15°C, 10°C, 4°C).
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly reduced in all hypothermia groups compared to controls.
• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were significantly reduced at 15°C and 10°C compared to 4°C and controls.

Conclusions:

• 15°C is suggested as the appropriate temperature for hypothermia to reduce postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion.
• Hypothermia, particularly at 15°C, may attenuate the inflammatory response contributing to adhesion formation.