The rubber dam as a means to isolate contaminated peritoneal defects after colonic resection

After colonic resections, peritoneal defects exposed to colonic flora and blood may become the seat of localized peritonitis and cause small-bowel adhesions and obstruction. In the past five years, we have seen 14 patients where one or both of these complications was anticipated for one of the following reasons: presence of an abscess cavity, local infection or accidental tear of the colon. In these patients a rubber sheet was stitched to the edges of the peritoneal defect with absorbable sutures and brought out through the abdominal wall. In all patients the rubber dam functioned as a passive drain and as a barrier between the peritoneal defect and the small bowel. Three weeks later the rubber dam was removed by traction. None of these patients developed small-bowel obstruction and no adverse effects from the rubber sheet were seen. The working mechanism of the rubber dam was investigated in female Wistar rats. After removing the peritoneum between the left kidney and pelvis, the defect was covered with a rubber dam. A capsule with a standard solution of Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and autoclaved feces was used to initiate peritonitis under the rubber dam. The rubber proved to act as an efficient drain and barrier. No abscesses or small-bowel adhesions were seen. In the control group, 75 per cent of the animals died from generalized peritonitis or developed an abscess.