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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Creation of Abdominal Adhesions in Mice
Published on: August 27, 2016
Evaluation of amniotic membrane as adhesion prophylaxis in a novel surgical gastroschisis model
H O Rennekampff1, P Dohrmann, R Föry
1Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, University of Kiel, Germany.
Insights
Viable amniotic membrane significantly reduced adhesion formation in a rat model, proving to be an excellent antiadhesive tissue for peritoneal defects. This finding offers a promising solution for conditions like gastroschisis.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Adhesions are a major cause of bowel obstruction and infertility.
- Current synthetic and biodegradable substitutes for peritoneal defects, such as in gastroschisis, remain inadequate.
- The amniotic membrane, a readily available material with low antigenicity, presents a potential alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane as a peritoneal substitute in a rat model.
- To compare the antiadhesive properties of viable, partially viable, and inversed-used amniotic membranes.
- To assess the suitability of the animal model for evaluating peritoneal substitutes.
Main Methods:
- A full-thickness abdominal wall defect was created in rats.
- Various preparations of amniotic membrane were sutured into the defect.
- Adhesion formation was quantified using computerized area calculation after 3 weeks.
Main Results:
- Viable amniotic membrane resulted in 0-3% adhesion formation.
- Partially viable amniotic membrane showed 33% adhesion formation.
- Inversed-used amniotic membrane and the control group (no substitute) exhibited 70% adhesion formation.
Conclusions:
- Viable amniotic membrane is an effective antiadhesive tissue.
- The rat model provides a reliable method for assessing peritoneal substitutes.
- Amniotic membrane holds promise for covering peritoneal defects and preventing adhesions.
Abstract:
Adhesions are a leading cause of bowel obstruction and infertility. The coverage of peritoneal defects, as in gastroschisis, is still a crucial problem. Despite biodegradable substitutes and synthetic implants such as PTFE membrane, a satisfactory replacement for gastroschisis has not been identified. The amniotic membrane, which is available at birth with a low antigenicity, was evaluated as a peritoneal substitute. Viable, partially viable, and inversed-used amniotic membranes were compared in a rat model. A full-thickness abdominal wall defect was made and the amniotic membrane sutured into this defect. The skin was closed over the amniotic membrane. Reoperation was performed 3 weeks after initial surgery, and the adhesion formation was measured by computerized area calculation. Viable amniotic membrane showed 0 to 3% area adhesion formation, while partially viable (50%) amniotic membrane demonstrated 33% area adhesion formation. Inversed-used amniotic membrane, with the stromal side directed toward the abdominal cavity, showed 70% of the amniotic membrane area to be covered with adhesions. The same amount was found in the control group, in which no substitute was sutured into the defect. This animal model is suitable for the straightforward evaluation of peritoneal substitutes with regard to adhesion formation. It is easy to perform and mimics surgical needs. Viable amniotic membrane proved to be an excellent antiadhesive tissue.
