The effect of dexamethasone and promethazine administration on adhesion formation, tubal function, and ultrastructure following microsurgical anastomosis of rabbit oviducts.

In a controlled study, 24 rabbits underwent bilateral division and immediate microsurgical anastomosis of the oviducts. Dexamethasone and promethazine were administered to 13 rabbits in a dose and route of administration similar to those used in clinical practice. Eleven control rabbits received a saline vehicle. Morbidity and mortality were encountered only in the dexamethasone and promethazine-treated group. Dexamethasone and promethazine did not appear to influence the formation of intraluminal and peritubal adhesions, histology, ultrastructure, patency, implantation, or pregnancy rates. The presence of intraluminal adhesions, as seen by scanning electron microscopy, was associated with relatively more efficient tubal function as measured by the ability of the oviducts to convey ova to intrauterine implantation sites. Collagen accumulation in the muscularis, as demonstrated by trichrome staining, was associated with relatively decreased tubal function.