Prevention of peritoneal adhesions in rats with verapamil, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, and phosphatidylcholine.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of verapamil, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, and phosphatidylcholine in the prevention of experimental adhesions.

DESIGN

Randomized trial.

MATERIAL: 80 rats.

INTERVENTIONS: Laparotomy and intraperitoneal irrigation with saline 40 degrees C, then verapamil hydrochloride 1 mg/kg intravenously 15 min before, during, and after irrigation; or hydrocortisone sodium succinate 50 mg/kg intravenously half an hour before irrigation; or phosphatidylcholine 5.5 mg/kg orally eight days before and seven days after irrigation plus 0.5 mg/ml in the irrigation fluid; or no further intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Development of adhesions two weeks after irrigation, and completeness of wound healing.

RESULTS

Adhesions developed in 13 of 19 control animals; 7 of 20 that were given verapamil; 6 of 20 that were given hydrocortisone; and 3 of 20 given phosphatidylcholine.

CONCLUSION

Adhesions that developed in rats after laparotomy and intraperitoneal irrigation with saline at 40 degrees C can be significantly reduced by phosphatidylcholine.