[Dose-dependence of the carboxymethylcellulose-papain combination in the prevention of peritoneal adhesions. Study in rats].

The action of a low volume (one drop) of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-papain (PP) association gel to prevent peritoneal adhesions were studied in female Wistar rats. After ether anesthesia and a midline laparotomy incision, the right parietal peritoneum was pinched with a fine hemostat and the pinched peritoneal fold was then ligated. This maneuver was repeated thrice creating four points as if they were little "polyps" with a standardized size. Before closing the incision it was deposited on each point 0.05 ml (one drop) of CMC 2% (group A) or CMC + PP 0.4% (group B), with a total volume of 0.2 ml. These groups were compared with another similar group (group C) of a previous research, in which was used 7 ml/kg of body weight of CMC + PP 0.4% (1.5 ml by animal). Statistically significance was not noticed between groups A and B but it was noticed between these two groups (A and B) and group C (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). It was concluded that the lowest effective volume (between 0.2 and 1.5 ml/animal) which can allow the desired effect is to be determined in order to diminish the quantity of substance to be deposited in the abdominal cavity.