Comparison of Peritoneal Adhesion Formation in Bowel Retraction by Cotton Towels Versus the Silicone Lap Pak Device in a Rabbit Model

OBJECTIVE Manipulation of cotton operating room towels within the abdominal cavity in open abdominal surgery has been associated with the formation of peritoneal adhesions. In a rabbit model, the use of standard cotton operating room towels is compared to the Lap Pak, a silicone bowel-packing device, to determine the potential for reducing the risk of adhesions. METHODS Thirty rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups. The rabbits underwent a sham surgery with incision only (n = 10), placement of operating room towels (n = 10), or placement of a Lap Pak (n = 10). After 14 days, the rabbits were sacrificed and the peritoneal cavity explored for adhesions. The number, tenacity, ease of dissection, and density of adhesions were recorded, and the adhesions quantitatively graded using a Modified Hopkins Adhesion scoring system. RESULTS The operating room towel group had an average adhesion score of 2.5, and 8 (80%) rabbits developed adhesions. The sham group had an average adhesion score of 0.3 and one rabbit (10%) developed adhesions. The Lap Pak group had an average adhesion score of 0.2 and 1 rabbit (10%) developed adhesions. The frequency and severity of adhesions in the operating room towel group were significantly greater from that of the baseline sham group. There was no significant difference between the Lap Pak and sham groups. CONCLUSIONS In this rabbit laparotomy model, the use of the Lap Pak to retract the bowels resulted in significantly fewer adhesions compared to cotton operating room towels. Lap Pak may be beneficial for bowel packing in general abdominal surgeries.