Zn2+-SCMC Versus HA for Preventing Intraperitoneal Adhesions: A Rat Model Study

BACKGROUND Intraperitoneal adhesion is a serious surgical postoperative complication. Using a rat model, we compared the effectiveness of intraperitoneally administered zinc-modified sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Zn(2+)-SCMC) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in preventing postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peritoneal adhesions were induced in 120 Wistar rats by scraping the cecal mucosa. The rats were randomized into a no treatment group (n = 40) or into a treatment group in which 3 ml of HA (n = 40) or Zn(2+)-SCMC (n = 40) was administered intraperitoneally before the abdominal wall was closed. Following sacrifice two weeks later, the intraperitoneal adhesions were scored and tissues were examined histologically using HE staining. RESULTS Eight animals died, five in the untreated group (mortality rate, 12.5%), two in the HA group (mortality rate, 5.0%) and one in the Zn(2+)-SCMC group (mortality rate, 2.5%). Relative to the untreated group, the incidence of intraperitoneal adhesions was 77.5% in the HA and 48.7% in the Zn(2+)-SCMC group, with the incidence significantly lower in the Zn(2+)-SCMC group (P < 0.001). Both agents prevented intraperitoneal adhesions by promoting the repair of the abdominal serosa. CONCLUSIONS Administration of Zn(2+)-SCMC was more effective in preventing intraperitoneal adhesions than HA.