Effect of nitric oxide on postoperative adhesion formation

Peritoneal adhesions continue to be a significant cause of postoperative co mplications. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of nitric oxide in preventing postoperative adhesion formation in rats, Th ree randomized groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a standardiz ed lesion by cecal abrasion and parietal peritoneal defect. 0.9% NaCl (cont rol, group 1), L-arginine (300 mg/kg, group 2) and N omega-nitro arginine m ethyl ester (L-NAME; 25 mg/kg, group 3) were administered intraperitoneally before abdominal closure and during 3 consecutive days after surgery. Two weeks after surgery, a relaparotomy was performed and the extent of adhesio n formation was determined. In groups 1 and 3 heavy adhesions were detected . In the L-arginine group, adhesion formation was significantly less than i n the other groups (p < 0.05). This study showed that L-arginine reduced ad hesion formation. Copyright (C) 1999 S. Karger AG. Basel.