One percent sodium carboxymethylcellulose prevents experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in horses

Objective-To evaluate the efficacy of 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCM C) for prevention of experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in horses. Study Design-Prospective, controlled, experimental study. Animal Population-Twelve healthy adult horses Methods-The effect of 1% SCMC on adhesion formation was evaluated in 12 hea lthy horses by using an established model of serosal trauma to induce intra abdominal adhesions. After ventral median celiotomy, 2 separate areas of th e jejunum were abraded, and three 2-0 chromic gut sutures were placed in ea ch abraded area. Jejunal resection and end-to-end anastomosis was performed at 2 sites distant to the abrasion sites. In treated horses (n = 6), 2 L o f 1% SCMC was applied to the intestine before and after intestinal manipula tion. In control horses (n = 6), 2 L of saline solution were applied to the intestine before and after surgical manipulation. All horses were euthanat ized 10 days after surgery, and the abdominal cavity was evaluated for adhe sion formation. The frequency of intraabdominal adhesions between groups wa s compared with a chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results-All control horses had intraabdominal adhesions. Fibrous adhesions were associated with both jejunal abrasion sites in 5 control horses. Fibro us adhesions were also associated with 1 or both jejunal anastomotic sites in 5 control horses. Only I treated horse developed adhesions at the jejuna l abrasion sites, and no adhesions were present at the anastomotic sites in the treated horses. There were significantly fewer adhesions in the SCMC t reatment group compared with the control group (P < .05). Conclusion-In this experimental model, application of 1% SCMC reduced the f requency of intraabdominal adhesions at areas of serosal abrasion and at je junal anastomotic sites. Clinical Relevance-In horses at an increased risk for developing intraabdom inal adhesions after intestinal surgery, the use of 1% SCMC during celiotom y may decrease the frequency of adhesion formation. (C) Copyright 2001 by T he American College of Veterinary Surgeons.