Lipiodol versus methylene blue for prevention of postsurgical adhesion formation in a rat model.

Objective: To determine the effects of intraperitoneal Lipiodol and methylene blue in prevention of postsurgical adhesion formation.

Study Design: Thirty female rats were divided into three equal groups and a standard damage to provoke adhesion formation was made by laparotomy to each of them. Methylene blue and Lipiodol was administered intraperitoneally to the first and second groups, respectively; while the third group was taken as control and no additional intervention was made. Adhesions were scored by a second look laparotomy which was made 21 days after the first operation.

Results: Adhesion scores of the second group (i.e. Lipiodol group) were significantly lower than that of controls. No significant differences were present between any other groups (i.e. methylene blue versus control and methylene blue versus Lipiodol).

Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of Lipiodol inhibits postsurgical adhesion formation in rats.