Use of methylene blue and N,O-carboxymethylchitosan to prevent postoperative adhesions in a rat uterine horn model.

Objectives: To compare the anti-adhesion potential of 1% methylene blue (MB) solution and 2% N,O-carboxymethylchitosan (NOCC) gel in a rat uterine horn model.

Design: Experimental animal study.

Setting: University medical center.

Animal(s): Forty female Wistar albino rats randomized into four groups.

Intervention(s): We examined the effects of 1% MB solution and 2% NOCC gel to reduce the extent and severity of postoperative adhesions in a rat uterine horn model: no adjuvant therapy in control group, 2 mL of normal saline (NS) solution in NS group, 2 mL of 1% MB solution in MB group, and 2 mL of 2% NOCC gel in NOCC group was instilled onto uterine horns of the rats.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Adhesions were scored according to their extent and severity.

Result(s): The extent and severity scores of adhesions in MB and NOCC groups were significantly lower than those of control and NS groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the extent and severity scores of adhesions between MB and NOCC groups.

Conclusion(s): These findings suggest that MB and 2% NOCC gel should be considered as an adjuvant in the prevention of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions. Future experimental and clinical studies are required to find their optimal formulation and usage.