Use of hyaluronidase cream to prevent peritoneal adhesions in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair by means of intraperitoneal mesh fixation using spiral tacks.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hyaluronidase gel on the prevention of post-operative peritoneal adhesions to prosthetic materials used in laparosopic ventral hernia repair.

Methods: Ten pigs were included in this study. The animals were anesthetized using Na-penthotal for induction and isofluorane for maintenance. The abdomen was opened and, using helical fasteners, four implantations were performed (squares of 4 x 4 cm). Two of the implants, placed in an upper location, were in polypropylene mesh, and two of the implants, placed in a lower area, were in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE-e, Dualmesh Plus Corduroy). The implants located in the right side of animals were painted with hyaluronidase gel. Two helical fasteners, painted and unpainted, were implanted in a medial location. After a five-week period the pigs were operated on again, intraperitoneal adhesion ratios and grades were determined, and the pigs later sacrificed. Specimens having abdominal wall implants were taken for histological studies.

Results: Intraperitoneal adhesions decreased in implants painted with hyaluronidase gel in a comparative study with implants located in the left side of animals (not painted). On the other hand the polypropylene mesh, said typically to produce intraperitoneal adhesions, produced almost no adhesion in many animals.

Conclusions: Hyaluronidase gel reduces post-operative peritoneal adhesions ratio and grades including in the presence of polypropylene mesh.