Role of fibrin glue in the prevention of peritoneal adhesions in ventral hernia repair.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fibrin glue on the prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesion to prosthetic materials used in ventral hernia repair.

Methods: Ten pigs were included in this study. The abdomens of the animals were opened by means of a median subumbilical laparotomy to place four prostheses that were cut into square pieces of 4 x 4 cm. The two prostheses in the most cephalic position were polypropylene meshes, and the other two prostheses in a more caudal position were expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prostheses (Dualmesh Plus Corduroy). The prostheses on the right side of each animal were previously impregnated with fibrin glue. After 5 weeks, the animals were reoperated on to assess the quantity and quality (consistency) of the adhesions.

Results: There were fewer intraperitoneal adhesions and they were more labile in the case of prostheses impregnated with fibrin glue. Moreover, we also observed that in many of the animals the polypropylene mesh did not show any adhesions, although polypropylene has been considered to be a typical adhesion producing material.

Conclusions: Fibrin glue reduces both the quantity and consistency of adhesions, even in the case of polypropylene meshes.