Peritoneal infusion with cold saline decreased postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation.

Background: Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion is a common morbidity after laparotomy. We try to determine whether peritoneal infusion with cold saline may decrease postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation.

Methods: Ninety-six male BALB/c mice weighing 25-30 g were randomized into four groups: (I) adhesion model with infusion of 4 degrees C cold saline, (II) adhesion model with infusion of room temperature saline, (III) adhesion model without infusion of saline, and (IV) sham operation without infusion of saline. Adhesion scores, incidence of adhesion, and serum cytokines were measured at postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

Results: Group I had lower adhesion scores than groups II and III (P < 0.0001). IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha were significantly increased in the groups I, II, and III compared to group IV (P < 0.0001). IL-6 in group I was significantly decreased compared to that in group III (P < 0.0004). IL-10 in group I was significantly increased compared to that in groups II (P < 0.0001) and III (P < 0.05). TNF-alpha in group I was significantly decreased compared to that in groups II (P < 0.0004), and III (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Peritoneal infusion with cold saline may decrease the degree of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation.