Hypothermia decreases postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation.

Background: Hypothermia may decrease postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion. We sought to determine the most suitable temperature for hypothermia for decreasing postoperative adhesion formation.

Methods: One hundred and twenty male BALB/c mice weighing 25 to 30 g were randomized into 5 groups: adhesion model with infusion of cold saline at (I) 15°C; (II) 10°C; or (III) 4°C; (IV) adhesion model without infusion of saline; and (V) sham operation without infusion of saline. Adhesion scores, incidence of adhesion, and serum cytokine levels were measured at postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

Results: Adhesion scores among groups I, II, and III did not differ significantly. Interleukin-6 was significantly decreased in groups I, II, and III, compared to the levels in groups IV and V (P < .05). Tumor necrosis factor-α levels in groups I and II were significantly decreased compared to those in groups III, IV, and V (P < .05).

Conclusion: We suggest that 15°C is the appropriate temperature for induction of hypothermia to decrease postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation.