Ultrapure alginate gel reduces adhesion reformation after adhesiolysis

Purpose Adhesiolysis at repeat surgery induces adhesion reformation which seems more virulent than development of de novo adhesions. We studied the effect of a new ultrapure alginate gel on adhesion reformation. Methods In 46 male Wistar rats, adhesion formation was induced using the cecal abrasion and peritoneal sidewall excision procedure. Two weeks later, a second laparotomy was performed, adhesions were graded, and surgical adhesiolysis was performed. The animals were then allocated to one of two equal groups, a control group without further intervention and a group receiving 1-ml ultrapure alginate gel to the two opposing and damaged surfaces. Two weeks after the second surgery, rats were sacrificed. Primary endpoint was the incidence of adhesion reformation at areas of injury. Secondary endpoints were adhesion scores, extent of adhesions, and tissue histology. Results Ultrapure alginate gel significantly ( p = 0.046) reduced the incidence of adhesion reformation from 100 % in controls to 78 % in experimental rats. Both the adhesion score ( p = 0.009) and the extent of adhesions ( p = 0.001) were significantly lower in the alginate group. Tissue healing histology was similar in both groups. Conclusion Ultrapure alginate gel reduces adhesion reformation following adhesiolysis.