Effect of intraperitoneal saline irrigation at different temperatures on adhesion formation

This study was designed to examine the influence of saline irrigation at different temperatures on adhesion/formation in the rat. Saline irrigation through a laparotomy incision was performed at the following temperatures: 30°C, 34°C, 37°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, and 60°C. The control group (Gc, n = 20) underwent laparotomy without irrigation. Adhesions were found in: 5/20 animals of the Gc (all slight); 6/20 of the 30°C group (all slight); 6/20 of the 34°C group (all slight); 6/20 of the 37°C group (all slight); 12/20 of the 40°C group (all slight); 12/20 of the 45°C group (11 slight, 1 moderate); 14/20 of the 50°C group (12 slight, 2 moderate); 18/19 of the 55°C group (2 slight, 6 moderate, 10 marked); and 18/18 of the 60°C group (1 moderate, 8 marked, 9 massive). These results indicate that saline irrigation below body temperature does not prevent adhesions whereas warmed saline encourages adhesion formation in the rat.