Hyaluronate-based coating solution for prevention of surgical adhesions has no major effect on adhesion and growth of intraperitoneal tumour cells.

OBJECTIVE

To find out whether the perioperative use of a solution containing hyaluronic acid (HA, Sepracoat) might affect the adhesion of tumour cells.

DESIGN

Laboratory studies in vitro and in two experiments in rats.

SETTING

Teaching hospital, The Netherlands.

SUBJECTS

27 female inbred WAG rats.

INTERVENTIONS

Mesothelial cells were cultured in monolayers and the adhesion of CC-531 colonic carcinoma cells was assessed with and without Sepracoat. Uterine horn experiment: after laparotomy Sepracoat 3 ml (n = 5) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (n = 4) were instilled in rats; the right uterine horn was abraided with gauze, and the left was left untouched; CC-531 cells were seeded intraperitoneally; and the tumour load at 8 different sites was scored after 3 weeks. Laparotomy model: after laparotomy Sepracoat and PBS were instilled (n = 9 rats in each group), CC-531 cells were seeded, and the wound was closed; the tumour load was scored after 3 weeks.

RESULTS

Sepracoat had a small but significant inhibitory effect on the adhesion of CC-531 cells in vitro. However, we were unable to repeat this effect in either rat experiment.

CONCLUSION

Sepracoat may inhibit adhesion of tumour cells to the mesothelium but it had no appreciable effect on intra-abdominal tumour growth in this dose in either experiment in rats.