Effect of petrolatum coating on the rate of occlusion of ameroid constrictors in the peritoneal cavity.

OBJECTIVE

To document rate of closure and degree of inflammation associated with petrolatum coated (PCA) and non-coated ameroid constrictors (NCA) in the peritoneal cavity.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental study.

ANIMALS

18 Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six ameroid constrictors (AC; 5 mm) were digitally scanned and luminal area measured. Rats were anesthetized, and 1 PCA and 1 NCA were inserted in the peritoneal cavity by median celiotomy. Rats were euthanatized at 2 weeks (6 rats), 4 weeks (6), or 6 weeks (6) after surgery. AC were harvested, digitally scanned, and luminal area determined. Inflammation associated with the AC was subjectively graded (1-5). The effects of petrolatum coating on luminal area measurements and inflammatory score were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Closure of AC occurred most rapidly during the first 2 weeks, but luminal area decreased only 32% at 6 weeks after implantation. There was no significant difference in rate of closure for PCA compared to NCA at 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Inflammation scores were not significantly different between PCA and NCA.

CONCLUSIONS

Petrolatum coating did not slow the rate of closure of AC in the peritoneal cavity.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The lack of closure of AC supports the conclusion that vascular attenuation is not dependent on luminal constriction alone. Petrolatum coating did not slow the rate of casein expansion and is unlikely to be clinically useful.