Effect of peritoneal lavage with taurolidine on primary colonic anastomosis in a rat model of secondary peritonitis.

PURPOSE

The reported antibacterial, antiendotoxic, and antiadhesive effects of taurolidine prompted us to study the benefits of intraperitoneal lavage with taurolidine on primary colonic anastomosis in a rat model of secondary peritonitis.

METHODS

We induced peritonitis in 40 rats by injecting Escherichia coli isolate intraperitoneally. We performed colonic resection and primary anastomosis 5 h later, after lavage with either taurolidine or saline solution. After the rats were killed, on postoperative day (POD) 3 (n = 10) or 7 (n = 10), we measured the bursting pressures and hydroxyproline levels, then examined the resected specimens histologically.

RESULTS

Bursting pressures and tissue hydroxyproline levels were significantly higher in the taurolidine group than in the control group on PODs 3 and 7 (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed significantly higher fibroblastic activity in the taurolidine group.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher bursting pressures and tissue hydroxyproline levels in the rats given taurolidine showed the positive effect of taurolidine on anastomotic strength in secondary peritonitis. Taurolidine is a novel antibiotic with both antibacterial and antiendotoxic effects. Intraperitoneal lavage with taurolidine solution may reduce the risks associated with performing primary colonic anastomosis in patients with secondary peritonitis.