Evaluation of a fibrin preparation containing tranexamic acid (Adhexil) in a rabbit uterine horn model of adhesions with and without bleeding and in a model with two surgical loci.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of a fibrin preparation supplemented with tranexamic acid (Adhexil) with that of established devices, and to determine whether its effect is limited to the site of application.

DESIGN

Rabbit uterine horns were abraded in nonbleeding and bleeding variants of an established adhesions model. In a separate study, a sidewall excision with approximation of the abraded cecum was added. Animals randomly received Adhexil at both, neither, or either loci.

SETTING

Laboratory study.

ANIMAL(S): Seventy-two female New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

INTERVENTION(S): Adhexil, Seprafilm or SprayGel and Interceed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The extent of adhesions was evaluated 13 to 16 days after surgery.

RESULT(S): Adhexil reduced adhesions (15 +/- 7%; 15 +/- 4%) compared with controls (74 +/- 13%; 78 +/- 9%) in the bleeding and nonbleeding models, respectively. The reductions resulting from the use of Seprafilm (39 +/- 17%; 34 +/- 14%) or SprayGel (61 +/- 18%; 43 +/- 14%) (n = 4) were not statistically significant. In the bleeding model, Interceed (48 +/- 15%) reduced adhesions only modestly.

CONCLUSION(S): In the combined uterine and sidewall model, Adhexil reduced selectively the extent and incidence of adhesions. The absolute and relative performance of Adhexil in an established adhesions model and in the presence of bleeding justifies its further investigation.