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 degrees C, 34 degrees C, 37 degrees C, 40 degrees C, 45 degrees C, 50 degrees C, 55 degrees C, and 60 degrees 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 degrees C group (all slight); 6/20 of the 34 degrees C group (all slight); 6/20 of the 37 degrees C group (all slight); 12/20 of the 40 degrees C group (all slight); 12/20 of the 45 degrees C group (11 slight, 1 moderate); 14/20 of the 50 degrees C group (12 slight, 2 moderate); 18/19 of the 55 degrees C group (2 slight, 6 moderate, 10 marked); and 18/18 of the 60 degrees 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.