Adhesion prevention by solutions of sodium carboxymethylcellulose in the rat. II.

In a rat model, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) was compared with normal saline and 32% dextran 70 in the prevention of surgically induced intraperitoneal adhesions. The 32% dextran 70 was similar to normal saline in the initial prevention of adhesions, and both appeared less effective than SCMC. After lysis of the initial adhesions, SCMC was significantly more effective than 32% dextran 70 in the prevention of the reformation of adhesions. Possible mechanisms of action, complications of SCMC, and the need for further research in finding an ideal solution for use in adhesion prevention are discussed.