Reduction of intestinal adhesions by postoperative peritoneal irrigation with dialysis solution.

In a canine experimental model in which intestinal adhesions were created by exposing the intestine to talc powder and autologous blood, the incidence of adhesion formation and the severity of adhesions were reduced tenfold when the abdominal cavity was irrigated with peritoneal dialysis solution three times daily for 4 days postoperatively. The mechanism of peritoneal dialysis solution in reducing the severity of adhesion appears to be related to the mechanical factors of washing out debris from the abdominal cavity, although it may also have a fibrinolytic effect. Long-term use of peritoneal dialysis solution may alter systemic fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Placing a small peritoneal dialysis catheter in the abdominal cavity at the conclusion of major abdominal operations and subsequent daily irrigation with peritoneal dialysis solution may be a helpful adjunct in reducing the incidence of postoperative adhesions.