Prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions: efficacy of povidone.

The appearance and severity of peritoneal adhesions after simple laparotomy and after adhesiolysis were studied in a rabbit model. Adhesions were induced by direct abrasion with latex glove and dry gauze; control rabbits had abrasion only. Study groups had abrasion and treatment with 10% or 25% povidone. Results showed a significant reduction in the number of adhesions and in the severity of adhesions after treatment with povidone. This study supports the further investigation of the efficacy of povidone in preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions.