Effects of carbon dioxide-saturated normal saline and Ringer's lactate on postsurgical adhesion formation in the rabbit.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of combining carbon dioxide gas (CO2) with normal saline versus CO2 with lactated Ringer's solution on adhesion formation in the rabbit model.

METHODS

Sixty New Zealand white rabbits underwent surgery based on a proven experimental adhesion model. Following abdominal closure, the animals were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 underwent abdominal CO2 insufflation only; group 2 underwent abdominal irrigation with CO2-saturated normal saline; group 3 underwent abdominal irrigation with CO2-saturated lactated Ringer's solution. Three weeks later, the rabbits were sacrificed and the adhesions were scored in a blinded fashion based on the extent, type, and tenacity, with a maximum possible score of 11.

RESULTS

The mean (+/- standard deviation) adhesion scores were 7.75 +/- 2.82 in group 1, 7.85 +/- 2.58 in group 2, and 4.75 +/- 2.95 in group 3. There was no difference in severity of adhesions between groups 1 and 2. However, the mean adhesion score was significantly lower in group 3 (lactated Ringer's with CO2) than in either group 1 (CO2) or group 2 (normal saline with CO2) (P = .004 and P = .002, respectively).

CONCLUSION

It appears that when CO2 is the insufflating gas, lactated Ringer's solution has a protective effect against adhesion formation in the rabbit model.