[Peritoneal instillation of taurolidine and heparin for preventing intraperitoneal tumor growth and trocar metastases in laparoscopic operations in the rat model].

BACKGROUND

Although port-site metastases occur after laparoscopic surgery, there is no generally accepted approach to prevent tumor implantation so far.

METHODS

In order to prevent tumor metastases, the effect of taurolidine and heparin on the growth of colon adenocarcinoma DHD/K12/TRb was measured in vitro and in a rat model. After incubation of the cells with heparin, taurolidine or both substances, the cell kinetics were determined. In a second experiment, tumor cells were administered intraperitoneally in rats (n = 60) and pneumoperitoneum was established over 30 min. Rats were randomized into four groups (I: tumor cells; II: cells + heparin; III: cells + taurolidine; IV: cells + taurolidine + heparin).

RESULTS

While tumor cell growth was not influenced by heparin in vitro, growth decreased significantly after incubation with taurolidine and taurolidine/heparin. In vivo, intraperitoneal tumor weight was lower in rats receiving heparin (298 +/- 155 mg) and taurolidine (149 +/- 247 mg) than in the control group (596 +/- 278 mg). When the two substance were combined, tumor growth was even less (21.5 +/- 36 mg). Trocar metastases were only lower in rats receiving taurolidine or the combination of taurolidine and heparin.

CONCLUSION

In vivo, heparin inhibits intraperitoneal tumor growth only slightly, while taurolidine causes a significant decrease in tumor cell growth in vitro as well as intraperitoneal tumor growth and trocar metastases in vivo.