Evaluation of a bioresorbable hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose membrane for prevention of experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in horses

Objective-To evaluate the efficacy of a bioresorbable hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose membrane (HA-membrane) for prevention of experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in horses. Study Design-Experimental study. Animal Population-Twelve healthy adult horses. Methods-The effect of an HA-membrane on adhesion formation was evaluated in 12 healthy horses using an established model of serosal trauma to induce adhesions. A ventral median celiotomy and two jejunal resections and end-to-end anastomoses were performed. Two separate jejunal areas were abraded, and three 2-0 chromic gut sutures placed in the abraded areas. In treated horses (n = 6), HA-membranes were applied to the jejunum to completely cover the anastomoses and abraded areas of jejunum. Nontreated horses (n = 6) served as controls. All horses were killed 10 days after surgery. The abdominal cavity was evaluated for adhesion formation. The frequency of intraabdominal adhesions between groups was compared with a chi(2) test with statistical significance set at P < .05. Results-All control horses had intra-abdominal adhesions; fibrous adhesions were associated with both jejunal abrasion sites in 5 horses. One treated horse developed adhesions. There were significantly fewer adhesions in the HA-membrane-treated group (P < .0034). Conclusions-In this experimental model, application of an HA-membrane to a localized area of serosal trauma reduced the frequency of intra-abdominal adhesion formation. Clinical Relevance-Application of an HA membrane may decrease the frequency of adhesions in horses at an increased risk of postoperative adhesion formation. (C)Copyright 2000 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.