Effect of Intraperitoneal Thymoquinone on Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesions

Background : To determine the effect of thymoquinone on adhesion formation in a rat caecotomy/suture model. Materials and Methods : Thirty wistar rats were randomized into three groups : The control group received saline and the thymoquinone group received 10 mg/kg thymoquinone after cecal caecotomy/suture model. In the sham group the abdominal wall was closed without any abrasion to the cecum. On day 15, adhesions were classified, and histopathological samples were taken. Results : There were no incisional hernias or wound dehiscences. In comparing adhesion scores, a significant difference was found between the thymoquinone and the control groups (p < 0.05). The grade of inflammation for the thymoquinone and the sham groups were significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Hydroxyproline levels were significantly lower in the sham and thymoquinone groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions : Based on the results of this study in a rat peritoneal adhesion model, intraperitoneal administered thymoquinone has a strong anti-adhesive effect.