A study on prevention of abdominal adhesions by intra-operative heparin administration in dogs

Mohammad R. Sedighi, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
M Mohri
A R. Movassaghi

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the effectiveness and probable side effects of direct abdominal lavage by a known anticoagulant substance in preventing abdominal adhesion, clot formation and fibrin deposition. 20 healthy mongrel dogs divided into two equal groups (treatment and control) and were used in the study. During the exploratory laparotomy, a few definite abdominal viscera were manipulated with a gauze sponge in order to promote an inflammatory response. The abdominal cavity was lavaged either with or without heparinized saline solution in treatment and control groups, respectively. It was observed that there was no difference in haematological parameters between treatment and control groups. The incidence and severity of fibrinous adhesions were moderate to mild in two dogs in the heparin group; but in the same group, the incidence of subserosal and parenchymal haemorrhages were moderate in three dogs. In the control group, the fibrinous adhesion was moderate to severe in three dogs. Unlike in treated dogs, subserosal and parenchymal haemorrhages were very mild. It is concluded that heparin solution used as a lavage fluid prevents postoperative abdominal adhesions due to its anticoagulant properties.