The authors analyze the effect of Dextran 40 on postoperative peritoneal adhesions in an experimental study in rats. Twenty rats were divided in two groups: Group 1 (Control): ten animals were submitted to a median laparotomy and scarification of the visceral and adjacent parietal peritoneum; Group 2 (Dextran 40): ten animals submitted to the same described procedures except for the placement of 1.5 ml of a Dextran 40 solution into the peritoneal cavity, just before closing the abdominal incision. 1n the twentieth day postoperative, the animals were sacrified and submitted to a new laparotomy to remove the intestinal segments involved in the first procedure. The hystological analysis showed a lower intensity of fibrosis formation in the group of rats in which Dextran 40 was administered (group 2) when compared with the control group (group 1) (p< 0.05). We concluded that Dextran 40 interfere in the fibrotic process reducing the formation of intraperitoneal adhesions.
Adhesions; Peritoneum; Dextran