This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Postoperative adhesion prevention using a statin‐containing cellulose film in an experimental model. BJS 2012; 99: 423-429.
Published: 13th January 2012
Authors: M. Lalountas, K. D. Ballas, A. Michalakis, K. Psarras, C. Asteriou, D. E. Giakoustidis et al.
Background
Intraperitoneal adhesions are a common problem in abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Statofilm, a novel antiadhesive film based on cross‐linked carboxymethylcellulose and atorvastatin, with that of sodium hyaluronate–carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm®) in the prevention of postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions in rats.
Method
One hundred male Wistar rats underwent a laparotomy and adhesions were induced by caecal abrasion. The animals were allocated to five groups: a control group with no adhesion barrier, Seprafilm® group, placebo group with a film containing carboxymethylcellulose without atorvastatin, and low‐ and high‐dose groups with films containing carboxymethylcellulose and atorvastatin 0·125 and 1 mg per kg bodyweight respectively. Adhesions were classified by two independent surgeons 2 weeks after surgery. Caecal biopsies were obtained for histological evaluation of fibrosis, inflammation and vascular proliferation.
Results
All antiadhesive film groups (Seprafilm®, placebo, low‐dose and high‐dose) had statistically significant adhesion reduction compared with the control group (P < 0·001, P = 0·015, P < 0·001 and P < 0·001 respectively). The low‐dose Statofilm was superior to Seprafilm® in terms of adhesion prevention (P = 0·001). Adhesions were present in three‐quarters of rats in the Seprafilm® group, but only one‐quarter in the low‐dose Statofilm group.
Conclusion
The data suggest that the newly developed adhesion barrier Statofilm has better results than Seprafilm® in preventing postoperative adhesions in rats. A low‐dose atorvastatin‐containing film, such as Statofilm, could be evaluated for future clinical application. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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