Thalidomide given intraperitoneally reduces the number of postoperative adhesions after large bowel resection in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of thalidomide given intraperitoneally on the formation of adhesions after colonic resection in rabbits.


METHODS
Controlled, randomised prospective study.


METHODS
University hospital, Germany.


METHODS
40 female New Zealand White rabbits.


METHODS
After an end-to-end colonic anastomosis the animals were given thalidomide 200 mg/kg in 1% carboxymethylcellulose intraperitoneally or carboxymethylcellulose alone (n = 20 in each group).


METHODS
The adhesion score according to Tyrell on day 3 (n = 20) and day 7 (n = 20) postoperatively, weight, behaviour, and white cell count (WCC).


RESULTS
There was no difference in behaviour or weight. On the third postoperative day WCCs and on the seventh postoperative day WCCs and adhesion scores, were lower in the thalidomide group (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The number of postoperative adhesions was reduced in the group given thalidomide intraperitoneally. Our results suggest that thalidomide may be helpful in the prevention of postoperative adhesions.
Mall
Julian W
JW
Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Medical Faculty of the Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany. julianmall@hotmail.com
Schwenk
Wolfgang
W
Philipp
Andreas W
AW
Müller
Joachim M
JM
Pollmann
Christian
C
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011817:Rabbits; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000517:prevention & control*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D013792:Thalidomide