Synergistic effects of carboxymethylcellulose and low molecular weight heparin in reducing adhesion formation in the rat uterine horn model

Objective . To investigate the effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) and the combination of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) with SCMC in the prevention of intraperitoneal adhesion. Design . Thirty‐eight rats underwent bilateral surgical injury to the uterine horn and the parietal peritoneum. In 13 rats, a solution of SCMC was instilled at laparotomy. In 11 rats, LMWH was delivered on to serosal and peritoneal defects, and SCMC was instilled. As a control group 14 rats were included in the study. Setting . Surgical Research Laboratory, Erciyes University. Participants . Female Wistar‐Albino rats, weighing 200 to 250 g each. Main outcome measures . Adhesions between the uterine horn and the abdominal sidewall were scored for extent and severity two weeks after the initial surgery. Results . Although the mean adhesion score both in the SCMC group (2.8, s.d. 1.15) and in the SCMC with LMWH group (1.6, s.d 1.18) was found to be significantly lower than in the control group (3.4, s.d. 0.89) ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), more favorable adhesion prophylaxis was achieved in the SCMC with LMWH group in comparison with the SCMC treatment group without any hemorrhagic complications ( p < 0.001). Conclusion . We conclude that SCMC with LMWH are highly effective in reducing postoperative adhesions in this animal model. SCMC with LMWH appears promising in adhesion prophylaxis.