Peritoneal adhesion formation after the use of oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) and gelatin sponge (Spongostan) in rats.

Experimental studies have suggested that oxidized cellulose and the combined use of gelatin sponge and dextran 70 may prevent intraperitoneal adhesion formation. Peritoneal adhesions were produced in 50 rats by a standardized caecal trauma. In 10 rats the injured caecum was covered by oxidized cellulose, in 10 by gelatin sponge, and in 10 by a mixture of gelatin sponge and dextran 70. Twenty rats served as controls. Neither oxidized cellulose, gelatin sponge, nor the combination of gelatin sponge and dextran 70 was found to be effective in preventing peritoneal adhesions. However, neither oxidized cellulose nor gelatin sponge resulted in an increased adhesion formation.