Use of intraperitoneal solutions for preventing pelvic adhesions in the rat.

The fewest postoperative intrapelvic adhesions were observed in rats subjected to intraabdominal infusion of 20 ml of Ringer's lactate containing hydrocortisone (100 mg/liter), dexamethasone (5 mg/liter) and ampicillin (100 mg/liter). Significant prevention of adhesions also followed intrapelvic administration of heparinized Ringer's lactate (2,000 IU/liter), Ringer's lactate with dexamethasone (5 mg/liter), Ringer's lactate with ampicillin (100 mg/liter) and Ringer's lactate with human albumin (8 gm/liter). Comparable volumes of hyperosmolar dextran caused drastic shifts in fluids and electrolytes, with the death of all the animals. Smaller volumes of this agent did not prevent adhesion formation. Thus, physicians should be cautious about the volume of dextran administered in the human pelvis. It is hoped that the single-dose intraperitoneal application of Ringer's lactate containing ampicillin and corticosteroids will be evaluated prospectively in women.