Effectiveness of the combined use of lactic acid film and polypropylene mesh in the formation of intraperitoneal adhesions--an experimental model in rats.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a lactic acid biomaterial (SurgiWrap®) as a protector of the polypropylene mesh (Marlex®) regarding the formation of intraperitoneal adhesions in rats. METHODS Forty Wistar rats formed the following groups: Group 0 (Sham)--only laparotomy; Group I--polypropylene mesh; Group II--polypropylene mesh protected by a film of lactic acid. These animals were submitted to laparotomy and placement (or not) of the meshes at closing. After 21 days they were sacrificed for analysis of the adhesion type (0-3), percentage of affected area and strength needed to rupture. RESULTS Group 0 showed no intraperitoneal adhesions. Regarding classification, type 3 adhesions had the highest prevalence in both groups 1 and 2. As for the strength to break adhesions, Group 1 had an average of 1.58 N and Group 2, 1.23 N. The mesh was surrounded by adhesions in more than 50% of their surface area in 87% of Group 1 subjects and in 84% of Group 2 individuals. Through different statistical methods we found that there was no significant difference between groups for both variables. CONCLUSION The combined use of polypropylene mesh and lactic acid bioprotector showed similar results in relation to intraperitoneal adhesion formation when compared to the sole use of the same mesh.