Effect of temperature upon adhesion formation in a laparoscopic mouse model

Female infertility and free radicals: potential role in adhesions and endometriosis

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules produced in the cell either as part of, or as end-products of, biochemical reactions that have crucial roles in the homeostasis of the organism. Thus, excess production or impaired elimination of free radicals leads to increased oxidative stress, which has been implicated in the development of several different disease states, including hypoxia-reperfusion injury, cancer, and aging. Peritoneal adhesions and endometriosis are relatively commonly identified in women, and are known to be associated with infertility without clearly understood pathophysiology. The prevention and treatment strategies of these conditions, both of which have tremendous propensity to recur, have not been completely established. The development of both disorders has been shown to be closely related to the presence of increased oxidative stress in the tissues. In this article, we review this relationship with reference to the mechanistic steps involved and their regulation. As our knowledge of both conditions expands, we believe there will be opportunities for specific steps to intervention in free radical metabolism to reduce and/or prevent further development of endometriosis and adhesions.

Effect of desiccation and temperature during laparoscopy on adhesion formation in mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of desiccation (without cooling) and of oversaturation of the pneumoperitoneum on adhesion formation.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized trial.

SETTING

Academic research center.

ANIMAL(S)

BALB/c and NMRI female mice.

INTERVENTION(S)

The effect of desiccation using nonhumidified CO(2) on adhesion formation was evaluated in a laparoscopic mouse model. Body temperature (BT) was maintained at 37 degrees C using a homeothermic blanket. In addition to controls without desiccation, the effect of both hypothermia and desiccation on adhesion formation was evaluated. Subsequently the effect of oversaturating the pneumoperitoneum using a high energy gas to avoid any desiccation was studied.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

During surgery BT, pneumoperitoneum temperature, and relative humidity were monitored. Adhesions were scored after 7 days.

RESULT(S)

Adhesions increased with increasing levels of desiccation when BT was kept at 37 degrees C. This was prevented with humidified gas. If BT decreased, adhesions were fewer. Oversaturating the pneumoperitoneum increased adhesions due to high energy gas causing an increase in both BT and pneumoperitoneum temperature.

CONCLUSION(S)

Adhesions increase with desiccation and decrease when BT is reduced. Adhesions are minimized when humidified gas is used. Since desiccation is associated with cooling, its effect is generally underestimated because of the counterbalance with cooling. The concept of combining controlled intraperitoneal cooling with a rigorous prevention of desiccation might be important for clinical adhesion prevention.

Adhesion prevention in gynecologic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to discuss new substances and techniques to prevent post-surgical adhesion formation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Intraperitoneal administration of sprayable hydrogel and hyaluronic acid appears to decrease postmyomectomy adhesions. Intrauterine instillation of auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid is associated with fewer intrauterine adhesions. Temporary abdominal oophoropexy after surgery of stage III and IV endometriosis might be beneficial in reducing ovarian adhesion.

SUMMARY

There has been a wide range of adhesion-reducing substances evaluated in animal models. However, in clinical situations, no adhesion-preventing substance, material, or barrier is unequivocally effective. In view of surgical technique, compared to laparotomy, the laparoscopic approach is associated with less adhesion formation. Temporary abdominal oophoropexy may provide a promising technique to prevent ovarian adhesions. Future research should also be directed toward preventing intrauterine adhesions.