Peritoneal adhesions in human and veterinary medicine: from pathogenesis to therapy. A review

Complex assessment of immunosuppression effects in prevention and treatment of adhesive disease, an experiment

The cause of all small bowel obstruction in 60-75% of cases is adhesive development. The first and main method for adhesion prevention is undoubtedly the surgical technique, but the prevention of adhesive development is still actual. We aimed to study macroscopic and microscopic peculiarities of the intestine, peritoneum, and scars of the anterolateral abdominal wall. Also, immunological blood changes were observed in rats with the experimental created adhesive disease on the background of azathioprine introduction. The experiment was conducted on 40 rats divided into 2 subgroups: 20 animals as an experimental group (EG1) and 20 as a control group (CG1). Animals from EG received azathioprine (Moshimerampreparaty named by N.A. Semashko, Russia) in a dosage of 1 mg/100g of weight once a day for the first 3 days (starting from the day of surgery). The control group did not receive any drugs. All 40 rats survived the postoperative period. Rats were removed from the experiment on the 7^th day after the operation. There were significant statistical differences in most indicators between the experimental and control groups. Phagocytic index (PI) was reduced by 4.55 due to the natural reaction of the rat organism to the surgery. Indicators of EG were a slight decrease in leukocytes and lymphocytes by 0.3 and 0.9, respectively, a moderate decrease in T-lymphocytes by no more than 2.0, and a decrease in phagocytic activity by 5.8. Immunosuppression with azathioprine significantly reduced the frequency and severity of the adhesive process of the abdominal cavity. Used in the recommended dose does not significantly inhibit important indicators of immunity and does not affect wound healing processes.

Comparison of the effect of two anti-adhesion materials on the formation of postoperative adhesions after myomectomy – an experimental study on rabbit does

This study compares the effect of Hyalobarrier Gel and 4DryField® PH on the formation of postoperative adhesions after myomectomy in an experimental study on rabbit does. Thirty experimental animals were divided into three groups: group A – control, group B – use of 4DryField® PH, and group C – use of the Hyalobarrier Gel. A simulated myomectomy was performed in each group. The animals were euthanised 14 days after the procedure and the antiadhesive effect of the above-mentioned preparations was evaluated according to the criteria. Statistical evaluation clearly showed differences in the antiadhesive effect in the scoring systems for groups B and C compared to control group A at a high level of significance. We demonstrated an obvious, statistically confirmed antiadhesive effect of the Hyalobarrier Gel and 4DryField® PH in an experimental model of the rabbit uterus. Comparing both preparations, the Hyalobarrier Gel shows a higher level of effectiveness. Based on the results of the experiment, both preparations can be unambiguously recommended for routine practice.

Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract inhibits postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats

Background

One of the most prevalent postoperative complications is believed to be intra-abdominal peritoneal adhesions, which is followed by several complications. Several adhesion prevention products have been examined, yet none of them were found to be completely effective. The current research is conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract in inhibiting postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats.

Methods

Forty rats were randomly classified into five equal groups (n = 8): 1) the normal group did not undergo surgical operations, 2) the control group in which the adhesion was induced, and which did not receive any treatment, 3) distilled water group that received distilled water, and 4,5) treatment groups treated with 1 and 5% of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract. The rats were euthanized 14 days following the surgery and the macroscopic score, the microscopic score of granulomatous inflammation and granulation tissue formation, IHC markers (vimentin, CD31, IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS), and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GPx, CAT, and TAC) were assessed in the experimental groups of the study.

Results

The difference between the control group and other groups for the adhesions macroscopic score, microscopic score, IHC markers, and oxidative stress biomarkers was significant (p < 0.05). Distilled water had no protective effect on the formation of peritoneal adhesions. Salvia miltiorrhiza treatment in two different doses significantly reduced macroscopic and microscopic scores, MDA concentration, Vimentin, IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of GPx, CAT, and TAC in the treatment groups increased significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Our findings revealed that a higher dose of Salvia miltiorrhiza was more effective in reducing peritoneal adhesions, proinflammatory and mesenchymal cell markers, and oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Salvia miltiorrhiza extract, owing to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, could effectively reduce peritoneal adhesions. Therefore, Salvia miltiorrhiza is recommended to be used as an effective anti-peritoneal post-operative adhesive agent.

Congenital adhesion band causing small bowel obstruction: What's the difference in various age groups, pediatric and adult patients?

Background

A congenital adhesion band is a rare condition, but may induce a small bowel obstruction (SBO) at any age. However, only a few sporadic case reports exit. We aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of congenital adhesion band manifesting a SBO stratified by age group between pediatric and adult patients.

Methods

The medical records of all patients with a SBO between Jan 1, 2009 and Dec 31, 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Cases associated with previous surgical procedure and cases of secondary obstruction due to inflammatory processes or tumor and other systemic diseases were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups according to age below or above 18 years: pediatric and adult. The basic clinical characteristics were analyzed and compared between groups.

Results

Of 251 patients with a SBO, 15 (5.9%) met the inclusion criteria; 10 cases in pediatric group (mean age 17.9 ± 38.7 months) and 5 cases in adult group (mean age 60.0 ± 19.7 years). The pediatric group (66.6%) included 3 neonates, 5 infants, and 2 school children. They usually presented with bilious vomiting (50.0%) and abdominal distention (60.0%), and demonstrated a high rate of early operation (80.0%) and bowel resection (70.0%). In contrast, the adult group (33.3%) presented with abdominal pain (100%) in all cases and underwent a relatively simple procedure of band release using a laparoscopic approach (60%). However, group differences did not reach statistical significance. In addition, two groups did not differ in the time interval to the operation or in the range of the operation (p = 0.089 vs. p = 0.329). No significant correlation was found between the time interval to the operation and the necessity of bowel resection (p = 0.136). There was no mortality in either group.

Conclusions

Congenital adhesion band is a very rare condition with diverse clinical presentations across ages. Unlike adult patients, pediatric patients showed a high proportion of early operation and bowel resection. A good result can be expected with an early diagnosis and prompt management regardless of age.

Kuntai Capsule Inhibited Endometriosis via Inducing Apoptosis in a Rat Model

We evaluated the effectiveness of Kuntai Capsule (KTC) for treating endometriosis using rat model and investigated its preliminary mechanism of action involved. SD rats were implanted with endometrial tissues and treated with KTC for three weeks. Then, laparotomy was performed to examine volume changes of the autografts. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, E₂, and P4 were measured through ELISA. TUNEL was performed to analyze the apoptosis on ectopic endometrium. Protein levels of caspases 8, 9, and 3 and cytochrome c in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium were measured by western blotting. Results showed that KTC significantly decreased the volumes of ectopic endometrium. The level of TNF-α increased and E₂ decreased in the KTC treatment groups. TUNEL and western blot assay showed that KTC could induce apoptosis of endometriotic tissues, accompanied with the increased protein expression of caspases 8 and 9, activated caspase-3, and cytochrome c in a dose-dependent manner. However, these protein expression profiles were not affected in eutopic endometrium. Our findings suggest that KTC could inhibit the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue through upregulating the level of TNF-α and its downstream signaling, including caspases and cytochrome c.

Anti-Mullerian hormone trend evaluation after laparoscopic surgery of monolateral endometrioma using a new dual wavelengths laser system (DWLS) for hemostasis

Operative laparoscopy is the gold standard in the treatment of endometriotic ovarian cysts. Excisional surgery is the best technique to prevent recurrences and improve symptoms but it may result in ovarian reserve damage due to the removal of healthy ovarian cortex. The aim of this study was to assess the impact on ovarian reserve of the use of dual wavelengths laser system (DWLS) hemostasis after stripping technique of monolateral endometrioma, by dosing the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). This prospective study was conducted at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, from December 2013 to January 2015. Forty-five women underwent excision of monolateral endometriotic ovarian cyst by stripping without using a bipolar coagulation and performing hemostasis with a DWLS. The AMH serum levels were estimated before the surgery (T0), 4-6 weeks (T1) and 6-9 months (T2) after surgery. Our results suggest that an appropriate surgical technique with the use of laser hemostasis does not determine a significant reduction of ovarian reserve. Laser hemostasis could prevent follicular reserve loss after ovarian endometrioma surgery.

Single-port versus conventional multiport access prophylactic laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in high-risk patients for ovarian cancer: a comparison of surgical outcomes

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) in carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations is widely recommended as part of a risk-reduction strategy for ovarian or breast cancer due to an underlying genetic predisposition. BSO is also performed as a therapeutic intervention for patients with hormone-positive premenopausal breast cancer. BSO may be performed via a minimally invasive approach with the use of three to four 5 mm and/or 12 mm ports inserted through a skin incision. To further reduce the morbidity associated with the placement of multiple port sites and to improve cosmetic outcomes, single-port laparoscopy has been developed with a single access point from the umbilicus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes associated with reducing the risks of salpingo-oophorectomy performed in a single port, while comparing multiport laparoscopy in women with a high risk for ovarian cancer. Single-port laparoscopy-BSO is feasible and safe, with favorable surgical and cosmetic outcomes when compared to conventional laparoscopy.

Surgical technique of endometrioma excision impacts on the ovarian reserve. Single-port access laparoscopy versus multiport access laparoscopy: a case control study

Several recent studies report the detrimental effect of endometrioma excision on the ovarian reserve. Surgical technique and the excessive use of bipolar coagulation could be the key factors. Single-port access laparoscopy (SPAL) ovarian cystectomy has been reported as a comparable procedure to conventional laparoscopy in terms of operative outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the single-port surgery affects the ovarian reserve whilst performing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for unilateral endometrioma. This was a prospective, case-control study of 99 women with unilateral endometrioma. Forty-nine women underwent single-port cystectomy and 50 women underwent multiport laparoscopic (MPL) conventional cystectomy. The primary outcome was the assessment of the ovarian reserve. We evaluated the serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels before, 4-6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. At T2 we performed an ultrasound assessment of the antral follicular count (AFC). We have drawn attention to a statistically significant decrease of the mean AMH value and AFC in the SPAL group at the 4-6-week and 3-month follow-up compared to the conventional laparoscopy group. In conclusion, our results suggest that SPAL cystectomy should not be recommended to patients undergoing surgery for endometrioma excision who want to preserve their fertility.

Single-port Access Subtotal Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Prospective Case-Control Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The objective was to evaluate the perioperative outcomes, safety, and patient acceptance of single-port access laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy (SPAL-SH) in comparison with conventional multiport access laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy (MPAL-SH).

DESIGN

Case-control study. Canadian Task Force Classification II-2.

SETTING

The study was conducted at university hospitals in Cagliari, Italy, and Rouen, France.

PATIENTS

Sixty-one women with metrorrhagia, abnormal uterine bleeding with uterine myomas, or symptomatic adenomyosis were included in the study.

INTERVENTIONS

Thirty-one patients underwent SPAL-SH, and 30 patients underwent conventional MPAL-SH.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We analyzed the data to compare the outcomes of SPAL-SH versus MPAL-SH. Patients in the SPAL-SH group had longer operative times than those in the MPAL-SH group (p < .001) but shorter hospital stays (p < .001). Postoperative pain immediately after surgery, after 6 hours, and after 24 hours were lower in the SPAL-SH group (p < .001). The SPAL-SH group reported significantly higher cosmetic satisfaction at 1, 4, and 24 weeks after surgery (p < .01).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that SPAL-SH is a feasible and safe alternative to standard MPAL-SH in selected patients. Ongoing refinement of the surgical technique and instrumentation is likely to expand its role in gynecologic surgery in the future. In addition, SPAL-SH has a definite benefit in relation to body image and cosmesis.

New trends of progestins treatment of endometriosis

The management of endometriosis with OC or progestins is generally safe, effective and well-tolerated and should constitute the first line of medical treatment in symptomatic patients who do not want to have children. Progestins, synthetic progestational agents, have been used in the management of symptomatic endometriosis both as primary therapy and as an adjunct to surgical time. A variety of oral agents have been employed in this regard and investigators have demonstrated differing degrees of benefit. The lack of a standardized instrument to evaluate painful symptoms makes comparative analysis more difficult. Concern about efficacy and side effect has pushed the research on the development of new well-tolerated drugs and to develop new administration routes to minimize general side effects. Aim of the present review is to present the results of clinical studies on new trends of progestins in the treatment of endometriosis.

Pain control and quality of life after laparoscopic en-block resection of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) vs. incomplete surgical treatment with or without GnRHa administration after surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of post-surgical medical treatment with GnRHa in patients with DIE (Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis) that received complete or incomplete surgery laparoscopic excision.

METHODS

Hundred fifty-nine patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis of the cul-de-sac and of the rectovaginal septum with pelvic pain undergoing laparoscopic surgery in academic tertiary-care medical center. Eighty patients underwent complete laparoscopic excision of DIE (Arm A) while 79 patients underwent incomplete surgery (Arm B). After surgery each surgical arm was randomized in two groups: no treatment groups 1A [40 pts] and 1B [40 pts] and GnRHa treatment for 6 months groups 2A [40 pts] and 2B [39 pts]. Pain recurrence and quality of life were evaluated in follow-up of 12 months and compared between groups.

RESULTS

No differences were observed between patient groups 1A and 2A. Groups 1A, 2A and 2B obtained significantly lower pain scores than those achieved by the group 1B undergoing incomplete surgical treatment and no post-surgical therapy. At 1-year follow-up patients treated with en-block resection (Groups 1A and 2A) showed the lowest pain scores and the highest quality of life in comparison with the other two groups (Group 1B and 2B).

CONCLUSION

GnRHa administration is followed by a temporary improvement of pain in patients with incomplete surgical treatment. It seems that it has no role on post-surgical pain when the surgeon is able to completely excise DIE implants.

Comparison of 2 Different Barrier Solutions (icodextrin 4% vs. dextran 70) used as Adhesion-prevention Agents after Microsurgical Adnexal Operations

In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 2 different barrier solutions (icodextrin 4% vs. dextran 70) were compared with regard to their antiadhesive properties, their tolerance and their persistence in situ. To this end, 45 patients suffering from infertility due to adnexal adhesions with indication for microsurgical adhesiolysis were randomized to 2 treatment groups. In advance of abdominal closure, patients were randomized to receive either 1,000 mL of icodextrin 4% solution (n = 23) or 300 mL dextran 70 instillation (n = 22). Serial transvaginal ultrasonographic scans were conducted on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after surgery to measure the remaining volumes of each barrier solution. Seven days after initial surgery, a second-look laparoscopy was performed; remaining fluids were aspirated and measured and adhesions were rescored (final adhesion score). Differences between treatment groups were not significant (p = 0.775). With regard to their tolerance, the advantages of the icodextrin 4% solution became obvious, as edema of vulva and abdomen occurred more frequently after dextran 70 instillation.

In conclusion, microsurgical adhesiolysis and application of icodextrin 4% solution or dextran 70 as adhesion-prevention agent resulted in reduction of incidence, extent and severity of adhesions. Both solutions were well tolerated.