Fibrin glue reduces the severity of intra-abdominal adhesions in a rat model

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether fibrin glue inhibits intra-abdominal adhesions. METHODS: Twenty rats underwent midline laparotomy. To maximize adhesions, bilateral peritoneal muscular defects were created and covered with polypropylene mesh sewn with a braided suture. The bowel was abraded with dry gauze. Rats were randomized to either fibrin glue (FG) sprayed over the mesh or to control (no further treatment) groups. At 1 week, the adhesion density (graded 0 to 3), the percentage of the patch covered by adhesion (0% to 100%), and adhesion type were recorded. RESULTS: The mean adhesion density was 1.45+/-0.33 for FG versus 2.8+/-0.11 for controls (P = 0.001). The mean percentage of adhesions was 36+/-9.9 for the FG group and 94+/-3.7 for controls (P = 0.0002). Bowel or solid organs were adherent to the patch in 6 of 20 (30%) in the FG group versus 12 of 20 (70%) in controls (P = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS: Topical fibrin glue reduces the density and severity of intra-abdominal adhesions in a rat model.