Adhesion Prevention to Polypropylene Meshes Using Combined Icodextrin Four Percent and Dimetindene Maleate.

BACKGROUND: The use of surgical meshes in ventral hernia repair has significantly reduced hernia recurrence rates. However, when placed intraperitoneally prosthetic materials can trigger the development of peritoneal adhesions. The present experimental study evaluated the combined icodextrin 4% and dimetindene maleate treatment in preventing peritoneal adhesion formation to polypropylene and titanium-coated polypropylene meshes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty female white rabbits were divided into four groups. A 2 × 2 cm piece of mesh was fixed to intact peritoneum in all animals through a midline laparotomy. A lightweight polypropylene mesh was implanted in groups 1 and 2 and a titanium-coated polypropylene mesh in groups 3 and 4. Groups 2 and 4 were treated, intraoperatively, with intravenous dimetindene maleate (0.1 mg/kg) and intraperitoneal solution of icodextrin 4% (20 mL/kg) and for the next 6 d with dimetindene maleate intramuscularly. The observation period lasted 15 d. Adhesion scores, percentage of mesh affected surface, tissue hydroxyproline levels, and tissue histopathology were examined. RESULTS: All animals in group 1 and 57% of animals in group 3 presented postoperative adhesions. The combination of antiadhesives significantly reduced the extent and severity of adhesions as well as the hydroxyproline levels in groups 2 and 4 compared with groups 1 and 3. On microscopic evaluation, animals in group 1 exhibited higher inflammation scores compared with group 2, whereas animals in groups 2 and 4 had better mesotheliazation compared with groups 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: The combined administration of icodextrin 4% and dimetindene maleate reduces the extent and severity of adhesions and may be successfully used to prevent adhesion formation after mesh intraperitoneal placement.

Is there such a thing as biocompatible peritoneal dialysis fluid?

Introduction of the so-called biocompatible peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluids was based on a large body of experimental evidence and various clinical trials suggesting important clinical benefits. Of these, until now, only preservation of residual renal function-likely due to lower glucose degradation product load and, in case of icodextrin, improved fluid and blood pressure control-have consistently been proven, whereas the impact on important clinical endpoints such as infectious complications, preservation of PD membrane transport function, and patient outcome, are still debated. In view of the high morbidity and mortality rates of PD patients, novel approaches are warranted and comprise the search for alternative osmotic agents and enrichment of PD fluids with specific pharmacologic agents, such as alanyl-glutamine, potentially counteracting local but also systemic sequelae of uremia and PD.

Liquid antiadhesive agents for intraperitoneal hernia repair procedures: Artiss® compared to CoSeal® and Adept® in an IPOM rat model.

BACKGROUND: Adhesion formation remains an important issue in hernia surgery. Liquid agents were developed for easy and versatile application, especially in laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to compare the antiadhesive effect of fibrin sealant (FS, Artiss®), Icodextrin (ID, Adept®) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG, CoSeal®) alone and in combination and to evaluate the resulting effect on tissue integration of the mesh. METHODS: A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were operated in open IPOM technique. A middleweight polypropylene mesh of 2 × 2 cm size was implanted and covered with 1: FS, 2: ID, 3: PEG, 4: FS + ID, 5: FS + PEG, 6: PEG + ID, 7: control group, uncovered mesh (n = 8 per treatment/control). Observation period was 30 days. Macroscopic and histological evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Severe adhesions were found in group 2 (ID), group 6 (PEG + ID) and the controls. Best results were achieved with FS alone or FS + ID. Mesh integration in the treatment groups was reduced in comparison with the control group. This is a new finding possibly relevant for the outcome of intraperitoneal mesh repair. Group 6 (PEG + ID) showed an impairment of tissue integration with <50 % of the mesh surface in seven samples. CONCLUSION: FS alone and in combination with ID yielded excellent adhesion prevention. ID alone did not show significant adhesion prevention after 30 days. Tissue integration of FS-covered meshes was superior to ID or PEG alone or combined. PEG did show adhesion prevention comparable to FS but evoked impaired tissue integration. So Artiss® is among the most potent antiadhesive agents in IPOM repair.

Adhesions and Healing of Intestinal Anastomoses: The Effect of Anti-Adhesion Barriers.

Background Postoperative adhesions are the result of aberrant peritoneal healing. As they are the leading cause of postoperative bowel obstruction, anti-adherence barriers are advocated for their prevention. This study looks into the effect of these biomaterials on the healing of intestinal anastomoses. Materials and Methods Thirty-three New Zealand White rabbits underwent laparotomy, transection of the terminal ileum, and creation of an end-to-end anastomosis. Animals were randomized into 3 groups: the Control group (n = 11); the Icodextrin group, receiving icodextrin 4% intraperitonealy (n = 11); and the HA/CMC group, having the anastomosis wrapped with a hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose film (n = 11). All animals were sacrificed on the seventh postoperative day. Macroscopic adhesions were graded and anastomotic strength was tested by the burst pressure. Histological healing was assessed in a semiquantitative way for the presence of ulceration, reepithelization, granulation tissue, inflammation, eosinophilic infiltration, serosal inflammation, and microscopic adhesions. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used. Results are given as medians with interquartile range. Results The median adhesion scores were the following: Control 1 (0-3), Icodextrin 0 (0-1), HA/CMC 0 (0-0), P = .017. The burst pressure did not differ between the groups; however, all except one bowel segments tested burst away from the anastomosis. The macroscopic and histological anastomotic healing was comparable in all 3 groups. A poor histological anastomotic healing score was associated with a higher adhesion grade (odds ratio = 1.92; 95% confidence interval = 1.06-3.47; P = .032). Conclusion Adhesion formation was inhibited by the materials tested without direct detrimental effects on anastomotic healing. Poor anastomotic healing provokes adhesions even in the presence of anti-adhesion barriers.

Benefits and harms of adhesion barriers for abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Formation of adhesions after peritoneal surgery results in high morbidity. Barriers to prevent adhesion are seldom applied, despite their ability to reduce the severity of adhesion formation. We evaluated the benefits and harms of four adhesion barriers that have been approved for clinical use. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, CENTRAL, and Embase for randomised clinical trials assessing use of oxidised regenerated cellulose, hyaluronate carboxymethylcellulose, icodextrin, or polyethylene glycol in abdominal surgery. Two researchers independently identified reports and extracted data. We compared use of a barrier with no barrier for nine predefined outcomes, graded for clinical relevance. The primary outcome was reoperation for adhesive small bowel obstruction. We assessed systematic error, random error, and design error with the error matrix approach. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42012003321. FINDINGS: Our search returned 1840 results, from which 28 trials (5191 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. The risks of systematic and random errors were low. No trials reported data for the effect of oxidised regenerated cellulose or polyethylene glycol on reoperations for adhesive small bowel obstruction. Oxidised regenerated cellulose reduced the incidence of adhesions (relative risk [RR] 0·51, 95% CI 0·31-0·86). Some evidence suggests that hyaluronate carboxymethylcellulose reduces the incidence of reoperations for adhesive small bowel obstruction (RR 0·49, 95% CI 0·28-0·88). For icodextrin, reoperation for adhesive small bowel obstruction did not differ significantly between groups (RR 0·33, 95% CI 0·03-3·11). No barriers were associated with an increase in serious adverse events. INTERPRETATION: Oxidised regenerated cellulose and hyaluronate carboxymethylcellulose can safely reduce clinically relevant consequences of adhesions. FUNDING: None.

Strategies in the prevention of the formation of postoperative adhesions in digestive surgery: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions after GI surgery constitute a major burden for health care provision globally, causing chronic abdominal symptoms and necessitating repeated surgical intervention. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review examines safety and efficacy data for current anti-adhesion strategies after GI surgery. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases were searched for randomized control trials and nonrandomized clinical studies of anti-adhesion products from January 1980 to October 2013. STUDY SELECTION: A list of predefined search terms was combined with the Cochrane Highly Sensitive Search Strategy to identify studies. INTERVENTION: The use of an anti-adhesion strategy was investigated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the safety profile of anti-adhesion products. Secondary outcomes included the analysis of the reduction in the incidence, extent, and severity of adhesions; incidence of bowel obstruction; quality-of-life data; and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 24 articles were included in the qualitative analysis: 17 randomized controlled trials and 7 nonrandomized studies, reporting on 5 anti-adhesion products. Data suggest that anti-adhesive products may be used safely; however, hyaluronic acid-based products should not be placed in contact with an anastomosis. The most studied product, a hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose membrane, reduces the incidence, extent, and severity of adhesions but without strong evidence of prevention of bowel obstruction. LIMITATIONS: The size and quality of available studies varied greatly, reflected by the Jadad and MINORS scores. The majority of studies reported the use of a single product, hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose membrane. CONCLUSIONS: Limiting adhesion formation after GI surgery is feasible. More evidence is needed regarding the efficacy in reducing chronic abdominal symptoms, repeated operative intervention, and improving quality of life.

Adhesion prevention in endometriosis: a neglected critical challenge.

Prevention of adhesions, whether de novo or by re-formation, is one of the most important and surprisingly neglected aspect of the treatment of endometriosis. Adhesions may cause infertility, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain but also intestinal obstruction and complications at subsequent surgery. They may play a role in the development of some forms of the disease such as ovarian endometriomas and possibly also deep invasive nodules. Three randomized controlled trials have been published documenting some partial success with Interceed, Oxiplex/AP gel or Adept solution in reducing adhesions extent at second look laparoscopy performed a few weeks after initial surgery. However, data on relevant long-term outcomes such as fertility, pelvic pain or disease recurrences or other adhesions-related complications is lacking. Noteworthy, endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder and the insult causing adhesions is expected to persist after surgery. Therefore preventing adhesion formation with exclusively agents at the time of surgery may be insufficient. Future studies should focus on a 2-step strategy that includes measures applied at the time of surgery and subsequent administration of agents able to prevent the development of new adhesions.

Prospective multicenter observational study of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis with neutral dialysis solution--the NEXT-PD study.

Many observational studies have been conducted on the occurrence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). However, poorly biocompatible acidic glucose-based dialysis solutions were used in all previous studies. Today, dialysis solutions that are more biocompatible have become widely available. We therefore initiated a new prospective observational study on the occurrence of EPS. The study design is based on that of a previous study conducted in Japan that used solutions high in glucose degradation products (GDPs). Patients undergoing dialysis with a low-GDP dialysis solution, which is considered to show excellent biocompatibility, will be followed for 4 years, and the study will evaluate withdrawal from peritoneal dialysis, incidence of EPS, and factors related to EPS occurrence with the new dialysis solution. This study is expected to clarify the effects of biocompatible dialysis solutions.

The mesothelium under the siege of dialysis solutions: old glucose, new glucose, and glucose-free osmotic agents.

Use of one bag of glucose peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) results in the development of a dose-related senescent mesothelial cell phenotype not linked to acidic pH or the presence of lactate buffer. This complication derives mostly from oxidative stress induced both by glucose itself and by glucose degradation products (GDPs). New glucose formulations are offered in dual- or three-chambered bags, keeping the glucose at a low pH. The result is a reduced presence but not complete elimination of GDPs. These formulations have the potential to slow injury to the peritoneal membrane. Icodextrin and amino-acid PDFs, used for one exchange daily, have advantages and drawbacks alike. Icodextrin offers excellent ultrafiltration, but on the other hand, mesothelial cells incubated with this osmotic agent show reduced viability and proliferation and DNA damage. These unwanted effects appear to result from a substantial degree of oxidative stress. An amino-acid-based PDF offers a positive nutritional effect; however its ultrafiltration capability is not higher than an equimolar 1.5% glucose solution. Amino-acid solution appears to be more biocompatible than glucose-based fluid. So far glucose PDF offered in a single-compartment bag is not a biocompatible solution for long-term peritoneal dialysis. Icodextrin does not appear to be more biocompatible than glucose. Amino-acid-based solution is less harmful to the mesothelium, but its usefulness is still limited.

Peritoneal and Systemic Responses of Obese Type II Diabetic Rats to Chronic Exposure to a Hyperbranched Polyglycerol-Based Dialysis Solution.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is commonly observed among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) is a promising glucose-sparing osmotic agent for PD. However, the biocompatibility of a HPG-based PD solution (HPG) in subjects with MetS has not been investigated. This study compared the local and systemic effects of a HPG solution with conventional physioneal (PYS) and icodextrin (ICO) PD solutions in rats with MetS. Obese type 2 diabetic ZSF1 rats received a daily intraperitoneal injection of PD solutions (10 mL) for 3 months. The peritoneal membrane (PM) function was determined by ultrafiltration (UF), and the systemic responses were determined by profiling blood metabolic substances, cytokines and oxidative status. Tissue damage was assessed by histology. At the end of the 3-month treatment with PD solutions, PM damage and UF loss in both the PYS and ICO groups were greater than those in the HPG group. Blood analyses showed that compared to the baseline control, the rats in the HPG group exhibited a significant decrease only in serum albumin and IL-6 and a minor glomerular injury, whereas in both the PYS and ICO groups, there were more significant decreases in serum albumin, antioxidant activity, IL-6, KC/GRO (CXCL1) and TNF-α (in ICO only) as well as a more substantial glomerular injury compared to the HPG group. Furthermore, PYS increased serum creatinine, serum glucose and urine production. In conclusion, compared to PYS or ICO solutions, the HPG solution had less adverse effects locally on the PM and systemically on distant organs (e.g. kidneys) and the plasma oxidative status in rats with MetS.

Relationship between effluent levels of beta(2)-microglobulin and peritoneal injury markers in 7.5% icodextrin-based peritoneal dialysis solution.

The removal of low molecular weight proteins such as beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)MG) is accelerated by using a 7.5% icodextrin-based peritoneal dialysis solution (ICO) dwell. To examine the possibility of peritoneal injury in ICO, we investigated the relationship between beta(2)MG and the injury markers in effluent. Sixteen ICO-treated patients (11 male and five female, mean age 50.1 +/- 10.9 years) with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD; mean duration 54.6 +/- 30.8 months) were studied. The patients were treated with ICO 2 L and 2.27% glucose-based solution 2 L for an 8-h dwell and the effluent was collected. We investigated the correlations between beta(2)MG and the injury markers (e.g. hyaluronic acid [HA], interleukin-6 [IL-6], matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP-2]) in each effluent sample. The beta(2)MG level in the ICO effluent was 8978 +/- 2431 microg/L, significantly higher than in the 2.27% glucose-based solution effluent (6454 +/- 2956 microg/L; P = 0.0032). The levels of HA and MMP-2 in ICO effluent were significantly higher than those in the 2.27% glucose-based solution effluent (P = 0.00214, P = 0.0113, respectively). There was a trend toward higher IL-6-values in ICO effluent, although no significant differences were seen. There were positive correlations between levels of various injury markers and beta(2)MG. We propose that the subclinical injury of the peritoneum by ICO treatment may accelerate peritoneal permeability to increase beta(2)MG in effluent. ICO's biocompatibility might not be superior to that of glucose-based solution.

Studying the effects of new peritoneal dialysis solutions on the peritoneum.

BACKGROUND: Compelling data underscore the bioincompatible nature of glucose-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions and their detrimental effects on peritoneal physiology and morphology. New PD solutions have been formulated to tackle common clinical problems such as inadequate ultrafiltration or malnutrition, and to improve biocompatibility-the latter aimed at preserving the structural and functional integrity of the peritoneum and reducing adverse systemic effects on the patient. METHODS: This article reviews the factors in PD fluids that alter normal peritoneal anatomy and physiology, and the data that illustrate approaches to investigating the local and systemic biocompatibility of new PD solutions. RESULTS: Chronic exposure of the peritoneal membrane to glucose-based PD solutions results in denudation of the mesothelium, thickened submesothelium, and hyalinization of the vasculature, often resulting in reduced or lost solute and water clearance. Data from in vitro or animal experiments and clinical studies have shown improved biocompatibility profiles with new PD solutions that are glucose-free (that is, dialysates with amino acids or icodextrin), bicarbonate-buffered, or compartmentalized during heat sterilization to reduce levels of glucose degradation products. Improved biocompatibility is denoted by reduced induction of proinflammatory, profibrotic, or angiogenic growth factors in mesothelial cells and macrophages, or by less perturbation of leukocyte phagocytic function. CONCLUSIONS: Data from in vitro and animal experiments show more favorable biocompatibility profiles with new PD fluids than with glucose-based dialysates. Clinical studies are ongoing to assess the impact of the new PD fluids on peritoneal function, morbidity, and mortality.

Stability of vancomycin in icodextrin peritoneal dialysis solution.

BACKGROUND: Icodextrin is a glucose polymer used as an alternative osmotic agent in peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. There are few data regarding the long-term stability of vancomycin in icodextrin PD solution. OBJECTIVE: To determine the chemical stability of vancomycin in icodextrin PD solution in polyvinyl chloride containers over a 7 day period at 4, 24, and 37 degrees C. METHODS: Study samples were prepared by adding 2000 mg vancomycin HCl to commercially available 2.0 L bags of icodextrin 7.5% PD solution. Nine bags were prepared and stored in the following conditions: 3 under refrigeration (5 degrees C), 3 at room temperature (24 degrees C), and 3 at body temperature (37 degrees C). Samples were withdrawn from each bag immediately after preparation and at predetermined intervals over the subsequent 7 days. Solutions were visually inspected for precipitation, cloudiness, or discoloration at each sampling interval. Total concentration of vancomycin in dialysate fluid was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Under refrigeration, a mean +/- SD of 99.7% +/- 0.5% of the initial vancomycin concentration remained at 168 hours (7 days). At room temperature, 97.5% +/- 3.4% remained at 168 hours. At body temperature, 94.3% +/- 3.9% remained at 24 hours. Stability was not assessed beyond these time points. CONCLUSIONS: Premixed vancomycin-icodextrin PD solutions, whether stored refrigerated or at room temperature, were found to be stable for up to 7 days. However, we recommend that these solutions be kept refrigerated whenever possible. Solutions stored at body temperature were stable for up to 24 hours, permitting the practice of prewarming solutions prior to administration.

Adhesion prevention comparing liquid and solid barriers in the rabbit uterine horn model.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of four different either solid or fluid barriers to reduce adhesions in an established model of gynecological surgery. STUDY DESIGN: 50 Chinchilla rabbits underwent bilateral deperitonealization and devascularization of the uterine horns (DUH). Afterwards solid membranes of either hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) or lactide-caprolactone-copolymer (LCC) were placed around the injured uterine horns or fluids (icodextrin (ID) or phospholipids (PL)) were intraperitonealy administered. The control group went without protection. After 10 days, adhesions were measured by planimetry. RESULTS: Phospholipids (median 49.8 mm2) significantly reduced adhesion areas in comparison to all other groups: surgical controls (median 230.6 mm2), HA-CMC (median 194.9 mm2), LCC (median 327.1 mm2), and icodextrin (median 242.1 mm2). CONCLUSIONS: These results prove the efficacy of phospholipids to reduce primary adhesion formation in the Chinchilla double uterine horn model compared to HA-CMC, LCC and icodextrin. Future clinical studies are recommended.

Low-Polydispersity Glucose Polymers as Osmotic Agents for Peritoneal Dialysis.

UNLABELLED: ♦ BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions containing icodextrin as the osmotic agent have advantages during long dwells. The glucose polymers that constitute icodextrin are a heterogeneous mix of molecules with a polydispersity [ratio of weight-average to number-average molecular weight (Mw/Mn)] of approximately 2.6. The present study evaluates whether modifications in the polydispersity and concentration of glucose polymers can improve ultrafiltration (UF) without an associated increase in carbohydrate absorption (CA). ♦ METHODS: Computer simulations using a three-pore model of peritoneal transport during a long dwell in PD patients predict that, in general, compared with 7.5% icodextrin, glucose polymers with a Mw greater than or equal to 7.5 kDa, a polydispersity less than 2.6, and concentrations greater than 7% could achieve higher UF without higher CA. Based on the simulations, we hypothesized that, compared with 7.5% icodextrin, glucose polymers with a Mw of 18 - 19 kDa and a polydispersity of 2.0 at 11% concentration could achieve higher UF without a higher CA. We tested this hypothesis in experimental studies using 8-hour dwells in New Zealand White rabbits. In those studies, UF was measured by complete fluid collection, and CA was measured by subtracting the total carbohydrate in the collected fluid from the carbohydrate initially infused. ♦ RESULTS: The UF was higher with 11% 19 kDa glucose polymer than with 7.5% icodextrin (mean ± standard deviation: 89 ± 31 mL vs 49 ± 15 mL; p = 0.004) without higher CA (5.2 ± 0.9 g vs 5.0 ± 0.9 g, p = 0.7). Similar results were seen with the 11% 18 kDa glucose polymer, which, compared with 7.5% icodextrin, resulted in higher UF (mean ± standard deviation: 96 ± 18 mL vs 66 ± 17 mL; p < 0.001) without higher CA (4.8 ± 0.7 g vs 5.2 ± 0.6 g, p = 0.2). ♦ CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that, compared with 7.5% icodextrin solution, long-dwell PD solutions containing 11% glucose polymers with a Mw of 18-19 kDa and a polydispersity of 2.0 can provide higher UF without higher CA.

Peritoneal dialysis solutions.

After several decades of experience of peritoneal dialysis therapy, we now understand the peritoneal membrane and the causes of its changes during long-term dialysis much better. Several new, more biocompatible solutions are available in clinic today, and the outcome of peritoneal dialysis therapy is expected to be further improved. However, limitations with the currently available peritoneal dialysis solutions still exist, and continual efforts are needed to develop solutions that are more efficient and more membrane-friendly. With the better understanding of the role of fluid balance in peritoneal dialysis, we believe that development of peritoneal dialysis fluid that protects the peritoneal surface layer (and thus the integrity of the peritoneum, thereby improving peritoneal fluid removal) may be an area of research in the near future.

Assessment of the effectiveness, safety, and biocompatibility of icodextrin in automated peritoneal dialysis. The Dextrin in APD in Amsterdam (DIANA) Group.

OBJECTIVE: Our study assessed the efficacy, safety, and biocompatibility of icodextrin (I) solution compared to glucose (G) solution as the daytime dwell in continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). DESIGN: In a randomized, open, prospective, parallel group study of two year's duration, either I or G was used for the long daytime dwell in CCPD patients. METHOD: The study was carried out in a university hospital and teaching hospital. Established CCPD patients and patients new to the modality were both included. Clinic visits were made at three-month intervals. In all patients, clinical data were gathered; ultrafiltration (UF) was recorded; and serum, urine, and dialysate samples and effluents were collected. Peritoneal defense characteristics and mesothelial markers were determined. Every six months, peritoneal kinetics studies were performed, and serum samples for icodextrin metabolites were taken. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (19 G, 19 I) started the study. The median follow-up was 16 months and 17 months respectively (range: 0.5 - 26 months and 3 - 26 months, respectively). Daytime UF volumes increased significantly (p < 0.001), and 24-hour UF tended to increase from baseline in the I group. Dialysate creatinine clearance increased non significantly in both groups over time. In I patients, serum disaccharides (maltose) concentration increased from 0.05+/-0.01 mg/mL [mean+/- standard error of mean (SEM)] at baseline, to an average concentration in the follow-up visits of 1.15+/- 0.04 mg/mL (p <0.001). At the same time, serum sodium levels decreased from 138.1 +/- 0.7 mmol/L to an average concentration in the follow-up visits of 135.9 +/- 0.8 mmol/L (p < 0.050). At 12 months, the serum sodium concentration increased to a non significant difference from baseline. Serum osmolality increased, but did not differ significantly from G users at any visit. During peritonitis (P), daytime dwell UF decreased significantly compared to non peritonitis (NP) episodes in G patients (p < 0.0 01), but remained stable in I patients. Total 24-hour UF also decreased in G patients (p < 0.001), but not in I patients. In these I patients, serum disaccharides increased from 0.05 +/- 0.01 mg/mL to 1.26 +/- 0.2 mg/mL during follow-up. During peritonitis, serum disaccharides concentration did not increase further (1.47 +/- 0.2 mg/mL, p= 0.56). Thirty P episodes occurred during follow-up: 16 in G patients and 14 in I patients (1 per 17.6 months and 1 per 21.9 months, respectively.) After one year, absolute number and percentage of effluent peritoneal macrophages (PM phi s) were significantly higher in I patients than in G patients. The difference in percentage persisted after two years. The phagocytic capacity of PM phi s decreased over time, resulting in a borderline significant difference for coagulase-negative staphylococci phagocytosis (p=0.005) and a significant difference for E. coli phagocytosis (p <0.05) in favor of I patients. PM phi oxidative metabolism, PM phi cytokine production, and effluent opsonic capacity remained stable over time with no difference between the groups. Mass transfer area coefficients (MTACs) and clearances were stable and appeared unaffected by G or I treatment. Effluent cancer antigen 125 (CA125) was stable in G users and tended to decrease in I users. Effluent interleukin-8 (IL-8), carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP ), and amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) did not change over time and did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of I for the long daytime dwell in CCPD led to an increase in total UF of at least 261 mL per day, which was maintained over at least 24 months. During I treatment, serum I metabolites increased significantly and serum sodium concentrations decreased initially. As a result, serum osmolality increased slightly. Clinical adverse effects did not accompany these findings. The UF gain in the I patients was even higher during P, without a

Management and prevention of pelvic adhesions.

Postsurgical adhesion formation is an important clinical problem within all surgical specialties. In gynecology, adhesions resulting from gynecologic procedures are a major clinical, social, and economic concern because they may result in pelvic pain, infertility, or bowel obstruction. In addition, it may lead to additional surgery to resolve the adhesion-related complications. This review evaluates the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of various strategies for reducing postsurgical adhesions. Those strategies include surgical techniques and adhesion-reducing substances. Postsurgical adhesions are natural consequences of tissue trauma and healing. Our review indicates that most of the effective adhesion-reducing substances decrease adhesion formation and reformation, but they do not prevent its occurrence. In fact, there is no single modality proven to be unequivocally effective in preventing adhesion formation. Current evidence suggests that the use of ORC (Interceed; Gynecare, Somerville, NJ), e-PTFE (Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane, Preclude; WL Gore, Flagstaff, AZ), HA-CMC (Seprafilm; Genzyme, Cambridge, MA), or 4% icodextrin (Adept; Baxter BioSurgery, Deerfield, IL) is justified. Their use, however, should not replace good surgical techniques. We recommend the use of microsurgical principles, minimally invasive surgery, and the use of adhesion-reducing agents.

A pilot study of laparoscopic adhesion prophylaxis after myomectomy with a copolymer designed for endoscopic application.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the laparoscopic handling and safety of D,L-polylactide-epsilon-caprolactone-trimethylene carbonate (PCT) copolymer after myomectomy and compare it with icodextrin. In contrast to previously developed solid barriers, the material has rationally designed properties that are advantageous for convenient laparoscopic application. DESIGN: A randomized, single-blinded clinical study (Canadian Task Force Classification I). SETTING: Single-center study in a German University Hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: After laparoscopic myomectomy and subsequent reconstruction of the uterus with interrupted sutures, adhesion prophylaxis with either site-specific PCT copolymer or icodextrin occurred as per randomization. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Except in 1 case, complete coverage of the uterine wound was achieved with PCT copolymer, and the mean time taken for application was 6.7 minutes. Mean application time for icodextrin was 1.1 minute. After introduction into the abdomen, PCT copolymer changed into a flexible state that adapted very well to the operative anatomy. The patients were followed up according to the study protocol for 3 months. There were no unforeseen adverse events, possible adhesion-related complications, or nonspecific complications in either study arm. There was no significant difference in pelvic pain scores between PCT copolymer and icodextrin groups 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, there were no adverse events, and the rationally designed material properties are favorable for laparoscopic application. No differences in postoperative pelvic pain were ascertained between PCT copolymer and icodextrin. Therefore a human phase II trial including second-look laparoscopy should be conducted to further evaluate this new solid adhesion barrier PCT copolymer.