Authors: Y.C. Cheong¹; S.M. Laird²; J.B. Shelton²; W.L. Ledger¹; T.C. Li¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 17, Number 4, April 2002 , pp. 1039-1045(7)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal adhesion formation and reformation after surgery is a significant cause of morbidity. The greatest problem after the surgical removal of adhesions is their reformation. We examined the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- in the peritoneal fluid throughout the 48 h post-operative period following adhesiolysis, and correlated the results to the extent of adhesion reformation.

METHODS: Peritoneal fluid, collected from eight patients following laparoscopy and again at 12, 36 and 48 h after surgery, was analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IL-1 and IL-6) and bioassay (TNF-). At 48 h, a second look laparoscopy was performed to inspect the pelvis for adhesion formation/reformation. RESULTS: Three patients had adhesion reformation >10% at 48 h after surgery. The mean adhesion score 48 h after adhesiolysis was 5 (range 0–17). The mean reduction in adhesion score was 88% (range 83–100%). Newly formed adhesions were filmy, relatively soft and avascular in nature. Adhesion reformation of >10% was associated with (i) high concentrations of IL-6 at 12 h (P < 0.01) and (ii) high concentrations of IL-1 at 48 h (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this preliminary study suggest that future treatment strategies for adhesion prevention could be aimed at the control of cellular mediators in the peritoneal fluid during the initial adhesion formation period.

Keywords: adhesiolysis; adhesions; cytokines; peritoneal fluid

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Section of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The Jessop Wing, Central Sheffield University Hospitals, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF and 2: Division of Biomedical Sciences/BMRC, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield, S1 1WB, UK

Publication date: 2002-04-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Y.C. Cheong ;  S.M. Laird ;  J.B. Shelton ;  W.L. Ledger ;  T.C. Li

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers