Value of a single intraperitoneal dose of heparin in prevention of adhesion formation: an experimental evaluation in rats.

The effect of a single dose of intraperitoneal heparin on postoperative adhesion formation was examined in the rat. Seventy-two rats were divided into two groups. Trauma was produced with a brush in one group, and by transection of one uterine horn followed by microsurgical reanastomosis in the second group. Single doses of intraperitoneal and subcutaneous heparin were compared, with respect to adhesion formation, with a similarly administered dose of normal saline. A beneficial effect in reducing adhesion formation was demonstrated with intraperitoneal heparin. The effect was more pronounced after microsurgical anastomosis. No harmful effect on haemostasis or wound healing was observed. In view of the adverse effect of postoperative adhesions on the result of infertility surgery, we suggest that the use of intraperitoneal heparin in the human should receive serious consideration.