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Background/aims: Two differently charged polypeptides, poly-L-lysine (PL) and poly-L-glutamate (PG), have previously been shown to reduce postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions. This study aims to investigate the possible toxic effects and to establish a lowest effective antiadhesive dose., Methods: 152 mice were investigated with a well-known adhesion model and given different concentrations of the two differently charged polypeptides as well as only the cationic PL., Results: For the first time, a probable toxic level of PL given intraperitoneally (40 mg/kg) and the lowest significant concentration of PL and PG for antiadhesive purposes (1.6 mg/kg) could be established., Conclusion: The gap between the possible toxicity level of PL and the lowest efficient antiadhesive dose is probably too narrow, and the shape and charge of PL warrant continuous research for another polycation in the concept of differently charged polypeptides used as antiadhesive agents., (Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Anastomotic leakage and postoperative adhesions represent major complications after colorectal surgery. We have previously shown a positive effect on both anastomotic strength and abdominal adhesions by the use of differently charged bioactive polypeptides. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the same polypeptides on the healing of an insufficient intestinal anastomosis, as well as on accidental intestinal injury, in addition to measuring the preventive effect against the development of abdominal adhesions. An insufficient, and thereby potentially leaking, intestinal anastomosis and punctures of the intestine ("accidental intestinal injury model") were performed in rats. The treatment groups received intraperitoneal administration of poly-L-lysine and poly-L-glutamate, while controls received sodium chloride. Burst pressure, extent of abdominal adhesions, and postoperative complications were analyzed in both experimental models. A significant decrease of adhesions was seen in all animals treated with polypeptides (p < .05). Burst pressure was significantly higher (p < .001) in animals with intestinal perforation as seen on day 1 and then decreasing. A significant decrease in the incidence of peritonitis was also noted early (day 1) in this model (p = .002). The mortality and complications were high in the intestinal anastomosis model, though not affected by treatment with polypeptides. Intraabdominal adhesions were significantly reduced using polypeptides in this study, with no observed effect on other postsurgical complications. There were signs of less infectious complications in polypeptide treated animals. In animals with accidental intestinal injury, a higher burst pressure was noted in treated animals.

Background: Perioperative bleeding and postoperative adhesions are two problems encountered in abdominal surgery. Commercial products are available that decrease both bleeding and development of abdominal adhesions, but no products are effective in both situations. The combination of differently charged bioactive polypeptides, administered intraperitoneally, has previously been shown effective in decreasing postoperative adhesions. The present study is a pilot examination of the effects on perioperative bleeding and postoperative adhesions, applying the polypeptide concept., Methods: Standardized wounds in the liver and spleen were induced in 52 NMRI mice. The amounts of bleeding and postoperative adhesions were measured after 1 and 7 days, respectively. Separate animals were examined after 8 weeks for long-term healing of the parenchymal wounds., Results: Both parenchymal bleeding and the extent of adhesions significantly decreased (p = 0.001 and p = 0.029, respectively) as compared to controls. Histology after 8 weeks showed no clear signs of impaired or altered healing., Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of differently charged polypeptides significantly decreased postoperative bleeding and postoperative adhesions. Bioactive polypeptides appear promising in the promotion of peritoneal healing and merits further studies.

Background: This study examined the natural course of patients following surgery for small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by abdominal adhesions. In addition, a cost analysis was performed. Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 102 patients who underwent surgery between 1987 and 1992 for intestinal obstruction due to abdominal adhesions. Results: Median follow-up was 14 years. The 102 patients experienced 273 episodes of intestinal obstruction after the index operation, of which 237 involved inpatient readmissions; 47.3 per cent of the episodes resulted in further surgery. Single band adhesions were more common in patients with no previous abdominal surgery (P < 0.001). Some 52.0 per cent of the patients had undergone only one operation for SBO. A mean of 2.7 episodes per patient occurred after the index operation. The cost of adhesion-related problems in this study was €1 588 594 or €6702 per inpatient episode. Conclusion: The readmission rate in a selected cohort of patients with proven intra-abdominal adhesions was higher than reported previously. The annual cost of adhesion-related problems in Sweden was estimated as €39.9-59.5 million, and the cost of inpatient readmissions was almost equal to that for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study conducted to evaluate prevention of peritoneal adhesions by combining charged polypeptides. A standardized peritoneal injury model was used in 48 NMRI mice where the length of adhesion formation was estimated and expressed in percentage of the standardized wound length 7 days and 4 weeks after adhesion induction. The test compounds, polylysine and polyglutamate, were administered intraperitoneally immediately following induction of the peritoneal defect. the study shows that polylysine together with polyglutamate caused a reproducible and significant decrease in the extent of peritoneal adhesions, also when administered in a low concentration.