Effect of vitamin E on decreasing post-operative adhesion in rat uterine horn

Adhesions, as abnormal scar tissue, are common following gynecological operations and can cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility, poor outcomes of future surgeries, and intestinal obstruction. Oxygen free radicals are known as one of the main causes of adhesion formation. This study is to evaluate the effect of vitamin E on decreasing post operative adhesion in uterine horn of rats. METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 45 non-pregnant female rats randomly placed into 3 equal groups. In all groups after general anesthesia and sterile exploration, anti-mesenteric surface of the left uterine horn of the rats was traumatized using a single-polar couther. The right side was traumatized by a scalpel. Intra-peritoneal and intra-muscular vitamin E were administrated in the 1st and 2nd groups, respectively, while in the control group only normal saline solution was poured onto the horns. Following 4 weeks recovery, second laparotomy was performed to grade the adhesions, if any. The dose of vitamin E for each rat was 10 IU (50u/kg). RESULTS: Vitamin E had no effect on preventing adhesion formation in the right uterine horn traumatized by scalpel. However, vitamin E administration in the left side (both intra-peritoneal and intra-muscular) traumatized by cautery, had a significantly preventive effect against adhesion formation. In comparison with intra-peritoneal administration, intra-muscular vitamin E had a greater protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: Considering vitamin E availability, cost-efficacy and safety, injected intramuscularly before operations can prevent adhesion formation.