REDUCTION OF POST -OPERATIVE PERITONEAL ADHESIONS USING METHYLENE BLUE

Postoperative peritoneal adhesion bands (PABs) are one of the most common complications of laparotomies. Approximately two - third of all intestinal obstructions are caused by adhesion bands. The use of methylene blue (MB) for prevention of these adhesions has been postulated on account of inhibitory effect of MB on oxygen for the transfer of electrons from flavo-enzymes primarily xantine oxidase. Methods: In this study 6 groups of guina pigs (n=20 in each group), laparotomy and induction of adhesion was performed in, then MB was administered intraperitoneally, at 0.5, 1,5, 10 or 20 mg/kg to experimental groups. Control group did not receive MB. After 2 weeks they were sacrificed and their PABs was graded by Nair classification. Results: MB at 0.5 mg/kg reduced the formation and severity of PABs significantly (p<0.005). However, at 1 and 5 mg/kg the PABs were not reduced (P<0.306 for G3 and P<0.219 for G4). At high doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg MB was lethal to 80% and 100% of the animals, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, MB might be able to prevent PABs at low dose(0.5 mg/kg) in guina pigs. However, at high doses (³10 mg/kg) it was lethal.