Abstract Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygenation on prevention of adhesions in the abdominal cavity after laparotomy.

Methods:

Fifty four rats underwent laparotomy; stitches were made in the four quadrant parietal peritoneum and abdominal cavity closure.

Animals were divided into three groups:

1 - control; 2 - subjected to high pressures and oxygenation; 3 - subjected to 100% hyperbaric oxygenation. The animals in groups 2 and 3 were daily submitted to oxygenation hyperbaric chamber after surgery. On the seventh day another laparotomy, registration of procedure, assessment of adhesions and biopsies of the peritoneum were held. Professionals analyzed the videos and the biopsies.

Results:

Peritoneal cavity adhesions occurred in animals of three groups with no difference between them. In Group 3, the adhesions presented more fragile and vascular proliferation more pronounced, and there was no difference in comparison with the first and second groups. However, there was no significant difference in the evaluation of these parameters between the animals in groups 1 and 2.

Conclusions:

Postoperative hyperbaric oxygenation in rats submitted to laparotomy did not alter the frequency, but reduced the density of adhesions in the peritoneal cavity and promoted vascular proliferation. The change in atmospheric pressure alone had no influence on the results.