Clorhexidine as a factor that promotes peritoneal adhesions in rats with induced peritonitis

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of chlorhexidine on the formation of adhesions and dilation of the colon at the oral end of anastomosis in the presence of peritonitis. METHODS: Peritonitis was induced in male Wistar rats by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Abdominal cavities were irrigated with tepid solutions containing 0.9% saline (SAL group; n=8) or 0.05% chlorhexidine (CHD group; n=8), after which colon anastomoses were performed. Control rats (n=8) were submitted to colon anastomoses but not to CLP. Animals were euthanised seven days after surgery and the incidence of adhesions, the...