Effect of Intraperitoneal Lovastatin in Postoperative Adhesions in an Animal Model

Intraabdominal adhesions (IAA) are common complications after abdominal surgery. It is believed that statins such as lovastatin may play a role in prevention of postoperative adhesions. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of intraperitoneal lovastatin on the postoperative intraabdominal adhesions in rat. In an experimental clinical trial model، 20 male rats were randomized in two 10-rat groups. The rats in group 1 (the control group) were given only 10 cc of 0. 9% NaCl intraperitoneally، whereas in group 2، solution of lovastatin (30mg/kg) in 10 cc 0. 9% NaCl was employed. Number and strength of fibrotic bands as well as adhesion score were compared between the groups seven days after the first laparotomy. The serum urea، creatinine، AST، ALT، ALP and total bilirubin were also determined at the end of the study. Intraperitoneal lovastatin reduced the number of the fibrotic bands more effectively than the normal saline in the control group (0. 60±0. 52 vs. 1. 60±0. 52; P<0. 001). Similar results were documented for the severity of adhesions (0. 20±0. 42 vs. 1. 50±0. 53; P<0. 001). With regard to the overall scores of adhesion، the Lovastatin was again more effective than the normal saline (. 80±. 79 vs. 3. 10±. 88; P<. 001). The serum measured parameters were not significantly different between the two groups at the end of study، except for the serum AST level which was significantly higher in the case group (214. 60±35. 88 mg/dL vs. 161. 60±29. 23; P<0. 001). Intraperitoneal lovastatin (30 mg/kg in 10 cc normal saline) may effectively decrease the number and severity of the intraabdominal fibrotic bands. However، increase in serum level of AST was also detected in the case group. Therefore، further studies are recommended to determine the optimal dosage with minimal complications.