Use of Pentoxifylline as an Adjuvant to Reduce Primary Postsurgical Adhesion Formation: Preliminary Investigations in a Rodent Model

ABSTRACT

Formation of pelvic adhesions following infertility procedures remains a significant problem in reproductive surgery. Pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative, is known to decrease leukocyte activation, ameliorate phagocytic injury, and enhance plasminogen activator production. To determine whether these properties of pentoxifylline might protect mesothelial surfaces from perioperative damage and hence prevent adhesion formation, we evaluated the effect of pentoxifylline on peritoneal healing in a hamster model for primary pelvic injury. Perioperative pentoxifylline therapy significantly reduced posttraumatic adhesion formation as compared to vehicle-treated controls. Dose–response studies demonstrate maximal adhesion prevention with doses ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg/12 hours given subcutaneously over the course of 3 days. Intraperitoneal administration did not convey additional benefit. Delaying the onset of pentoxifylline administration by as much as 72 hours did not significantly impair adhesion reduction. These data demonstrate pentoxifylline to be a potent positive modulator of peritoneal healing following pelvic trauma. Further studies to characterize the potential application of pentoxifylline as an adjuvant in reproductive surgery are indicated. (J GYNECOL SURG 5:367, 1989)