Prevention of peritoneal adhesions by administration of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cortisone and oral vitamin E

Previous studies have shown that dietary supplements of vitamin E or intraperitoneal administration of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose [SCMC] solution reduced postoperative adhesions by approximately 50%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose [SCMC] [Hercules cellulose gum, grade 7H4F, Food Grade, Hercules Inc., Wilmington, D.E.] to prevent adhesions and to compare this solution with cortisone and vitamin E and to determine whether there is synergistic beneficial effect of vitamin E and SCMC in reducing postoperative adhesions