Thalidomide given intraperitoneally reduces the number of postoperative adhesions after large bowel resection in rabbits.

Objective: To investigate the effect of thalidomide given intraperitoneally on the formation of adhesions after colonic resection in rabbits.

Design: Controlled, randomised prospective study.

Setting: University hospital, Germany.

Animals: 40 female New Zealand White rabbits.

Interventions: After an end-to-end colonic anastomosis the animals were given thalidomide 200 mg/kg in 1% carboxymethylcellulose intraperitoneally or carboxymethylcellulose alone (n = 20 in each group).

Outcome measures: The adhesion score according to Tyrell on day 3 (n = 20) and day 7 (n = 20) postoperatively, weight, behaviour, and white cell count (WCC).

Results: There was no difference in behaviour or weight. On the third postoperative day WCCs and on the seventh postoperative day WCCs and adhesion scores, were lower in the thalidomide group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: The number of postoperative adhesions was reduced in the group given thalidomide intraperitoneally. Our results suggest that thalidomide may be helpful in the prevention of postoperative adhesions.