Regeneration of peritoneal mesothelial cells after placement of hyaluronate carboxymethyl-cellulose (Seprafilm^®)

Purpose: To examine the regeneration of mesothelium under a bioresorbable membrane. Methods: A 1 cm² piece of peritoneum was resected from both sides of the abdominal wall of retired female mice. A piece of hyaluronate and carboxymethyl-cellulose (Seprafilm^®) was placed over the wound on one side and the other side was left uncovered. We evaluated the degree of adhesion and regeneration of mesothelial cells macroscopically and histologically using immunohistochemistry at different times. Results: Macroscopically, the degree of postoperative adhesion in the treated site was significantly less than that in the untreated site. The membrane was left in place for 7 postoperative days (PODs). By POD 5, the regenerated peritoneum mesothelial cells covered part of the area and by POD 7, they had regenerated over almost all of that area in the abdominal wall. Conclusion: The anti-adhesion membrane worked as a physical barrier to prevent postoperative adhesion until the mesothelial cells had regenerated completely. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted to assess the regeneration of peritoneum mesothelial cells under a bioresorbable membrane using immunohistochemistry.