Development of a lethal model of peritonitis for assessment of laparoscopic and laparotomic treatments in rats.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Development of a lethal model of peritonitis to assess the results of treating that peritonitis using videolaparoscopy and laparotomy. METHODS: We developed a model of peritonitis in rats using cecal ligation (CLP) against a 2-mm diameter rigid mold and puncture. Two experiments were performed: determination of seven-day lethality; and analysis of white cell counts, blood cultures and cytokines (Interleukin-1 beta, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha and IL-6). The animals were divided into four groups: I--Sham surgery; II--CLP; III--CLP + Videolaparoscopy; and IV--CLP + Laparotomy . RESULTS: Seven-day lethality was 0% in group I, 80% in the group II (p<0.05), 60% in group III , and 20 % in group IV. There was a significant reduction in leukocyte counts and higher levels of serum IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the group II compared to controls. The percentages of positive blood cultures were higher after videolaparoscopic compared to laparotomic treatment. CONCLUSION: The experimental model provoked a lethal form of peritonitis and that videolaparoscopic treatment had more bacteraemia than laparotomy.