OBJECTIVETo establish a rabbit double uterine horn model for assessing the time-course of pelvic adhesions and evaluating the effectiveness of different anti-adhesive materials in reducing adhesions.

METHODSA total of 330 Japanese white rabbits underwent laparotomy, followed by uterine horn incision. Animals were euthanized after 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days, respectively.

RESULTSThe surgical procedure was smooth. Rabbit double uterine horn model was applied for the evaluation of pelvic adhesions in a three-dimension fashion. Each of the three means-gauze abrasion, needle holder clamping, and direct uterine incision induced postoperative pelvic adhesions, among which direct uterine incision was the best to mimic conditions after gynecological operations. Under normal circumstances, degradation of filmy fibrinous adhesions by locally released proteases of the fibrinolytic system occurred within 3 days of injury. The regeneration of the mesothelium was completed within 7 days. Collagen reached its peak by day 14. Anti-adhesive materials were supposed to be completely absorbed by day 28, and their effectiveness in preventing pelvic adhesions was confirmed at this time point. Whether their effect can be maintained after the absorption of the anti-adhesive materials was investigated in 42 days.

CONCLUSIONSThe animal model was successfully established. It well mimics the postoperative pelvic adhesions after direct uterine horn injury and thus is a suitable model for studying site-specific adhesions. Observations on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th, and 42nd post-operative days provided a full picture of the adhesion formation process.