Evaluation of Carolina Rinse solution as a treatment for ischaemia reperfusion of the equine jejunum

Reasons for performing study: Ileus and peritoneal adhesions are the most common complications following surgery for small intestinal obstruction. Carolina Rinse (CR) has been shown to decrease reperfusion injury in intestine and other organs. Hypothesis: CR decreases intestinal inflammation and subsequent scarring associated with reperfusion injury. Methods: CR was infused intra-arterially and applied topically just prior to reperfusion in jejunum exposed to experimental ischemia. Vascular permeability, neutrophil accumulation and serosal scarring were compared in treated and untreated intestine. Results: CR maintained a normal osmotic reflection coefficient and decreased migration of neutrophils into the serosa during reperfusion. After 10 days, treated intestine was normal in appearance with a trend toward less serosal scarring and fibroblast proliferation. There was a significant decrease in fibroplasia at biopsy sites in treated intestine. Conclusions: Arterial perfusion combined with topical application of CR during jejunal ischaemia decreases immediate reperfusion injury and limits post operative scarring. Potential relevance: CR should be used as a local perfusate rather than a systemic treatment; it may best be applied topically and intraluminally to avoid damaging mesenteric arteries. CR should be considered an adjunct treatment as part of overall surgical management and post operative care.