The inability of Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane to inhibit post-radical pelvic surgery adhesions in the dog model

We investigated the ability of Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane (Gore-SM) to inhibit PRPSA formation in 10 adult female canines undergoing radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and resection of the pelvic/abdominal peritoneum. At the time of surgery, one-half of the pelvic/abdominal peritoneal defect was covered with a tailored single layer of the Gore-SM. The membrane was sutured into place with 3-O Dexon in an interrupted manner. Each animal served as its own internal control. No operative/postoperative deaths or postoperative complications occurred. Four weeks postsurgery, euthanasia was effected, necropsy performed, and adhesions quantified. Adhesion scores for the Gore-SM-covered areas (n = 10; mean score, 2.76 ± 1.47; median, 2.46) were significantly higher than those for control areas (n = 10; mean score, 1.46 ± 2.13; median, 1.81; P = 0.01). Adhesions to the Gore-SM occurred at wrinkles in or at the edges of the membrane. In contradistinction to the findings of other investigators using different animal models, the Gore-SM appears to increase PRPSA in this unique model.