Septic and other complications resulting from biliary stones placed in the abdominal cavity. Experimental study in rabbits.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this experimental study is to assess the consequences of biliary stones placed in the abdominal cavity of rabbits. METHODS: The animals were allocated to five groups. In group A a nonsterile gallstone was used. In group B animals with a nonsterile gallstone received preoperative chemoprophylaxis. In group C a sterile stone was placed in the abdomen. Group D served as control. In group E were animals with a nonsterile stone who had a prolonged follow-up period. Parameters studied postoperatively were temperature, white blood cell count, abscess formation, sepsis, peritonitis, adhesion formation, intestinal obstruction, and histological changes of the omentum enveloping the gallstones. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference among the five groups concerning morbidity, mortality, or histological findings. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of septic complications was higher among the four groups that received gallstones compared to the control group and thus an adverse effect of gallstone implantation can be suggested.