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

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