Effects of a Lidocaine-Loaded Alginate/CMC/PEO Electrospun Nanofiber Film on Postoperative Pain and Peritoneal Adhesion in a Rat Model

Background and Objectives: Postoperative pain and intra-abdominal adhesions are common complications following surgery. Pain delays early mobilization, whereas adhesions can lead to bowel obstruction, chronic pain, or infertility. Current treatments, including systemic analgesics and physical barrier methods, are only partially effective. We hypothesized that combining these modalities would yield superior outcomes. Accordingly, we investigated whether a lidocaine-loaded alginate–carboxymethyl cellulose–polyethylene oxide (ACPE) electrospun film could more effectively reduce both postoperative pain and adhesion formation than either component alone. Materials and Methods: An electrospun nanofiber film composed of ACPE containing lidocaine was prepared. Its effects were evaluated in rats using an incisional pain and a peritoneal adhesion model. Four groups were compared: saline control, free lidocaine, drug-free ACPE film, and lidocaine-loaded ACPE film. Fifteen rats were allocated to each group. The primary outcome was the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) after plantar incision, while secondary outcomes included histological changes and adhesion scores assessed by the Moreno system. Results: The lidocaine–ACPE film significantly increased MWT compared with all other groups, demonstrating a stronger and longer-lasting analgesic effect than free lidocaine. Adhesion scores were also lowest in the film group. Histological analysis confirmed a reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition. Conclusions: A lidocaine-loaded ACPE nanofiber film effectively reduced both postoperative pain and adhesion formation in a rodent model. The combination of sustained local drug release and physical barrier function provides a promising strategy to address two major postoperative complications. Further preclinical studies are warranted before clinical application.