Methods: Forty New Zealand white rabbits were divided equally into control and treatment groups. Subjects were performed left anterior thoracotomy and partial pericardiectomy followed by epicardial abrasion. In control groups (group 1 and 2), the pericardium was left open to allow retrosternal adhesions. In treatment groups (group 3 and 4), the pericardial defect was closed with 0.02 mm bioabsorbable polylactide film. Postoperative macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were made by the same blinded observers at the end of the third week in group 1 and 3, and at the end of the sixth week in group 2 and 4.

Results: Macroscopic and histopathologic examinations revealed no significant differences between control and treatment groups in terms of adhesion formation. However, polylactide film supported the growth of a mesotheliumlike layer in the treatment groups.

Conclusion: Although polylactide film assists in the regeneration of mesothelial cells layer, it does not prevent the development of pericardial adhesions.