Purpose: To evaluate if latex coated polypropylene mesh leads to less adhesions formation. Methods: 90 rats were distributed in three groups. Group I (control) was submitted to median laparotomy and posterior synthesis; Group II (polypropylene) was submitted to a segment resection of the abdominal wall, and the defect was corrected with a polypropylene mesh; Group III using the new material (latex coated polypropylene). After 45 days the euthanasia procedure was done and the adhesions were evaluated in 2 ways: 1) classification in a grading system; 2) evaluation of the adhesion area, which was calculated by resection of the adhesions after dying with Indian blue ink. Results: The classification in a grading system showed that Group III animals had less adhesions formation (P<0.05), but the evaluation of the adhesion area did not show any difference (P>0.05). The severe complications (fistula, evisceration and obstruction), which were lethal, were not reduced by the latex coated material. Conclusion: Latex coated polypropylene causes fewer adhesion formations than polypropylene alone, although it does not diminish the severe early complications. Key words: Polypropylenes. Latex. Surgical Mesh. RESUMO Objetivo:Avaliar se o revestimento da tela de polipropileno com látex leva a menor formação de aderências. Métodos: Foram utilizados 90 ratos, distribuídos em três grupos de 30: grupo I (controle) animais submetidos a laparotomia mediana e posterior síntese; grupo II (polipropileno) ressecção de segmento da parede abdominal e síntese com tela de polipropileno; grupo III, (polipropileno revestido por látex). Eutanásia foi realizada após 45 dias e as aderências avaliadas sob duas formas: 1) classificação em graus; 2) avaliação da área aderida, calculada corando-se o segmento da parede contendo as aderências que posteriormente foram ressecadas produzindo uma região clara em contraste com o restante da peça, corada. Resultados: Na avaliação por meio de graus, o grupo III apresentou menor formação de aderências (p<0,05), mas quanto a avaliação da área aderida não houve diferença (p>0,05). As complicações graves não foram reduzidas pelo revestimento por látex (p>0,05). Conclusão: O revestimento da tela de polipropileno por látex leva a menor formação de aderências, porém não diminui as complicações graves precoces.

SUMMARY Our case report shows the complexity of dealing with tracheal tumors, highlighting the importance of the method used for staging. In this report, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was crucial to identify the involvement of the esophageal muscular propria in a tracheal tumor and change the surgical planning of the case. Staging this kind of tumor represents a challenge for physicians. There is no evidence in the literature on which methods represent the gold standard for T staging.