Methods: An ileocolic anastomosis was performed under both "clean" and "septic"conditions in the rat. The treatment group received intraperitoneal poly-L-lysine and poly-Lglutamate while controls received sodium chloride. Abdominal adhesions, anastomosis leakage and burst pressure were analyzed after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days in the "clean" anastomosis model and after 7 days in the "septic" model.Results: A significant decrease (p<0.01) in the amount of adhesions was seen in animals treated with polypeptides after 1, 3, and 5 days, while no difference was seen after 7 days.The anastomosis demonstrated a significantly higher burst pressure as evaluated day 1 and 3 (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively) in the polypeptide treated animals while no difference was seen between the groups at days 5 or 7.Conclusion: The use of differently charged polypeptides administered intraperitoneal after surgery resulted in a significant decrease in the extent of postoperative adhesions.Furthermore, an increase in intestinal anastomosis safety, based on improved burst pressure during the first 3 days, i.e. the critical period during the healing process, was noted. No adverse effects were seen in surgery during "septic" conditions.