Aim: We aimed to investigate whether or not artificial ascites media formed using glycerin are effective in the prevention of intraperitoneal adhesions. Methods: Thirty-six Wistar albino male rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into 3 groups as follows. Group I: control group; group II (isotonic group): 3 ml of 0.9% NaCl was injected into the peritoneal cavity, and group III (glycerin group): 0.5 ml of liquid glycerin and 3 ml of 0.9% NaCl was injected into the peritoneal cavity. Results: There were serious adhesions in the control group. Adhesion rates were lower in the isotonic group compared with the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). When adhesion rates of the glycerin group were compared with the control and isotonic groups, significant differences were found, especially between the glycerin and control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of our study, the use of isotonic solution and liquid glycerin decreases postoperative adhesions. We suggest that glycerin was more effective as it has the chemical ability to draw water to its media. As such, the formation of adhesions may be decreased by increasing the amount of physiological liquid inside the abdomen. © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.