We performed laparoscopy (n = 7) or laparotomy (n = 7) for exploration of the small intestine, cecal resection with Endo-GIA or TA-30, deserosation of 2 cm2 of the abdominal wall and resection of the omentum majus in dogs. After 8 days all dogs were re-examined and the adhesions were quantified by computer-aided measurement. Laparoscopic operations were followed by significantly (P < 0.001) fewer adhesions. After conventional operations extensive adhesions to the abdominal incision and interenteric adhesions were found, together with frequent conglomerates of adhesions, intestinal kinkings or adhesive bands. Identical manipulations, such as cecal resection or deserosation of the lateral abdominal wall, led to the same frequency and severity of adhesions in both groups. Based on our results, the risk of adhesion-related complications may be reduced by the laparoscopic approach.