Effect of hyaluron derivate gel in prevention of postsurgical peritoneal adhesions--an experimental study in pigs

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a hyaluronic acid derivate gel in reducing adhesions in pigs undergoing laparoscopic abdominal cavity surgery. METHODOLOGY: 20 domestic female pigs underwent laparoscopy in general anesthesia. 4 defined serosal defects have been made (hepatoduodenal ligament, parietal, anterior stomach wall and jejunal mesentery). The defects have been covered with 20 mL Hyalobarrier Gel in 10 randomly selected pigs. 2 weeks postoperatively the pigs got reoperated for evaluation of potential adhesions. RESULTS: 17 pigs remained for evaluation. 2 pigs died during introduction of anesthesia, one at the end of the operation. None of the pigs died due to a reaction to the gel. We found adhesions in 33% of the gel group (n=3 out of 9) and in 87.5% in the group without gel (7 out of 8): p < 0.05. Most of the adhesions have been found at the parietal defect (7 out of 17 at all). CONCLUSIONS: The hyaluronic acid gel was highly efficacious and reduced the number and extent of adhesions throughout the abdomen following laparoscopic peritoneal surgery significantly.