Application of hyaluronic acid/sodium alginate-based microparticles to prevent tissue adhesion in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE

Postsurgical adhesion formation is a concern in every field of surgery. We evaluated the efficacy of hyaluronic acid/sodium alginate-based microparticle anti-adhesive agents (MP) for the prevention of postsurgical adhesion formation in a standardized rabbit model.

METHOD

To evaluate the anti-adhesion effect, a uterus-abdominal wall abrasion model was created in rabbits. On the surface of the injured uterus, an anti-adhesive agent, Interceed(®) or MP, was applied (positive control and study groups, respectively; n = 10 each). In another group of 10 animals, neither agent was applied (negative control group). The adhesion levels were graded 3 weeks after surgery. Acute and chronic toxicity was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The grade of adhesion was significantly lower in the MP group than in the negative control and positive control groups. No evidence of acute or chronic toxicity induced by this material was found in blood and tissue analysis.

CONCLUSION

MP shows potential as an effective novel type of resorbable biomaterial to reduce postoperative adhesion. The easy placement and handling of this material make the MP powder attractive as a tissue adhesion barrier.