Absorbable haemostatic materials and intraperitoneal adhesion formation.

The effect of two absorbable haemostatic materials, oxidized cellulse gauze (Surgicel) and absorbable gelatin sponge (Sterispon) has been investigated in relation to intraperitoneal adhesion formation using the rat as experimental animal. Neither oxidized cellulose gauze nor absorbable gelatin sponge was associated with an increased incidence of adhesions. On the contrary, oxidized cellulose gauze was associated with a decreased incidence of adhesions. If haemostatic material is required in the peritoneal cavity, oxidized cellulose gauze may be preferable to absorbable gelatin sponge since it is associated with a lower incidence of adhesions.