Polyvinyl alcohol gel prevents abdominal adhesion formation in a rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the function and biocompatibility of the new adhesion barrier PVA gel (polyvinyl alcohol + carboxymethylated cellulose) in the prevention of postsurgical peritoneal adhesions in a rabbit sidewall model. To evaluate and compare the routinely used 4% icodextrin.


METHODS
A prospective randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of PVA gel in reducing postoperative adhesion formation.


METHODS
Clinical laboratory in Germany.


METHODS
Eighty female albino rabbits (HM Small Russian; 2.4-3.6 kg).


METHODS
All animals underwent trauma of the abdominal sidewall at the clinical laboratory. The PVA gel was placed at the sidewall defect in 50 cases. In two further groups, 18 animals had no treatment (control group), and 12 animals were treated with 4% icodextrin.


METHODS
Biocompatibility, mechanical properties of PVA gel, adhesion development, and device handling were observed.


RESULTS
The PVA gel showed good biocompatibility, no side effects, and excellent adhesion prevention. Although 100% of the untreated control group as well as the animals treated with 4% icodextrin developed adhesion formation, only around 25% of those rabbits that were treated with PVA gel showed adhesions.


CONCLUSIONS
These data show that PVA gel functions as an excellent adhesion barrier.
Lang
Reinhold Andreas
RA
University of Munich, Department of Surgery, Klinikum Grosshadern, Munich, Germany.
Grüntzig
Patricia Mercedes
PM
Weisgerber
Christiane
C
Weis
Christine
C
Odermatt
Erich Kurt
EK
Kirschner
Martin Hartwig
MH
D000005:Abdomen / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D005782:Gels; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol