Preliminary study with SprayShield™ Adhesion Barrier System in the prevention of abdominal adhesions

INTRODUCTION Peritoneal adhesions, the fibrotic bands that form between the surfaces in the peritoneal cavity following surgery, still pose a difficult clinical challenge. AIM To evaluate the SprayShield™ Adhesion Barrier System (PEG ester amine solution and a buffer solution) in reducing post-operative adhesion formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a prospective, multi-center, randomized, single blind study. A total of 11 subjects diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) were randomized: 8 to the SprayShield™ arm and 3 to the control arm. SprayShield™ was applied on the viscera directly under the midline peritoneal incision and at the site of ileostomy. During the follow-up surgery, the incidence, extent, and severity of post-operative adhesion formation were evaluated, as well as the time required to mobilize the ileal loop. RESULTS In patients who received SprayShield™ the time required to mobilize the ileal loop at the ileostomy closure was slightly shorter and the incidence and severity of adhesions were somewhat lower vs. control subjects (NS). CONCLUSIONS SprayShield™ was found to be easy to use, safe, and quick to apply, and performed well in adherence and conformity. The incidence and severity of adhesions were lower for SprayShield™ subjects vs. control subjects, but due to the limited number of patients there are not enough data to confirm the effectiveness of the SprayShield™ Adhesion Barrier System in prevention of adhesions.