Antiadhesive effect and safety of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethyl cellulose membrane in thyroid surgery

PURPOSE A number of researchers have suggested the use of sodium hyaluronate carboxymethyl cellulose (HA-CMC) membrane for preventing postoperative adhesion. This study evaluated the antiadhesive effect and safety of HA-CMC membrane in thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer. METHODS One hundred sixty-two patients who underwent thyroidectomy were prospectively randomized. In the study group of 80 patients, the 7.5 cm × 13 cm HA-CMC membrane was applied to the operative field after thyroidectomy. The subjects were asked about complications including adhesive symptoms using an 8-item questionnaire at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. In addition, items on the appearance of neck wrinkles and scars were evaluated by a physician who had no information about the patient's allocation. RESULTS There were no significant differences in complications such as swallowing difficulty, and wrinkles between study and control groups. Both groups presented significantly decreased scores over time in swallowing difficulty, and wrinkles. There were no complications regarding the HA-CMC membrane. CONCLUSION The antiadhesive effect of HA-CMC membrane in thyroid surgery is still uncertain, although it is biologically safe. Further investigation is needed to confirm the antiadhesive effect of HA-CMC membrane in thyroid surgery.