REDUCTION OF POSTOPERATIVE ADHESION FORMATION AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC OVARIAN CYSTECTOMY

The purpose of this randomized, open-label study was to assess the eff icacy of the product Interceed absorbable adhesion barrier in the prev ention of adhesion formation on the ovary after laparoscopic ovarian c ystectomy. A total of 25 patients requiring laparoscopic bilateral ova rian cystectomy were enrolled into this study. After removal of ovaria n cysts, peri-adnexal adhesions, and peritoneal irrigants, and the att ainment of meticulous haemostasis, the random assignment of one ovary for wrapping with Interceed was revealed to the surgeon. The other ova ry served as the untreated control. A follow-up laparoscopy was perfor med 8-30 weeks after the initial procedure in 17 patients. Significant ly fewer adhesions formed at the Interceed treated ovaries compared wi th the control (untreated) ovaries (P < 0.05). In terms of adhesion-fr ee outcome, 76% (13/17) of Interceed treated ovaries and 35% (6/17) of control ovaries were free of adhesions. A significant reduction was o bserved in the area of the sutured ovaries involved with adhesions whe n Interceed (6%) was used, compared with controls (20%). The reduction of adhesion formation was not related to the size of the cysts at the initial procedure. No adverse events were reported by any patient dur ing the study. In conclusion, Interceed was found to be safe and effec tive in reducing the incidence of postoperative adhesion formation in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.