Postoperative adhesion prevention with an oxidized regenerated cellulose adhesion barrier in infertile women

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an oxidized regenerated cellulose adhesion barrier as an adjuvant in preventing postoperative adhesions in infertile women undergoing reconstructive surgery.

Study design: Thirty-eight cases of reconstructive surgery that could be followed up for more than two years (myomectomy 19, cystectomy 5, tuboplasty 10, uteroplasty 4) at the Fujita Health University Hospital were evaluated retrospectively. The barrier (Intercede, Johnson & Johnson) was used to cover the surgical site in 23 of these cases (Intercede group); no adjuvant was used in 15 cases, which represent the surgical control group (Intercede - group), including 23 second-look operation cases (16 in the Intercede and 7 in the control group). Postoperative adhesion prevention and pregnancy rates were estimated.

Results: At the second-look operation, six cases (37.5%) in the Intercede + group and six (85.7%) in the Intercede - group had postoperative adhesions. No significant difference was found in either intensity or area covered with adhesions between the two groups. Eighteen cases (78.3%) in the Intercede and seven (46.7%) in the Intercede - group conceived during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: The use of Intercede significantly reduced the rate of postoperative adhesion formation, with a statistically significant increase in the pregnancy rate as compared to the surgical controls.