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. Design A prospective randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of PVA gel in reducing postoperative adhesion formation. Setting Clinical laboratory in Germany. Animal(s) Eighty female albino rabbits (HM Small Russian; 2.4–3.6 kg). Intervention(s) 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. Main Outcome Measure(s) Biocompatibility, mechanical properties of PVA gel, adhesion development, and device handling were observed. Result(s) 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. Conclusion(s) These data show that PVA gel functions as an excellent adhesion barrier.