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

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 (Interceed, Johnson and Johnson) was used to cover the surgical site in 23 of these cases (Interceed + group); no adjuvant was used in 15 cases, which represent the surgical control group (Interceed - group), including 23 second-look operation cases (16 in the Interceed + 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 Interceed + group and six (85.7%) in the Interceed - 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 Interceed + and seven (46.7%) in the Interceed - group conceived during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The use of Interceed significantly reduced the rate of postoperative adhesion formation, with a statistically significant increase in the pregnancy rate as compared to the surgical controls.