Effectiveness of a Novel Hyaluronic-Acid Gel Film in the Rat Model

Abstract

The efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel in adhesion prevention was evaluated in the rat cecal abrasion model. The HA gel was produced by a simple freezing process using an acidic HA solution, and the HA molecular weight was a critical factor for gel production. The degradation property of the HA gels in physiologic buffered saline at 37°C was evaluated to confirm the relationship between the reaction period and gel solubility. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis was carried out to observe the fine structure of the HA gels. For animal studies, HA gel films with three densities (1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 mg HA/cm2) were prepared. The HA gel films (4 × 4 cm) were applied as a barrier on the injured rat cecal surface after standardized treatment with rotary abrasion apparatus, which produces a consistent degree of tissue trauma. The incidence and severity of any adhesions were evaluated to confirm the efficacy of the HA gel films. Application of the HA gel films significantly reduced adhesion formation in all treatment groups compared to the control group. The effects of the HA gel films depend on the density of the HA gel films. Thus we suggest that our novel HA gel film is effective in reducing postoperative adhesions in the rat model. (J GYNECOL SURG 21:55)