Efficacy of a resorbable hydrogel barrier, oxidized regenerated cellulose, and hyaluronic acid in the prevention of ovarian adhesions in a rabbit model

Objective: To compare the efficacy of a resorbable hydrogel material with oxidized regenerated cellulose and hyaluronic acid in an ovarian adhesion model. Design: Controlled, blinded, and randomized study involving female rabbits. Setting: Academic research environment. Interventions: A water- soluble hydrogel precursor was applied to the ovary as a liquid and converted to a hydrogel by exposure to long wavelength ultraviolet light, a 0.4% solution of hyaluronic acid was applied to the ovary, or an oxidized regenerated cellulose patch was applied to the ovary after wedge resectioning. Main Outcome Measures: Extent and severity of adhesion formation. Results: Application of the hydrogel reduced adhesion formation by 88%. Neither oxidized regenerated cellulose not hyaluronic acid reduced adhesion formation. Conclusion: The photopolymerized, resorbable hydrogel material is highly effective for the reduction of periovarian adhesions in this model.