Intra-abdominal adhesions often occur during the healing process following surgeries like laparotomy. The peritoneal membrane and organs should be separate from each other, though they may adhere during the healing process after surgeries. Adhesions can entail complications such as colicky pain, intestinal obstruction, and infertility.
Anti-adhesion materials commonly used today are mainly, thin membrane sheets, which are difficult to handle during surgery because of its property of similarity to plastic wrap for foods. For instance, it is difficult to fit the sheet exactly on target lesions, and also difficult to re-extend once it is folded. In an attempt to minimize invasiveness, surgeons are increasingly performing surgeries using endoscopes inserted through small orifices (laparoscopy). Membrane sheets cannot be applied during such endoscopic surgeries as well.
To overcome this problem, we have developed an anti-adhesion material composed of an biodegradable polymer that changes to a gel state when exposed to body temperature. The material is easy to use, can fit a variety of surfaces, and can be applied in endoscopic operations as well.
We are also researching the possibilities of applying this technology to hemostatic agents and in vivo adhesive agents.