How should the new adhesion prevention films be used?
These products are similar in composition to the wound healing films, but are not manufactured on gauze. That is because they are intended for internal use in the prevention of post-surgical abdominal adhesions, neural adhesions and tendon/ligament adhesions. Films are placed between potentially sticky tissues to prevent adhesions, which would likely require a second surgery. Many surgeons are familiar with how to use films for these purposes. Sterile films may be pre-hydrated with sterile water/saline or with body fluid at the surgical site before placing them among or around tissues that may potentially form adhesions such as tendons, neural tissue and/or internal abdominal anatomy. Upon hydration, the film may tend to curl because it is initially hydrating on one side. Flipping the film over, or first dragging it through the fluid and then flipping, will result in flat film that can be easily handled and placed in the desired location.
