Evaluation of Interaction With Bio-absorbable Polyglycolic Acid Spacer and Anti-adhesive Agents Using a Rat Experimental Model

Abstract

Background/Aim: Neskeep^®, an absorbable polyglycolic acid spacer, has been developed as the optimal material for spacer placement surgery. However, preventing its severe adhesion is a crucial concern. Therefore, we aimed to identify an effective anti-adhesion agent for Neskeep^® using rat models. Materials and Methods: Animal experiments were performed using 60 rats, which underwent Neskeep^® placement on the abdominal wall. Three types of anti-adhesion agents were employed, establishing four subgroups: Seprafilm^®, INTERCEED^®, AdSpray^®, and only Neskeep^® (control) groups. Rats were sacrificed on postoperative days 7, 14, and 28 to assess adhesion levels around the Neskeep^®. Macroscopic visual assessment with the Lauder score and histopathological evaluation were performed to assess the degree of adhesion. Results: There were no significant differences in the proportion of Lauder scores on days 7 and 14 between the four groups. Histological evaluation revealed no significant differences between groups at any observation time. However, the mean Lauder scores at day 28 were 5.0, 1.6, 4.0, and 4.8 in the Neskeep^®, Seprafilm^®, INTERCEED^®, and AdSpray^® groups, respectively. The proportion of milder Lauder score was significantly higher in the Seprafilm^® group on day 28. Conclusion: Seprafilm^® may exhibit an anti-adhesive effect when used with Neskeep^®.