Synthetic Membrane Prevents Abdominal Scars, Study Finds : Science File / An exploration of issues and trends affecting science, medicine and the environment

A new synthetic membrane prevented painful and dangerous internal scarring in 51% of 183 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery, according to a study presented at an American College of Surgeons meeting in Detroit. Internal scar tissue develops in most people who have major abdominal reconstructive surgery, uniting tissues and organs that should be separate.

The adhesions can make subsequent surgery more difficult and dangerous to perform and can lead to chronic pain, intestinal obstruction and infertility in women. In the United States, removal of lower abdominal adhesions cost $1.2 billion in 1988, according to the most recent statistics available. In the new study, surgeons at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans placed the membrane, called Seprafilm, between abdominal tissue and the incision, where it acts as a temporary barrier to keep tissue at the incision from joining with the bowel. It is absorbed into the body within four days.