Seprafilm Bioresorbable Membrane is indicated for use in patients
undergoing abdominal or pelvic laparotomy as an adjunct intended to
reduce the incidence, extent and severity of postoperative adhesions
between the abdominal wall and the underlying viscera such as omentum,
small bowel, bladder and stomach, and between the uterus and surrounding
structures such as tubes and ovaries, large bowel and bladder. The
membrane serves as a temporary bioresorbable barrier separating opposing
tissues surfaces. When applied as directed Seprafilm membrane can be
expected to reduce adhesions within the abdominopelvic cavity. Approx.
24 to 48 hrs. after placement, the membrane becomes a hydrated gel that
is slowly resorbed within one week. Components are excreted in less
than 28 days. Sepragel bioresorbable gel, like Seprafilm, is designed
to prevent adhesions caused by direct surgical trauma. But it is
formulated to be used in laparoscopic surgery and on tissue surfaces
that are inaccessible to Seprafilm during open surgery. Sepragel is an
investigational product in clinical safety studies. I read that
treatment of lower abdominal adhesions cost approx. $1.2 billion in
1988, not including outpatient and indirect costs. Over 446,000
procedures were performed in the U.S. to lyse abdominopelvic adhesions
in 1993. Up to 93% of adbominal surgery patients have adhesions due to
previous surgery and abdominal adhesions are the predominant cause of
small bowel obstruction, accounting for 54 to74% of cases. Sherry Marie