Prevention of post-surgical abdominal adhesions by a novel biodegradable thermosensitive PECE hydrogel
Bing Yang1, ChangYang Gong, ZhiYong Qian
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Second West China Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Insights
A novel thermosensitive hydrogel effectively prevents post-surgical adhesions. This biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-PCL-PEG) hydrogel demonstrates safety and convenience in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Post-operative peritoneal adhesions are a significant clinical challenge.
- Current prevention strategies have limitations.
- Biodegradable and thermosensitive hydrogels offer a promising alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-PCL-PEG, PECE) hydrogel in preventing post-surgical adhesions.
- To assess the safety and degradation profile of the PECE hydrogel in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Development of a thermosensitive PECE hydrogel.
- In vitro characterization of sol-gel transition and degradation.
- In vivo evaluation of adhesion prevention in mouse and rat models.
Main Results:
- The PECE hydrogel exhibited rapid gelation at 37°C and adhered well to damaged peritoneal surfaces.
- The hydrogel degraded and was absorbed within 14 days, coinciding with wound healing.
- A notable reduction in post-surgical adhesions was observed in PECE hydrogel-treated animals compared to controls.
- No significant adverse histopathological changes were found in major organs.
Conclusions:
- The thermosensitive PECE hydrogel is an effective agent for preventing post-surgical intro-abdominal adhesions.
- The hydrogel demonstrates a favorable safety profile and convenient application.
- PECE hydrogel represents a promising solution for reducing adhesion-related complications.
Background:
Post-operative peritoneal adhesions are common and serious complications for modern medicine. We aim to prevent post-surgical adhesions using biodegradable and thermosensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-PCL-PEG, PECE) hydrogel. In this work, we investigated the effect of PECE hydrogel on preventing post-surgical abdominal adhesions in mouse and rat models.
Results:
The PECE hydrogel in sol state could be transformed into gel in less than 20 s at 37°C. In addition, the PECE hydrogel could be easily adhered to the damaged peritoneal surfaces, and be gradually degraded and absorbed by the body within 14 days along with the healing of peritoneal wounds. A notable efficacy of the PECE hydrogel in preventing peritoneal adhesions was demonstrated in the animal models. In contrast, all untreated animals developed adhesions requiring sharp dissection. Furthermore, no significant histopathological changes were observed in main organs of the hydrogel-treated animals.
Conclusion:
Our results suggested that the thermosensitive PECE hydrogel was an effective, safe, and convenient agent on preventing post-surgical intro-abdominal adhesions.
