Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Pilot study evaluating the efficacy of AlloMEM™ for prevention of intraperitoneal adhesions and peritoneal
Deborah S Keller1, Bradley J Champagne, Sharon L Stein
1Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Institute for Surgery and Innovation, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Avenue, 7 Lakeside, Cleveland, OH, 44106-5047, USA, Deborah.Keller@uhhospitals.org.
Objective:
This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of AlloMEM™, a novel lyophililzed human peritoneal membrane, at peritoneal reconstitution, and decreasing adhesion formation after temporary loop ileostomy.
Methods:
In a pilot study, ten patients had AlloMEM™ used during elective formation of a temporary diverting loop ileostomy for benign or malignant colorectal disease. A blinded investigator and the operating surgeon analyzed the change in adhesion formation and peritoneal remodelling using ileostomy mobilization time and a 5-point adhesion scale grading intra-abdominally and at the subcutaneous and fascial levels.
Results:
The mean body mass index was 31 [standard deviation (SD) 5.6], and 40 % of patients had previous abdominal surgery. Ileostomies were reversed after a mean 14 weeks (SD 6.0). The mean ileostomy mobilization time was 27.2 min (SD 12.0). From baseline to ileostomy reversal, there were significant increases in adhesions at the subcutaneous (p = 0.0002) and fascial levels (p = 0.0024). The increased subcutaneous adhesions were associated with improved peritoneal remodeling. There was no significant increase in adhesions from baseline to ileostomy reversal at the intra-abdominal points (p = 0.9393) or around the ileostomy site (p = 0.6128). The median hospital length of stay was 2.6 days (range, 2-3). A single adverse event related to product packaging led to redesign of the packaging process.
Conclusions:
Use of AlloMEM™ in ileostomy closures suggested improvement in adhesions around the fascia and promotion of peritoneal remodeling. AlloMEM™ was safe, feasible, and easy to use in this pilot study. Comparative research is needed to assess the outcomes with this novel product.
