A novel hydrogel sheet prevents postoperative pancreatic fistula in a rat model

Aim To evaluate the efficacy of a novel hydrogel sheet in preventing postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Background Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a life-threatening complication. As no study has reported the use of hydrogel sheets in preventing POPF, their effectiveness for that purpose remains unclear. Methods A novel hydrogel sheet made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was prepared by the freeze-thaw method. The pancreatic ducts and surrounding pancreatic parenchyma of rats were transected to induce a pancreatic fistula. Next, the sheet was attached to the transection site. Ascitic fluid amylase and lipase concentrations were measured. Neoveil(R), a nonwoven polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt, is already clinically used as an absorbable reinforcing material at pancreatic transection sites. Neoveil(R) was used for comparison, as was VIEWGEL(R), which is marketed as a wound dressing. Results The hydrogel sheet remained in place 48 hours postoperatively. The ascitic amylase concentrations in the control, VIEWGEL(R)-treated, Neoveil(R)-treated, and hydrogel-treated rats, respectively, were 4992.4 +/- 5355.7, 1068.4 +/- 269.1, 730.2 +/- 425.2, and 303.1 +/- 240.1 IU/L; the ascitic lipase concentrations were 2279.8 +/- 3395.2, 169.5 +/- 100.6, 90.4 +/- 71.0, and 86.8 +/- 59.8 IU/L. The ascitic amylase and lipase levels were significantly lower in the hydrogel group than in the other groups (P < .05). Conclusions This novel hydrogel sheet effectively prevents pancreatic fistulas and has promising clinical application potential.

Automated summary

The novel hydrogel sheet effectively prevents pancreatic fistulas and has promising clinical application potential.