Adhesion Prevention in ASBO Surgery Using 4DryField® PH

Post-surgical adhesions are a common complication of abdominal surgery, with an occurrence rate of approximately 79-90%, leading to significant morbidity such as adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) and chronic pain (1,2). These adhesions result from increased extracellular matrix production, reduced fibrinolytic activity, and the influence of growth factors like TGF-beta and VEGF, along with fibroblast proliferation(1). Genetic predispositions-affecting pathways such as TGF-β, VEGF, PAI-1, MMPs, and various pro-inflammatory cytokines-may increase the risk of adhesion formation(2-5).

Surgical management of ASBO resolves acute symptoms but often exacerbates the underlying issue by inducing further peritoneal trauma. Recurrence rates remain high-reported in up to 40% of patients-and complications from repeated adhesiolysis include increased operative time, bowel injury, and postoperative morbidity(6).

Various strategies have been explored in different surgical fields to prevent adhesion formation, including the use of physical antiadhesion barriers(7-9). Among these, 4DryField® PH, a plant-derived starch powder, has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical and experimental studies(8,10). When hydrated with saline, the powder forms a biocompatible gel that acts as a temporary barrier to physically separate traumatized serosal surfaces and allow for proper mesothelial regeneration.

Although the use of 4DryField® PH has been studied in different settings, there is limited prospective evidence evaluating its role in preventing recurrence of ASBO.

The present study aims to fill this gap by assessing whether intraoperative application of 4DryField® PH during surgery for ASBO reduces the recurrence rate during a 12-month follow-up, and by comparing perioperative outcomes between treated and untreated patients.

Inclusion criteria

Age ≥ 18 years

• Undergoing surgical treatment for adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO)
• Ability and willingness to provide informed consent
• Willingness to adhere to follow-up visits

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of peritonitis
• Intra-abdominal active malignancy
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding