Evaluation of adhesions after laparoscopic myomectomy using the Harmonic Ace and the auto-crosslinked hyaluronan gel vs Ringer's lactate solution.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) for the prevention of postsurgical adhesions after laparoscopic myomectomy using the Harmonic Ace.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women 23-42 years of age who wished to conceive underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. As adhesion preventing agents, crosslinked HA gel was applied on the myometrial scar at the end of the surgery in Group A, whereas in Group B a Ringer's lactate solution was used in a prospective, observational study. Second-look mini-laparoscopy was performed 45-60 days after surgery and the adhesions were assessed according to a site-specific modified scoring.

RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative adhesions was the same in both groups, but anatomically significant adhesions and site-specific modified score was significantly reduced in Group A compared to Group B control group (31.8% vs 54.6% and 1.05 +/- 1 vs 2.27 +/- 2.5, respectively).

CONCLUSION: The use of auto-cross-linked HA gel confirms a protection on adhesion formation on myometrial wounds, although the degree of this effect appears to be weak. The absence of adnexa adhesions using the HA and a different uterine incision appear remarkable, although a larger number of patients is required to confirm the present findings.