A Sprayable Hydrogel Adhesion Barrier Facilitates Closure of Defunctioning Loop Ileostomy: A Randomized Trial

PurposeClosure of defunctioning loop ileostomy often is associated with division of complex peristomal adhesions through a parastomal incision with limited exposure. The goal was to determine whether sprayable hydrogel adhesion barrier (SprayGel™) will reduce peristomal adhesions and facilitate closure of ileostomy.MethodsPatients undergoing closure of loop ileostomy were randomized to have hydrogel adhesion barrier sprayed around both limbs of ileostomy for 20 cm (SprayGel™ group, n = 19), or to control without adhesion barrier (control group, n = 21). Ileostomy was reversed at ten weeks after construction. Extent of peristomal adhesions was scored in blinded manner (each quadrant, range, 1–3: 3 = most severe; total, range, 4–12: 12 = most severe).ResultsUse of adhesion barrier was associated with significant reduction in overall adhesion scores (mean, 6.11 vs. 9.67; P < 0.0005), four-quadrant adhesion scores (Quadrant A: 1.68 vs. 2.52, P = 0.002; Quadrant B: 1.42 vs. 2.33, P < 0.0005; Quadrant C: 1.42 vs. 2.24, P < 0.0005; Quadrant D: 1.58 vs. 2.48, P = 0.002), and proportion of patients with dense (scores ≥ 8) adhesions (0.11 vs. 0.71; P < 0.0005). Time taken to mobilize (16.53 vs. 21.67 minutes; P = 0.008) and close ileostomy (35.37 vs. 41.90 minutes; P = 0.008) was significantly reduced. Postoperative complications were comparable.ConclusionsA sprayable hydrogel adhesion barrier placed around the limbs of a defunctioning loop ileostomy reduced peristomal adhesions and might facilitate closure of ileostomy.