Adhesion Prevention Following Myomectomy

Myomectomy, a surgical intervention known for its efficacy in excising uterine fibroids and mitigating the associated symptoms, is not without its challenges.^1,2 Among the noteworthy complications, the formation of post-surgical adhesions stands out as a significant concern.² These fibrous bands, which emerge between tissues and organs subsequent to surgery, have the potential to trigger a spectrum of adverse effects.^2-4  Notably, they can impair fertility, provoke chronic pelvic discomfort, precipitate small bowel obstruction and complicate future surgical endeavors.^5-8

Uterine fibroids (or myomas, leiomyomas) are benign tumors that grow within the muscular tissue of the uterus and are the most common pelvic tumors in women.^1,2 These fibroids can vary in size and number, leading to a wide range of symptoms including abnormal uterine bleeding, usually manifesting as excessive menstrual bleeding.¹ Other symptoms include pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, bowel dysfunction and low back pain.¹ These benign tumors can also cause infertility and complications during pregnancy.^1,2

For women experiencing symptomatic uterine fibroids, especially those suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding or fertility-related issues, myomectomy may offer a surgical solution aimed at removing fibroids, thus preserving the uterus and potentially fertility.^1,2,4

Myomectomy can be performed through various approaches, including open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic methods.^2,5 The variability in the surgical approach to myomectomy is influenced by diverse factors such as the number and size of myomas, the patient’s age and clinical conditions.⁹ While myomectomy may offer relief from fibroid-related symptoms and enhance fertility prospects, it comes with its own set of challenges, notably the risk of post-surgical adhesions, which can further complicate a woman's reproductive health.^2,3,5 Post-surgical adhesions are distressingly common following myomectomy, resulting in significant potential morbidity.⁴

Surgical Technique

Myomectomy, while highly effective for removing uterine fibroids and alleviating associated symptoms, carries the potential for several complications.^2,5  Key among these is the formation of post-surgical adhesions, which are fibrous bands that develop between tissues and organs that can lead to significant consequences including fertility impairment, chronic pelvic pain, small bowel obstruction and challenges in future surgical interventions. ^2,4,5  

The risk of adhesions stems largely from the nature of the surgical procedure itself, where incisions into the uterine wall to remove fibroids can provoke the body's healing process to overcompensate, leading to scar tissue formation.⁷ The extent of adhesion formation can vary based on the surgical approach, with open myomectomy typically presenting a higher risk compared to laparoscopic methods, due to the larger incisions and greater tissue handling involved.⁵ However, it should be noted that studies have shown the occurrence of adhesions was reduced after laparoscopy, but even the use of laparoscopy could not completely prevent adhesion formation.⁵

Adhesions can have profound impacts on fertility, complicating conception efforts.^3,8 Furthermore, adhesions contribute to chronic pelvic pain and small bowel obstruction, distressing conditions that can significantly affect a patient's quality of life and potentially lead to significant morbidity and mortality.^8,10 With this in mind, specific surgical techniques may be utilized to minimize adhesion formation.^11-13    

Pharmacological Agents and Adhesion Barriers

Meticulous surgical technique alone cannot eliminate the risk of adhesions because the trauma that increases the risk of adhesions is a routine part of any surgery.¹⁴ Therefore, the use of adhesion prevention/reduction agents should be considered as part of an adhesion reduction strategy.¹²

Overview: Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier and Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution

Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier and  Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution are adhesion barrier products designed to reduce the incidence, extent, and severity of adhesions.^15,16

Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier serves as a temporary bioresorbable barrier separating apposing tissue surfaces.¹⁵ The physical presence of the barrier separates adhesiogenic tissue while the normal tissue repair process takes place. ¹⁵ It turns into a gel within 24-48 hours and is resorbed from abdominopelvic cavity within 7 days.¹⁵ By day 28, Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier is excreted from the body. ¹⁵

Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier is indicated for use in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic laparotomy as an adjunct intended to reduce the incidence, extent and severity of postoperative adhesions between the abdominal wall and the underlying viscera such as omentum, small bowel, bladder and stomach, and between the uterus and surrounding structures such as tubes and ovaries, large bowel, and bladder.¹⁵

Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution is a 4% icodextrin  solution that acts as a hydroflotation fluid reservoir that effectively separates damaged peritoneal surfaces providing a barrier to adhesion formation.^16,17 Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution is indicated for use intraperitoneally as an adjunct to good surgical technique for the reduction of post-surgical adhesions in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic adhesiolysis.¹⁶

Both products have been clinically shown to significantly reduce the incidence of post-surgical adhesions in prospective, randomized, clinical studies (see Clinical Evidence).^3,15-17 Their use in myomectomy not only demonstrates a commitment to surgical excellence but also reflects a deeper understanding of the long-term impacts of adhesions on patient health.¹⁸ By incorporating these advanced adhesion prevention strategies into myomectomy procedures, surgeons can offer their patients enhanced outcomes.¹⁸

Clinical Evidence: Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier and Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution

Prospective, randomized, multicenter studies underscore the effectiveness of Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier and Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution in reducing adhesion formation in gynecologic surgery. ^3,15-17

In a pivotal study of Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier following myomectomy, adhesion reduction was assessed by an independent, blinded, gynecologic surgeon who reviewed videotapes of each patient's second-look laparoscopy.³ In this study, 127 women undergoing uterine myomectomy with at least one posterior uterine incision 1 cm in length were randomized to treatment with Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier or to no treatment at the completion of the myomectomy.³ The incidence, severity, extent, and area of uterine adhesions were assessed at a second-look laparoscopy.³ The incidence, measured as the mean number of sites adherent to the uterine surface, was significantly less in treated patients (4.98 ± 0.52 [mean ± (standard error of the mean (SEM)] sites) than in patients who did not receive treatment (7.88 ± 0.48 sites) as were the mean uterine adhesion severity scores (1.94 ± 0.14 versus 2.43 ± 0.10; treatment versus no treatment, respectively), mean extent scores (1.23 ± 0.12 versus 1.68 ± 0.10), and mean area of adhesions (13.2. ± 1.67 versus 18.7 ± 1.66 cm²).³ No adverse events occurred were judged to be related to the use of Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier. In this study, Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier significantly reduced the incidence, severity, extent, and area of postoperative uterine adhesions following myomectomy (Figure 1).³

Similarly, in the pivotal study (PAMELA) for Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution, the object was to evaluate the efficacy in reducing adhesions after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery involving adhesiolysis as compared to lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS).¹⁷ The methodology involved initial adhesion scoring and follow-up laparoscopy 4–8 weeks later, assessing the presence, extent, and severity of adhesions, with clinical success defined as a reduction in adhesions of at least 3 or 30% of sites lysed.¹⁷  Results demonstrated a significant reduction in adhesion formation with Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution as compared to LRS, with 49% of the Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution patient achieving clinical success versus 38% in the LRS group. ¹⁷ Safety profiles were similar between both groups, indicating Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution is an effective and safe option for reducing adhesions following gynecologic surgical procedures.¹⁷

This blog underscores the multifaceted approach to managing uterine fibroids through myomectomy, emphasizing the critical role of adhesion prevention in optimizing patient outcomes. Initially, we discussed the prevalence of uterine fibroids and the imperative for surgical intervention, highlighting myomectomy as a preferred treatment for symptomatic relief and fertility preservation. We then delved into the complexities of myomectomy complications, particularly focusing on the challenge of postsurgical adhesions and their impact on patient health.

A multifaceted approach to the prevention of adhesions is ideal.^4,12 The use of Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier and Adept Adhesion Reduction Solution are innovative products for adhesion prevention.^15,16 Through evidence-based evaluation, the efficacy of these products in reducing adhesion formation following myomectomy and other gynecologic surgical procedures has been affirmed, reinforcing their significance in contemporary practice.^3,15-17 In conclusion, improved myomectomy outcomes may be possible due to advancements in adhesion prevention, indicative of a transition toward enhanced patient safety that prioritizes reproductive health.¹⁸