Effectiveness of hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose in preventing adhesive bowel obstruction after laparoscopic radical cystectomy

Abstract

Background/Objective: Adhesive bowel obstruction is one of the most frequent complications after radical cystectomy, prolonging hospital stay and fasting period and increasing medical expenses. This study evaluated the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid/ carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC) in preventing adhesive bowel obstruction after laparoscopic radical cystectomy. Methods: Randomized, controlled, single-blinded study was performed. Of 76 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, 38 received HA/CMC instillation and 38 did not. The primary endpoint was the rate of postoperative adhesive bowel obstruction. The secondary endpoint was the rate of other postoperative outcomes. Results: None of the patients who received HA/CMC instillation experienced postoperative adhesive bowel obstructions, compared with six (15.79%) patients in the control group (p = 0.025). Of the six patients with ileus, two underwent adhesiolysis. There were no significant differences between the two groups in other postoperative outcomes. Conclusion: HA/CMC instillation during laparoscopic radical cystectomy may reduce the incidence of postoperative adhesive bowel obstruction without adverse effects.