The effect of Interceed for reducing adhesion as a middle ear packing agent: An experimental study

SummaryBackground and objectiveInterceed (oxidized regenerated cellulose) has been used to prevent postoperative abdominal adhesion. However, the efficacy and safety of using Interceed in middle ear surgery have not been thoroughly studied.Materials and methodsThe animals were divided into two groups: the Interceed group and the Gelfoam (Gelatin sponge) group. In every group, the study was performed on five guinea pigs (ten ears). Under the aseptic condition, the middle ear mucosa was abraded using a pick through a myringotomy incision. Interceed and Gelfoam were then packed into the guinea pigs’ middle ear cavities. The auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were assessed preoperatively and at 3 weeks after the operation with the animals under general anesthesia. Histopathologic study was performed 3 weeks after the operation.ResultsThe ABR results on postoperative week 3 showed no statistically significant difference for myringotomy and postpacking. The fibrosis, middle ear mucosa thickening and adhesion formation appeared to be less in the Interceed group compared with the Gelfoam group. Any foreign body reaction was not observed in the Interceed group.ConclusionOur results show that Interceed is nonototoxic and biocompatible with the guinea pig's middle ear cavity. Therefore, these results suggest that Interceed could be used safely in the middle ear as a middle ear packing agent during otosurgery.