Scientists Develop Medicated Gel Which Helps in Post-op Wound Healing

A gel which helps in wound healing and reduce post-operative complications like bleeding and adhesions following sinus surgeries has been developed by scientists from the University of Otago in partnership with the University of Adelaide and a New Zealand based company Robinson Squidgel. A US based company 'Medtronic' has purchased the patent of this medicated gel. Successful sheep and human trials have been conducted over the past 4-years. This gel is derived from a polymer, 'chitosan' which is found in squid and crab shells. With the use of this gel there has been reduction in the post-operative complications which commonly follow a sinus surgery. Head of the research project, Simon Robinson said, "The 'adhesions' or scarring can block sinus passages, often requiring further surgery to correct. This affects roughly one third of all sinus-related operations. The new gel is inserted into the nasal passage and forms a coating over the wound so that adhesions cannot form, and it also helps to stop bleeding with its superior blood clotting properties."

The developers believe that with further research this gel could probably be used for other surgical procedures like brain and abdominal surgery. The gel is yet to be made commercially available.


Source-Medindia