The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a gel that promises less internal scarring for women undergoing certain surgeries. The FDA had
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a gel that promises less internal scarring for women undergoing certain surgeries. The FDA had initially rejected Lifecore Biomedical Inc.'s Intergel, which promises to reduce internal scarring from certain gynecologic operations.
The gel, formally named Gynecare Intergel Adhesion Prevention Solution, is intended to reduce adhesions, internal scar tissue that can cause chronic pain or intestinal obstruction. Various adhesion-preventing treatments already are sold, but Intergel is the first liquid one.It is only for use during open gynecologic operations -- not the increasingly common "keyhole" surgeries where doctors operate through a small incision, the FDA warned. Nor is it for women with abdominal or pelvic infection, or who have cancer or are pregnant. The manufacturers would begin selling Intergel in February and cost about $200.
