What is SEPRAFILM®?

The science

SEPRAFILM is a temporary, bioresorbable adhesion barrier proven to reduce the incidence, extent, and severity of adhesions in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic laparotomy.1,2 It physically separates traumatized, adhesiogenic tissues and organs while normal tissue repair takes place.

How does it work?

Upon hydration, SEPRAFILM becomes a gel within 24 to 48 hours. This gel remains in place during the critical seven-day healing period — the time during which new adhesions typically form. It slowly resorbs and is excreted from the body in less than 28 days.2,3

SEPRAFILM is composed of two chemically modified polysaccharides: hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). HA is a naturally occurring polysaccharide expressed throughout the human body. CMC, also a polysaccharide, is a derivative of cellulose. Both are common components in pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics. These components' properties render SEPRAFILM hydrophilic, so it doesn't require suturing and stays where it is applied until reabsorbed.

Indication
Seprafilm® Adhesion Barrier is indicated for the reduction of post-surgical adhesions in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic laparotomy.

Important Safety Information
Seprafilm should not be wrapped around an intestinal anastomosis as such usage may result in increased anastomotic leak related events, such as abscess or peritonitis. The safety and effectiveness of Seprafilm has not been established in combination with other adhesion prevention products and/or in surgical procedures not within the abdominopelvic cavity. The safety and effectiveness of Seprafilm has also not been evaluated in cases of pregnancy, malignancy, or frank infection. The type and frequency of adverse events reported are consistent with events typically seen following abdominopelvic surgery when used as directed.

Please see full prescribing information.

SEPRAFILM safety

SEPRAFILM: Proven safe and effective in the presence of blood.2

Review safety

References:  1. Becker JM, Dayton MT, Fazio VW, et al. Prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesions by a sodium hyaluronate-based bioresorbable membrane: a prospective, randomized, double-blind multicenter study. J Am Coll Surg. 1996;183:297-306.  2. Diamond MP. Reduction of adhesions after uterine myomectomy by Seprafilm membrane (HAL-F): a blinded, prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical study. Fertil Sterility. 1996;66:904-910.  3. SEPRAFILM Adhesion Barrier Prescribing Information. Cambridge, MA: Genzyme Biosurgery; 2008.