Application of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Membrane as Anti-adhesive Interposition After Spinal Surgery

Abstract

Polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel is made of water and alcohol, and has been shown to be nontoxic to tissues. This is permeable to low molecular weight, but impermeable to large cells such as fibroblasts. Thus, the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheet prevents migration of inflammatory cells and subsequently reduces intraspinal canal scar tissue formation and adhesive reaction. Other beneficial properties are extreme elasticity and low friction, which eliminate mechanical reaction to the spinal cord. The polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheet is believed to be useful in eliminating scar tissue formation and does not interfere with the dynamic gliding movement of the spinal cord and nerve roots.