Powder adhesion preventer reduces rectal cancer surgery complications

A domestic randomized controlled trial (RCT) has demonstrated that a powder-based adhesion prevention agent significantly reduces postoperative adhesions in rectal cancer patients. The study, involving 131 adult patients across 53 facilities in Japan, focused on the efficacy of a chondroitin sulfate cross-linked powder (development code SI-449, manufactured by Seikagaku Corp).

Results published in JAMA Surgery indicate that the incidence of adhesion in the intervention group was 45%, compared to 93% in the control group that received no additional treatment. The study also found that the severity and extent of adhesions were significantly lower in the intervention group.

Researchers noted that the powder agent forms a physical barrier by absorbing bodily fluids and swelling upon application. The product received domestic manufacturing and sales approval on April 20, 2026. The study concluded that the agent offers excellent operability, with setup times typically completed within three minutes, making it suitable for irregular tissue surfaces and narrow abdominal areas.