What Are the Side Effects of Interceed?

Interceed is an adhesion barrier designed by Gynecare for implantation following pelvic surgeries in women.

Use

Interceed is implanted in patients after pelvic surgery in order to keep traumatized tissue surfaces from adhering to one another during healing. In recent years, the surgical community has come to rely on adhesion barriers to prevent adhesion.

Design

Interceed is made from sterile, knitted fabric prepared using the controlled oxidation of regenerated cellulose. The design allows the barrier to be absorbed by the body within four weeks of implantation.

Side Effects

As such, no reports have been made of side effects or adverse reactions attributable to Interceed. Most reactions reported are consistent with those seen following surgery.

Effectiveness

Interceed may not be able to prevent adhesions if meticulous hemostasis has not been achieved. Also, multiple layers of the Interceed barrier, folding or packing may interfere with the absorption rate and will not enhance effectiveness. Layering or folding sometimes causes post-operative adhesions.

Precautions

There is currently no clinically established data on the effects of the Interceed barrier in combination with other adhesion prevention treatments. There are also no adequate studies on the effects the barrier may have on women who become pregnant within the first month after exposure. Avoid conception during the first menstrual cycle after use of the barrier.

References

• Gynecare Interceed
• Ethicon Women's Health and Urology
• International Adhesions Society