Gel that stops organs glueing together following surgery

A GEL that may prevent the formation of painful scar tissue is being tested on women who undergo gynaecological surgery.

Around half of women who have this kind of operation end up with painful adhesions — tough, fibrous bands of scar tissue which ‘glue’ tissues and organs together.

In a trial at University College London Hospitals, 50 women having surgery for endometriosis (where womb-like tissue grows elsewhere in the body) will have the gel painted onto one of their ovaries. The gel acts as an anti-adhesive.

After three months, the researchers will compare the coated ovary and noncoated one to check if adhesions have formed.