Medical gel is able to prevent scarring after sinus surgery

The gel, derived from a polymer named chitosan and extracted from crab shell and squid, has been successfully trialled in sheep and humans over the past four years.

The wound dressing, which improves healing, controls bleeding and prevents adhesions (scars that can form at the surgical site) following sinus surgery, is the brainchild of medical researchers from Adelaide University, Otago University and Wellington-based Robinson Squidgel.

Medical technology company Medtronic purchased the patent for the nasal dressing in a deal with the three entities.

ENT surgeon Prof Peter-John Wormald from Adelaide University led the development of the product alongside his New Zealand colleagues Emeritus professor Brian Robinson from Otago University and his son, ENT surgeon Simon Robinson.

Wormald said the medical gel, which has important blood-clotting abilities, forms a coating over the wound to prevent scarring.

’Currently, up to one-third of all people who undergo sinus surgery experience blocked nasal passages afterwards due to scarring and this requires further surgery to correct,’ he added.