A Celecoxib-Loaded Emulsion Gel for Enhanced Drug Delivery and Prevention of Postoperative Adhesion

<b>Background:</b> Postoperative adhesions are a common complication following abdominal surgery, affecting over 90% of patients and leading to significant morbidity. Current anti-adhesion strategies, such as the use of physical and chemical barriers, have limitations such as short retention time, mechanical fragility, and inefficient drug delivery. This study developed a pectin-based emulsion gel loaded with celecoxib to prevent adhesions and provide localized pain relief. <b>Methods</b>: Formulations (F1-F4) with different pectin concentrations were evaluated for rheological properties, mucoadhesion, degradation rate, and celecoxib release. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats via a standardized model of peritoneal abrasion, in which the formulations were compared to a commercially available anti-adhesion barrier. <b>Results</b>: The optimized emulsion gel (F4) exhibited improved mucoadhesion (9009 mPa·s), prolonged retention, and controlled celecoxib release over 14 days, reaching 80% release by day 9. In vivo, formulation F4 significantly reduced adhesions compared to a commercially available product. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed rapid absorption (T_max = 2 h) and sustained celecoxib plasma levels, confirming its effectiveness as a localized drug-delivery system. The celecoxib-loaded pectin-based gel successfully prevented postoperative adhesions and provided sustained pain relief. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest its potential clinical utility, though further preclinical and clinical evaluations are required.