A Cargile membrane is a sterile membrane made from the peritoneum of the ox. It is used in abdominal surgery to interpose between raw surfaces and thus prevent the formation of adhesions. It was also used to envelop freshly sutured nerves or tendons, and to protect wounds.
It was designed primarily to cover surfaces over which peritoneum has been removed, especially where a sterile membrane would lessen the formation of adhesion. The membrane is available in size of 4X6 inches and sometimes is used as packaging or protective sheath. The use of such material is currently limited.
It was named for American surgeon Charles H. Cargile (1853-1930), who first used it ca. 1900, according to Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
References
Cargile membrane Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA