A Cargile membrane was a sterile membrane prepared from the peritoneum of the ox, and 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 is designed primarily to cover surfaces over which peritonium 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. At present the use of such material is limited.
It was named for Charles H. Cargile (born 1853), American surgeon.