Abstract: A surgical dressing consisting of a film which carries an adhesive layer wherein the film has a hydration rate of at least 0.1 g/in.sup.2 /min.; becomes saturated when in contact with water in 3 minutes or less and absorbs at least its own weight of water. The film comprises a polyethylene oxide and a polymer or polymers selected from an ether based polyurethane and a polyether block amide. The dressing finds special use as a IV catheter site cover.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive having the capacity to absorb at least about 7 percent of its own weight in water and having a desirable combination of plasticity and wet-stick characteristics, as well as good dry skin adhesion. An adhesive composition particularly suitable for use as a stoma seal adhesive comprises (I) from about 30 to about 80 parts by weight each of (a) a pressure-sensitive adhesive component comprising a synthetic or natural gum-like substance and (b) a moisture absorbing component comprising a synthetic carbohydrate or natural water soluble or swellable hydrocolloid together with (II) from about 2 percent to about 20 percent by weight silica, based on the total weight of the adhesive composition.