The invention relates, generally, to porous absorbent materials which are suitable for packing antrums or other cavities of the human or animal body. More particularly, it relates to hydrophilic biodegradable foams, which may be used, e.g., in the form of a plug or tampon, for instance for controlling bleeding, wound closure, prevent tissue adhesion and/or support tissue regeneration. The invention provides an absorbent foam, suitable for packing antrums or other cavities of the human or animal body, comprising a biodegradable synthetic polymer, which polymer comprises —C(O)—O— groups in the backbone of the polymer, for instance polyurethane and/or polyester units combined with polyethers.