A method of making a flexible bioresorbable foam comprising the steps of: a) providing a carboxymethylcellulose component, b) mixing the carboxymethylcellulose component with water to form a suspension, c) freezing and lyophilizing the carboxymethylcellulose at 0 degrees C or below, and d) crosslinking and sterilizing the carboxymethylcellulose with use of gamma and ebeam irradiation past the point of sterilization such that the foam has an in-vivo residence time between 3 and 6 days.