ReviewIntra-abdominal adhesions: Cellular mechanisms and strategies for prevention

Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions represent a serious clinical problem. In this review, we have focused on recent progress in the cellular and humoral mechanisms underpinning adhesion formation, and have reviewed strategies that interfere with these pathways as a means to prevent their occurrence. Current and previous English-language literature on the pathogenesis of adhesion formation was identified. As the burden of surgical disease in the world population increases, and the frequency of reoperation increases, prevention of adhesion formation has become a pressing goal in surgical research.

► This review focuses on progress in mechanisms underpinning post-operative adhesion formation. ► We review strategies for prophylaxis that interfere with these cellular and humoral pathways. ► Barrier, pharmacologic, and future combination modalities are considered.