title: Physical barriers in adhesion prevention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate physical barriers in adhesion prevention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature search.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although numerous adjuvants have been used to prevent or reduce postoperative adhesions, they are by no means a panacea, and research on new synthetic adhesion barriers continues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preliminary data from animal studies indicate that biocompatible, absorbable gel barriers are safe and effective. These agents are easy to apply and readily conform to irregular tissue shapes without fixation. We await the results of future clinical studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Biomedical Research Unit, Jessop Hospital for Women, Sheffield, England.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Saravelos
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized; D006801:Humans; D009852:Omentum / Q000637:transplantation*; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000145:classification; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized; C060002:INTERCEED; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene