Oxygen free radicals and pelvic adhesion formation: II. The interaction of oxygen free radicals and adhesion-preventing solutions.

A three-part animal and in vitro study gives evidence that oxygen free radicals are produced by intraperitoneal macrophages in response to pelvic surgery. These macrophages appear to ingest high-molecular-weight substances used to prevent adhesions (such as 32% dextran 70 and carboxymethylcellulose). However, the production of oxygen free radicals is not enhanced by the presence of 32% dextran 70 or carboxymethyl cellulose.