Dextran 70--encouraging early clinical studies.

There appears to be significant data both in animal and human studies to support the contention that 32% high molecular weight dextran-70 is of significant benefit in the minimization of surgical adhesion formation--and reformation after lysis. The data would suggest that it is more valuable in more severe cases, and that it tends to be more efficacious in dependent portions of the pelvis supporting, at least in part, the "hydroflotation" theory of its mechanism of action. Allergic reaction is possible but quite rare, and concern about the possible role of dextran-70 in support of clinical bacterial infection appears to be unsubstantiated by both clinical and experimental data.