Research progress of anti-adhesion polymeric barrier: Focusing on adhesion mechanism and corresponding modification methods

Post-operative adhesion (POA) is a common complication that frequently occurs in surgical areas. According to the location of occurrence, POA mainly includes abdominal, pleural pericardial, tendon, epidural adhesion and so forth. POA induces severe complications and brings an economic burden to the medical system. For this reason, the prevention of the formation of POA is an urgent need. The formation of POA involves complex mechanisms which largely influence the proposal of anti-adhesion strategies. Therefore, having a comprehensive knowledge of this is essential to propose a new strategy preventing the formation of POA. In this review, we conclude the mechanisms of POA formation and illustrated the features of different POA formation locations. Meanwhile, regarding the practical application, we discuss the clinical anti-POA strategy based on polymeric barriers relevant to those mechanisms. The content just skimmed the surface of the mechanism of POA formation, but has provided a starting point to create more effectively anti-adhesion strategies or polymeric products aiming at regulating cells’ behavior or tissue status.