Safety of intraperitoneal 32% dextran 70 as an antiadhesion adjuvant

The records of 139 consecutive patients who underwent major gynecologic abdominal surgery in which 32% dextran 70 was used as an antiadhesion adjuvant were carefully reviewed for the presence or absence of dextran-related complications. Eleven patients (8.0%) were thought to have dextran-related complications, including postoperative ileus (2.9%), pleural effusion (2.2%), allergic reactions (1.4%), wound infection (1.4%) and labial swelling (0.7%). The mean amount of dextran used was 183 mL. The study indicated that dextran can be used in moderate amounts when instilled intraperitoneally and has an acceptably low rate of complications. Since dextran is used often in spite of scanty evidence of its effectiveness as an antiadhesion adjuvant, understanding its safety and potential complications is especially important.