Control of wound healing and scar formation in surgical patients
E. E. Peacock Jr
Research in wound-healing biology has reached the developmental or
practical application stage in the following major areas: reduction of
liver collagen, prevention of secondary remodeling of peritoneal fibrous
adhesions to produce tendinous bands that cause mechanical intestinal
obstruction, reduction in the amount of scar tissue on the surface of the
skin, alteration of mechanical properties of restricting a scar on gliding
surfaces, and prevention of conduit stenosis after a circumferential
internal injury. Pharmacologic agents, such as beta-aminopropionitrile,
penicillamine, and colchicine, are being used as adjuvants to familiar
surgical techniques. Control of collagen deposition and collagenolysis in
the eye, lung, kidney, and around joints that are affected by rheumatoid
arthritis will be possible in the next few years.
