Use of dextran to prevent pericardial adhesions caused by maize starch powder

Maize starch powder, used as lubricant in surgical gloves, was administered into the pericardial cavity of rats and was found to induce granulomatosis with formation of pericardial adhesions. The effect of dextran 70 on the formation of these adhesions was investigated. It was found that intrapericardial dextran reduces the occurrence of pericardial adhesions.