Control of wound healing and scar formation in surgical patients.

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.