Objective To study the prevention of postoperative adhesion using carboxymethylcellulose(CMC). Methods The literature was reviewed extensively, concerning the physical and chemical characters of CMC, the mechanism of preventing adhesion, the effect on healing of anastomoses, the experimental researches and the clinical application. Results CMC was a polysaccharide with favorable biocompatibility, biodegradation, stable physical and chemical characters, and it can prevent postoperative adhesion. Conclusion CMC is with a wide outlook in prevention of postoperative adhesion.