4. Pneumoperitoneum and the mesothelial barrier The effect of pneumoperitoneum upon CO2 resorbtion and adhesion formation are consistent with mesothelial hypoxia. This hypoxia causes the large, flat mesothelial cells to retract and bulge thus exposing increasingly large areas of extra cellular matrix (ECM) in between the cells as demonstrated in mice and rats. (8) This moreover may facilitate malignant tumor implantation. Where it has been suggested to affect adversely intraperitoneal infections. (9-11)