Objective To investigate the influence of CO2insufflation and its pressure on adhesion potential of the colon cancer cells based on expression of adhesion molecules.Methods With an artificial pneumoperitoneum model in vitro,SW1116 human colon carcinoma cells were exposed to CO2insufflation in 5 different pressure groups:6mmHg,9mmHg,12mmHg,15mmHg and control group,respectively for 1 hour.Expression of E-cadherin,ICAM1,CD44 and E-selectin were measured at 0,12,24,48 and 72 hours after CO2insufflation by using flowcytometry.The adhesion capacity of SW1116 cells before and after exposed to CO2insufflation was detected by cell adhesion assay in vitro. Results The expression of Ecadherin,ICAM1, CD44 and E-selectin in SW1116 cells were changed significantly following exposure to CO2 insufflation of different pressure groups (P<0.05).When 0 h after exposure,with CO2insufflation pressure ascending,the expression of the Ecadherin,CD44 and ICAM1 decreased (P<0.05).The adhesive cells also decreased gradually with the pressure ascending in adhesion assay (P<0.05). Conclusion The expression of adhesion molecules can be affected temporarily and bidirectionally by continuous CO2 insufflation.Higher pressure of CO2insufflation could inhibit the adhesion potential in vitro,which is associated with inhibited expression of adhesion molecules.