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SURGICAL GLOW POWDER AND
INTRAPERITOm ADHESION
mmanoN: AN APPEAL FOR THJI USE OF
POWDER-FREE SURGICAI. GLOVES.
W J -fe5l, E V W ~rste', 3 T and
J I de Wet
'Unit fix Human Reproduction, Department
of obstetrics *+- and Gynaecolos~
University . of the Orange Free State an;
piversitas Hospital, Bloe&ontein, 9300,
Department of Biostatistics, University
of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein,
9300.
Intraperitoneal adhesipn formation is a
major cause of infertility. There are
many well-known aetiological factors
responsible for peritonea1 *nflasrmatory
reaction. One of these is mgical glove
powder; for example cornstarch powder, -A
study was undertaken .on 30 rats, under
laboratory co&tions randodzed into
two groups. Laparotoaaies were performed
on all the rats and tram inflicted to
the right uterine horn. The study ~ rwp
received cornstarch powder suspended in .
normal physiologic salt solution
intraperitoneally, and the control group
received only normal physiologic salt
solution. Peritonea1 adhesions were
evaluated after two weeks* and
statistically analyzed with a t-test and
95% confidence intervals. The study group
showed a statistical significantly
higher incidence of inkperitonea1
adhesions (p = 0,0003). It is concluded
that cornstarch, as used on surgical
gloves, caused peritoneal adhesions and
should therefore be removed before
surgery. Powder-free gloves are .mare
suitable to prevent adhesion formation.