Precautions taken to prevent adhesions--a questionnaire study among Swedish obstetricians and gynaecologists.

OBJECTIVE

To collect data on the current practice and knowledge about surgical techniques for prevention of adhesions and types of surgical gloves used by Swedish obstetricians and gynaecologists.

DESIGN

Postal questionnaire during 1995.

SETTING

Sweden.

MATERIAL

All 1200 Swedish gynaecologists were invited to participate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Methods in use to prevent the formation of adhesions such as glove selection criteria, operative techniques, and laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

At this time there were 72 hospitals in Sweden carrying out gynaecological operations and responses were received from obstetricians and gynaecologists at 61 of these hospitals. The response rate was 27% of gynaecologists routinely carrying out such operations. There were no consistent methods in use to prevent the formation of adhesions. The most common method used was the atraumatic technique. For laparotomy 19.5% always used powdered gloves whereas half had changed to powder-free gloves. The use of powdered gloves was highest in the university hospitals (62%). 95% always closed the visceral peritoneum for gynaecological or obstetric procedures although there is no documentation to support the benefit of doing so.

CONCLUSION

There was a low percentage response, probably indicating lack of interest. Swedish gynaecologists seem unaware of the need to prevent adhesions.