Wood fiber contamination of reusable cotton laparotomy pads.

If the thesis that disposable fabrics are responsible for granulomatous peritonitis is correct, surgeons who operate within the abdominal cavity and use these products would be reporting instances of granulomatous peritonitis in epidemic proportions. Such is not so. Consequently, there can be valid concern expressed as to implied medicolegal problems. While the observations and conclusions were made in obvious good faith, nevertheless, there appears to be sufficient grounds for questioning this apparent cause and effect conclusion and for focusing interest on a more important consideration, the indiscriminate collection, sorting and laundering of the reusable cotton laparotomy pad. Certainly, attention should be directed to the more rigidly controlled use and disposition of these pads by the individual hospital.