[Starch peritonitis. Apropos of 13 cases].

First known as an inert and harmless substance, starch powder has been used from 1950 by surgical gloves factories in place of talcum. Its innocuousness is now being denied, but many surgeons still do not know its adverse side effects. 13 cases of glove starch peritonitis, seen between 1971 and 1978, allow the authors to review clinical signs, diagnostic and treatment possibilities as well as the risk of a new operation. To limit the quantity of starch powder introduced into the peritoneal cavity is so far the only mean to prevent this complication and to compel the surgical team to strict discipline.