The impact of starch-powdered gloves on the formation of adhesions in rats.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of starch powdered surgical gloves on the postoperative formation of adhesions in a standard rat model.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised, double-blind study.

MATERIAL

197 rats.

INTERVENTIONS

Abdominal cavity was exposed to gloves during the induction of adhesions and for an additional two minutes. Animals were operated on with the operator wearing either starch-powdered or powder-free gloves.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Formation of adhesions and starch particles present in the adhesions after one, three, 12, or 24 weeks.

RESULTS

When powdered gloves were worn the percentage of adhesions formed was significantly greater (n = 197, p < 0.01) than when powder-free gloves were worn. Starch particles were found in biopsy specimens from rats operated on with powdered gloves, but not when powder-free gloves were used.

CONCLUSION

Even the small amount of starch that settles in the abdominal cavity during an operation increases the amount of adhesions formed.