Post-operative peritoneal adhesions and foreign bodies

One of the proven causes of adhesions is foreign microbodies which are present in up to 93% of all re-operated patients in which adhesions are analysed for evidence of external contamination. Studies are described which show the changing nature of foreign microbodies with time, associated with the development of new surgical practices. This paper concludes that although foreign bodies found today may not be the same as those found 30 years ago, they remain prominent in the aetiology of adhesions-the main cause of postoperative intestinal obstruction. Every effort should be made to minimise tissue contamination during operations with particulate debris such as glove powder.