Impact of microscopic foreign debris on post-surgical complications

Surg Technol Int. 2004:12:34-46.

Abstract

Minute pieces of debris left in the surgical site can interfere with optimal wound healing. Even when these microbodies are not obvious without magnification, their presence can cause post-surgical complications including infections, amplified and prolonged inflammation, permanent tissue damage, exaggerated and reduced quality scarring, granulomas, adhesions, organ dysfunction, infertility, and other pathological consequences. This chapter reviews foreign debris-initiated, post-surgical complications; presents associated pathological mechanisms; identifies sources of debris contamination; describes foreign-microbody characteristics that can further amplify pathological responses; and presents recommendations for minimizing their presence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Foreign Bodies / physiopathology*
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / complications
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / physiopathology*
  • Granuloma, Foreign-Body / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / physiology
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology*
  • Sutures
  • Tissue Adhesions