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World Journal of Surgery

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Open Access 01-12-2010

Adhesion Awareness: A National Survey of Surgeons

Authors: Marc H. F. Schreinemacher, Richard P. ten Broek, Erica A. Bakkum, Harry van Goor, Nicole D. Bouvy

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 12/2010

Abstract

Background

Postoperative adhesions are the most frequent complication of abdominal surgery, leading to high morbidity, mortality, and costs. However, the problem seems to be neglected by surgeons for largely unknown reasons.

Methods

A survey assessing knowledge and personal opinion about the extent and impact of adhesions was sent to all Dutch surgeons and surgical trainees. The informed-consent process and application of antiadhesive agents were questioned in addition.

Results

The response rate was 34.4%. Two thirds of all respondents (67.7%) agreed that adhesions exert a clinically relevant, negative effect. A negative perception of adhesions correlated with a positive attitude regarding adhesion prevention (ρ = 0.182, p < 0.001). However, underestimation of the extent and impact of adhesions resulted in low knowledge scores (mean test score 37.6%). Lower scores correlated with more uncertainty about indications for antiadhesive agents which, in turn, correlated with never having used any of these agents (ρ = 0.140, p = 0.002; ρ = 0.095, p = 0.035; respectively). Four in 10 respondents (40.9%) indicated that they never inform patients on adhesions and only 9.8% informed patients routinely. A majority of surgeons (55.9%) used antiadhesive agents in the past, but only a minority (13.4%) did in the previous year. Of trainees, 82.1% foresaw an increase in the use of antiadhesive agents compared to 64.5% of surgeons (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The magnitude of the problem of postoperative adhesions is underestimated and informed consent is provided inadequately by Dutch surgeons. Exerting adhesion prevention is related to the perception of and knowledge about adhesions.

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Title: Adhesion Awareness: A National Survey of Surgeons
Authors: Marc H. F. Schreinemacher
Richard P. ten Broek
Erica A. Bakkum
Harry van Goor
Nicole D. Bouvy
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 12/2010
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-010-0778-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Adhesion Awareness: A National Survey of Surgeons

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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