Adhesion Awareness among Saudi Surgeons: A National Survey

ABSTRACT

Background: Postoperative adhesions which are defined as the abdominal fibrous connections that developbetween the organs and the peritoneum as a result of surgical trauma are a significant clinical problem. Studiesare yet to understand the mechanisms of adhesions; however, most studies have reported that they involvedisruption of the mesothelial surface with subsequent signaling processes of inflammation and fibrinocoagulation.Methods:124 surgeons from 57 hospitals in Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Makkah, Dammam, Al Ahsa, Albaha, and AirSaudi Arabia were recruited from 04/09/2019 till 24/09/2019 by convenient sampling method. A questionnairefrom a previous study “Adhesion Awareness A National Survey of Surgeons” was adapted and sent to thesurgeons to understand their perspectives on post-operative adhesions. The use of antiadhesives, the role ofadhesiolysis, and electrocautery were also assessed. Results: All the respondents (n=124) responded to thequestions giving a response rate of 100%, which was highly commendable for the validity of the study. Acumulative 79.8% (CI, 95) of the sample agreed that adhesions are of clinical interests. And, 36.7% of therespondents expressed a positive attitude towards adhesion prevention; while, 26.7% of the sample were not insupport of adhesion prevention. 49.2% disagreed with the notion that they experience a lack of clarity about whento use anti-adhesives; while, 29.9% agreed that they experience a lack of clarity on when to use ant-adhesives.Conclusion: While surgeons are increasingly becoming aware of the effects of postoperative adhesions, moreawareness needs to be conducted.