Post-Surgical Complications Associated with the Use of USP Absorbable Dusting Powder

Glove powders are used by manufacturers of latex and synthetic surgical gloves to assist with the stripping of gloves from their molds, facilitate donning, and absorb moisture during use. Corn starch powders have replaced the originally used tale powder because of the induction of patient complications with the older preparations, However, recent research indicates that patient exposure to starch based powders during surgery may also cause problems. The frequency, variety, and severity of complications suggest that powder free alternatives be considered in the perioperative environment.