Surgery. Cornstarch peritonitis following the trail of the surgeon's gloves

Granulomatous inflammation of the peritoneal surfaces resulting from exposure to cornstarch granules from surgical gloves produces a syndrome of abdominal pair, adynamic ileus, fever, peritonitis, variable white blood cell count, and inflammatory ascites. Symptoms develop three to four weeks after a routine abdominal surgical procedure. Recognition of this entity by nonsurgical means is necessary to avoid reoperation. Paracentesis with examination of fluid by polarized light offers the best method of non-surgical diagnosis. Treatment is with steroids or indomethacin or conservative measures. To prevent the disease, gloves must be washed effectively before operation.