Foreign debris introduced into the operative field may include:
(1) talc from gloves (mostly in the past)
(2) lint or wood pulp debris on drapes
(3) debris in the instrument tray
(4) construction dust and debris
(5) room dust
(6) particulate material in lavage solutions or on instruments
Complications:
(1) adhesions
(2) surgical site infection
(3) thrombosis
(4) impaired wound healing
(5) foreign body granulomas
Some surgical procedures may be at greater risk for complications from microscopic debris:
(1) neurosurgery
(2) cardiac surgery
(3) ophthalmologic surgery
(4) abdominal surgery
(5) microvascular surgery
(6) orthopedic surgery
