Aref Alruwaili, Muteb Alosaimi, Talal M. Alnahas, Turki A. Alferayan, Ghaliah O. Alsulami, Abdulrahman Alhulaybi, Ali A. Alsulaiman, Haitham S. Habtar, Sami A. Alqarni, Hussain M. Alqhtani, Abdulaziz A. Alsmail, Mohamad Z. Alluheed, Eid I. Albuainain, Mariam G. Alenezi

Abstract

Background: Postoperative adhesions which are defined as the abdominal fibrous connections that develop between the organs and the peritoneum as a result of surgical trauma are a significant clinical problem. Studies are yet to understand the mechanisms of adhesions; however, most studies have reported that they involve disruption 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 Air Saudi Arabia were recruited from 04/09/2019 till 24/09/2019 by convenient sampling method. A questionnaire from a previous study “Adhesion Awareness: A National Survey of Surgeons” was adapted and sent to the surgeons to understand their perspectives on post-operative adhesions. The use of antiadhesives, the role of adhesiolysis, and electrocautery were also assessed. Results: All the respondents (n=124) responded to the questions giving a response rate of 100%, which was highly commendable for the validity of the study. A cumulative 79.8% (CI, 95) of the sample agreed that adhesions are of clinical interests. And, 36.7% of the respondents expressed a positive attitude towards adhesion prevention; while, 26.7% of the sample were not in support of adhesion prevention. 49.2% disagreed with the notion that they experience a lack of clarity about when to 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, more awareness needs to be conducted.