Retrograde migration of glove powder in the human female genital tract

BACKGROUND: This study in humans was undertaken to evaluate earlier results from animal research showing a retrograde migration of glove powder from the vagina into the intra-abdominal cavity. METHODS: One study group was gynaecologically examined with powdered gloves the day before an abdominal hysterectomy and another group 4 days pre-operatively. There were two control groups similarly examined with powder-free gloves. Cell smears were taken from the peritoneal fluid and during the operation further smears were taken from the Fallopian tubes, uterine cavity and cervical canal. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found for large starch particles at all locations between the study and control groups examined 1 day pre-operatively. Considering small starch particles, there were significant differences in cervix (P < 0.001), uterus (P < 0.01) and the Fallopian tubes (P < 0.01). The combined results also show significant differences between both large and small starch particles in cervix, uterus and the Fallopian tubes. There were also differences between the study and control groups examined 4 days pre-operatively, but these were not statistically significant except for small and large starch particles in uterus (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and cervix (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study has pointed out a retrograde migration of starch also in humans after a gynaecological examination with powdered gloves. Consequently, powder or any other potentially harmful substance that can migrate from the vagina should be avoided.