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.