The absorbable dusting powder was expected to be harmlessly absorbed by the body (as predicted by the original animal experiments), but in 1955 came a report of two patients with wound granulomas caused by corn starch. Citation:Snierson Woo 1955 Starch Granuloma Subsequently much evidence has been accumulated to show that corn starch causes a range of post-operative problems, including adhesions, granulomas and starch granulomatous peritonitis. From this evidence it became clear that starch powder had to be removed completely from the surface of the glove before use to prevent migration of starch into the patients wounds or body cavity.
Pete Phillips <pete@smtl.co.uk>