Objectives1) To assess local practice standards for closure of ovarian defects. 2) In the rabbit model, assess adhesion formation after closure of ovarian defects by the prevalent community standard approach compared to electrocautery hemostasis, without suturing.Study Design1) Five faculty gynecology attendings and five community gynecologists were surveyed as to the preferred technique for ovarian closure. 2) Twenty-four female rabbits and 1 sham operated male rabbit were used. The left ovaries were incised and closed with a Buxton closure using 3–0 polyglycolic suture while the right ovaries were similarly incised and complete hemostasis achieved through electrocautery. The number of adhesions were determined 21–24 days after surgical intervention, and adhesion formation was scored by an observer blinded to the animal group.Results1) A Buxton type closure with polyglycolic suture was the standard of care. 2) Only one ovary in each group showed no adhesion formation. Ninety-two percent of sutured ovaries showed dense adhesions, whereas this number was 38% in the cauterized ovaries.ConclusionsBoth methods of handling ovarian incisions were associated with adhesion formation. Use of a Buxton closure and suture material was more adhesiogenic than simple hemostasis through electrocautery.