Comparison conventional endoscopic myringoplasty with fibrin glue supplemented endoscopic myringoplasty

Introduction: The fibrin tissue glues have been used in many surgeries to reinforce surgical sutures and tissue adhesion. Myringoplasty is the commonly done ear surgery for the perforations of the tympanic membrane, where no suturing is done between remnant membrane and graft. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the results and effectiveness of this biological fibrin tissue glue in myringoplasty surgeries as a supplementary procedure to conventional endoscopic myringoplasty (CEM) surgeries. Materials and Methods: Seventy patients with chronic suppurative otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation without ossicular and mastoid involvement have been chosen. One group of 35 patients underwent CEM surgeries. In another group of 35 patients, biological fibrin tissue glue, TISSEEL, has been used as supplementary to the CEM surgeries, and the graft uptake rate and hearing improvement were evaluated and compared postoperatively. Results: The graft success rate at 3 months postoperatively was 91.42% in both the groups, that is, 32/35, and these values were not statistically significantly different (P = 1.00). There was a highly statistically significant hearing outcome before and after the surgery in both the CEM and the fibrin tissue glue supplemented endoscopic myringoplasty groups. However, there was no statistically significant change in hearing outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion: In our study, we have got more or less similar results compared with the results of the studies on routine CEM cases. But the high-cost nature of the commercially available fibrin tissue glue makes it difficult to recommend for use in all routine endoscopy myringoplasty cases

Experimental Evaluation of Chitosan Membrane and Collagen Sponge (TachoSil®) as Sealants in Cardiovascular Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: The objectives of this study are to experimentally evaluate the haemostatic effects of two organic substances, a membrane of chitosan and a collagen sponge coated with thrombin and human fibrinogen (TachoSil®), in sealing 7-0 needle stitches holes on the femoral arteries of rats as well as to evaluate local histological reactions. Methods: Twenty-four rats were included, and four holes were made in each common femoral artery. In the control group, haemostasis was achieved only by compression with gauze sponge; and in the two other groups, haemostasis was achieved with application of one of these two substances. Results: Membrane of chitosan and TachoSil® showed a power to reduce the time to achieve haemostasis compared with the control group (P=0.001), and the haemostatic effects of these two substances were comparable. There was lower blood loss in the groups where these two substances were used when compared with the control group, but no difference was found comparing the two substances. Conclusion: The use of these sealants did not promote more adhesion or local histological reactions when compared to the control group. Since chitosan is easy to find in nature, has a positive effect to promote haemostasis, and did not bring considerable local reactions, it might be used as a sealant in cardiovascular surgery.

Effect of application of fibrin glue on vocal fold healing after surgical manipulation in rabbits / Efeito da aplicação de cola de fibrina na cicatrização de pregas vocais após manipulação cirúrgica em coelhos

Abstract Introduction A challenge in phonosurgery is achieving good vocal quality with minimal vocal fold fibrosis. Fibrin glue can be applied to minimize fibrosis; however, its use in the larynx is based primarily on clinical experience, particularly in extensive lesions. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of application of fibrin glue on collagen concentration at the late phase of the healing process after detaching a pedicled flap of the vocal fold cover in rabbits. Methods In this prospective animal study, twelve adult male rabbits underwent laryngeal microsurgery, in which an incision was made along the entire length of both vocal folds, followed by extensive mucosal detachment and section of the incision ends. Fibrin glue was applied in the left vocal fold, and the mucosa was repositioned. In the right vocal fold, the mucosa was repositioned without treatment with fibrin glue. After 3-months, the rabbits were euthanized. Histological analyses were performed, and the data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. Results Vocal folds treated with fibrin glue presented higher collagen concentration in Masson trichrome staining and significantly higher (p< 0.05) collagen concentration in picrosirius red staining compared to control vocal folds. Conclusion Treatment with fibrin glue led to greater vocal fold fibrogenesis in the present study. Nonetheless, further studies are necessary to determine the prophylactic effect of sealants in laryngeal surgeries that require extensive detachment of the vocal fold cover.

Resumo Introdução Um desafio na fonocirurgia é conseguir uma boa qualidade vocal com o mínimo de fibrose das pregas vocais. A cola de fibrina pode ser aplicada para minimizar a fibrose; porém, seu uso na laringe é baseado principalmente na experiência clínica, particularmente em lesões extensas. Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da aplicação da cola de fibrina na concentração de colágeno na fase tardia do processo de cicatrização, após o descolamento do retalho pediculado da cobertura da prega vocal em coelhos. Método Neste estudo prospectivo com animais, 12 coelhos adultos machos foram submetidos à microcirurgia de laringe, na qual uma incisão foi feita em toda a extensão de ambas as pregas vocais, seguida de extenso descolamento da mucosa e secção das extremidades da incisão. A cola de fibrina foi aplicada na prega vocal esquerda e a mucosa foi reposicionada. Na prega vocal direita, a mucosa foi reposicionada sem tratamento com cola de fibrina. Após três meses, os coelhos foram sacrificados. Análises histológicas foram feitas e os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise estatística. Resultados As pregas vocais tratadas com cola de fibrina apresentaram maior concentração de colágeno na coloração tricrômica de Masson e concentração significativamente maior de colágeno (p < 0,05) na coloração com picrosirius red comparadas às pregas vocais controle. Conclusão O tratamento com cola de fibrina resultou em maior fibrogênese das pregas vocais no presente estudo. Contudo, novos estudos são necessários para determinar o efeito profilático dos selantes em cirurgias de laringe que requerem extenso descolamento da cobertura das pregas vocais.

Amniotic membrane graft after excision of widespread conjunctival concretions / Enxerto de membrana amniótica após remoção de concreções conjuntivais

ABSTRACT Conjunctival concretions are single or clustered lesions frequently found on the palpebral conjunctiva. They are commonly present in older individuals, despite being rarely symptomatic. This case report describes an 83-year-old man with multiple conjunctival concretions, which were surgically treated. The patient was symptomatic on presentation and did not respond to conservative treatment. For this reason, a surgical approach was considered. After wide excision of the conjunctival lesions, a piece of amniotic membrane was fitted using fibrin glue. During follow-up, a markedly improvement in patient's symptoms was observed, along with nearly complete absence of conjunctival concretions. This is the first case report addressing extensive conjunctival concretions with a surgical approach using amniotic membrane. The authors conceived the technique described after noticing the limited clinical options in the literature. This technique was easily performed and achieved satisfactory results.

RESUMO As concreções conjuntivais representam lesões amareladas, simples ou múltiplas, frequentemente encontradas na conjuntiva palpebral. São mais prevalentes em idades avançadas e raramente sintomáticas. Este relato de caso descreve o quadro clínico de um paciente de 83 anos com múltiplas concreções conjuntivais, cirurgicamente tratadas. Por se tratar de um paciente sintomático com resposta insuficiente ao tratamento conservador, foi considerada a abordagem cirúrgica. Após remoção das lesões, foi aplicado um enxerto de membrana amniótica, adaptado com cola de fibrina. No acompanhamento pós-operatório, verificou-se melhoria significativa dos sintomas, com desaparecimento quase total das concreções conjuntivais. Este é o primeiro caso que descreve uma abordagem cirúrgica com utilização de membrana amniótica na resolução desse tipo de lesões. A técnica, de fácil execução e com resultados muito favoráveis, foi desenvolvida pelos autores após constatarem a escassez de alternativas na literatura.

Chronic venous ulcers: a review on treatment with fibrin sealant and prognostic advances using proteomic strategies

Venous ulcers are the main causes of chronic lower-limb ulcers. The healing difficulties encourage the research and development of new products in order to achieve better therapeutic results. Fibrin sealant is one of these alternatives. Besides being a validated scaffold and drug delivery system, it possesses excellent healing properties. This review covered the last 25 years of the literature and showed that the fibrin sealant is used in various clinical situations to promote the healing of different types of ulcers, especially chronic ones. These are mostly venous in origin and usually does not respond to conventional treatment. Commercially, only the homologous fibrin sealants obtained from human blood are available, which are highly efficient but very expensive. The heterologous fibrin sealant is a non-commercial experimental low-cost product and easily produced due to the abundance of raw material. The phase I/II clinical trial is already completed and showed that the product is safe and promisingly efficacious for the treatment of chronic venous ulcers. In addition, clinical proteomic strategies to assess disease prognosis have been increasingly used. By analyzing liquid samples from the wounds through proteomic strategies, it is possible to predict before treatment which ulcers will evolve favorably and which ones will be difficult to heal. This prognosis is only possible by evaluating the expression of isolated proteins in exudates and analysis using label-free strategies for shotgun. Multicentric clinical trials will be required to evaluate the efficacy of fibrin sealant to treat chronic ulcers, as well as to validate the proteomic strategies to assess prognosis.(AU)

The effect of fibrin glue in preventing staple-line leak after sleeve gastrectomy. An experimental study in rats

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of fibrin glue on staple-line leak after sleeve gastrectomy. Methods Fourteen adult wistar rats 300 gr were randomized into two groups: Control group (n=7) and study group (n=7). All the rats underwent sleeve gastrectomy using lineer stapler. In the study group, fibrin glue was used to reinforce the staple-line. The rats were sacrificed 7 days after surgery. The stomach was resected, submerged in saline and exposed to excess pressure to obtain a burst pressure value. The gastric staple line was evaluated histopathologically according to the Ehrlich Hunt scale. The results of the two groups were compared. Results The mean Ehrlich-Hunt scores for inflammation, fibroblastic activity and neo-angiogenesis were similar between the groups (p>0.05). Collagen deposition was significantly higher in study group (3.42±0.53) when compared with control group (2.57±0.78) (p=0.035). The mean burst pressure was 137.8±8.5 mmHg for control group and 135.0±8.1 mmHg for study group (p=0.536). Conclusion Reinforcement of the staple-line with fibrin glue has no effect on the burst pressure after sleeve gastrectomy. More studies are needed to evaluate the precautions against leak after sleeve gastrectomy.

Multiple epidural fibrin glue patches in a patient with spontaneous intracranial hypotension:A case report

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a condition caused by spontaneous leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, with postural headache as the primary symptom. Orthostatic headache caused by SIH is often not resolved by conservative management. CASE: We performed 15 epidural blood patch treatments in a 43-year-old female patient; however, they were only transiently effective. To improve the patient's SIH and orthostatic headache, epidural fibrin glue patch treatment was attempted. Fibrin glue is a substance that can act as a bio-friendly adhesive by facilitating the coagulation cascade. In our case, 3 epidural fibrin glue patch treatments were performed and the symptoms completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: The epidural fibrin glue patch may be beneficial for the treatment of refractory postural headaches caused by SIH.

Fibrin sealant repair of a double-necked femoral pseudoaneurysm

SUMMARY Pseudoaneurysms are rare, but femoral artery false aneurysms have increased in recent decades. They are related to endovascular procedures performed on patients with increased risk for this complication. Pseudoaneurysms generally present with only one neck. This paper describes a femoral artery pseudoaneurysm with two necks that occurred after an endovascular procedure and was successfully treated by duplex-guided fibrin sealant. Pseudoaneurysms are rare, but femoral artery pseudoaneurysms have increased with a discrepant incidence reported from 0.5% to almost 4%, mainly related to the increase of endovascular procedures in recent decades. The double-necked pseudoaneurysm identification was of utmost importance to guide the clinical decision-making and allowed good outcomes for the patient.

RESUMO Os pseudoaneurismas são raros, mas os aneurismas falsos da artéria femoral aumentaram nas últimas décadas. Eles estão relacionados aos procedimentos endovasculares realizados em pacientes com risco aumentado para esta complicação. Os pseudoaneurismas geralmente apresentam apenas um colo. Este artigo descreve um pseudoaneurisma da artéria femoral com dois colos que ocorreu após um procedimento endovascular e foi tratado com sucesso por selante de fibrina guiado por duplex. Os pseudoaneurismas são raros, mas os pseudoaneurismas da artéria femoral aumentaram com uma incidência discrepante relatada de 0,5% a 4%, principalmente relacionada ao aumento dos procedimentos endovasculares nas últimas décadas. A identificação do pseudoaneurisma de colo duplo foi de extrema importância para orientar a tomada de decisão clínica e permitiu bons resultados para o paciente.

Comparison of platelet rich plasma versus fibrin glue on colonic anastomoses in rats

Abstract Purpose: To compare platelet rich plasma (PRP) and fibrin glue about the effect of anastomotic healing. Methods: Thirty six Wistar-Albino male rats diveded into 3 groups according to control(Group1), PRP (Group 2) and fibrin glue(Tisseel VH) (Group 3). The colon was transected with scissor and subsequently an end to end anastomosis was performed using continuous one layer 6/0 vicryl sutures. Postoperative 7th day effect of anastomotic healing measuring with tissue hydroxyproline(TH) level and anastomotic bursting pressure(ABP); moreover comparison of cytokine (IL-6 and IL-10) and procalcitonin levels on 1st,3rd and 7th days. Results: There was no statistically significant difference of the ABP and hydroxyproline levels between PRP and fibrin glue on the 7th day. There was no statistically significant difference between levels of proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6) (P=0.41), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) (P=0.35), and procalcitonin levels (P=0.63) on 1, 3 and 7 days. Conclusion: Fibrin glue and platelet rich plasma are shown to be effective in healing intestinal anastomoses without superior to each other.

Nylon, fibrin glue and Vicryl®- the graft fixation techniques in the conjunctival autotransplant for the treatment of primary pterygium / Nylon, cola de fibrina e Vicryl® - Avaliação da fixação do enxerto no autotransplante conjuntival para tratamento do pterígio primário

Abstract Objective: to compare nylon, fibrin glue and Vicryl® in the conjunctival autograft for treatment of primary pterygium. Methods: Prospective study approved by the Ethics Committee following the Declaration of Helsinki. 89 eyes were underwent pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft. They were grouped according to the technique: fibrin glue, nylon 10-0 and 8-0 Vicryl® and followed up for 3 months. Surgical Time, intra and postoperative symptoms, biomicroscopic signs, ocular discomfort ( by Visual Analogue Scale), aesthetic appearance and recurrences (day 21, 90 and 3 years) were evaluated. Results: The operative time was shorter with the fibrin glue (p<0.001). As to intraoperative symptomatology, burning sensation predominated with Vicryl® (p=0,012). The postoperative symptoms and signs: on day 1- secretion with fibrin glue (p=0.02), foreign body sensation (p=0.017) and subconjunctival hemorrhage (p=0.022) with Vycril®; on day 7- chemosis (p=0.035), hyperemia (p<0.001) and eyelid edema (p=0.011) with Vicryl®; on day 21-foreign body sensation (p=0.001) and conjunctival hyperemia (p<0.001) with nylon; on day 90- dry eye (p=0.005) with Vicryl®. Ocular discomfort was greater with Vycril® (p=0.015) on day 7. Final aesthetic appearance was superior with fibrin glue (p=0.003). The recurrences was greater on day 90: 20,7%(nylon), 10%(fibrin glue) and 19%(Vicryl®) (p=0.496) and after 3 years: 4.8% in NG, 0% in FGG, and 5.3% in VG (p=0.536). Conclusion: Fibrin glue showed efficacy, rapidity, less postoperative discomfort and better final aesthetic appearance. Vicryl® showed significant intraoperative and early postoperative symptoms and obvious signs of inflammation, beside ocular discomfort on day 7. Nylon caused more foreign body sensation and conjunctival hyperemia until its removal. The signs of recurrence were similar among the groups.

Resumo Objetivo: comparar o nylon, a cola de fibrina e o Vicryl® no autotransplante conjuntival para o tratamento do pterígio primário. Métodos: estudo prospectivo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética seguindo a Declaração de Helsinque. 89 olhos foram submetidos à excisão de pterígio e autotransplante conjuntival, agrupados conforme as técnicas: nylon 10-0, cola de fibrina, e Vicryl® 8-0, acompanhados por 3 meses. Tempo cirúrgico, sintomas intra e pós-operatórios, sinais biomicroscópicos, desconforto ocular (Escala Analógica Visual), aspecto estético, recorrências no 21º e 90º dia pós-operatório e aos 3 anos. Resultados: O tempo operatório foi menor com a cola de fibrina e maior com Vicryl® (p<0,001). Sintomatologia intra-operatória: a ardência predominou com Vicryl® (p=0,012). Sintomas e sinais pós-operatórios significativos: no 1º dia, secreção com cola de fibrina (p=0,02), sensação de corpo estranho (p=0,017) e hemorragia subconjuntival (p=0,022) com Vycril®; No 7º dia - quemose (p=0,035), hiperemia (p<0,001) e edema da pálpebra (p=0,011) com Vicryl®; No 21º dia - sensação de corpo estranho (p=0,001) e hiperemia conjuntival (p<0,001) com nylon; No 90º dia - olho seco (p=0,005) com Vicryl®. Desconforto ocular: maior com Vycril® (p=0,015) no 7º dia. Aparência estética final: melhor com a cola (p=0,003). Sinais de recidiva: maior no 90º dia: 20,7%(nylon), 10%(cola) e 19%(Vicryl®) e após 3 anos: 4,8%(nylon), 0%(cola) e 5.3%(Vicryl®) (p=0,536). Conclusão: A cola de fibrina mostrou eficácia, rapidez, menor desconforto pós-operatório e melhor aspecto estético; o Vicryl®, maiores sintomas intraoperatórios, pós-operatórios iniciais e sinais evidentes de inflamação, aliados ao desconforto ocular no 7º dia; o nylon, mais sensação de corpo estranho e hiperemia conjuntival até sua remoção. Os sinais de recidiva foram semelhantes entre os grupos.

Selantes e adesivos tissulares utilizados em ressecções pulmonares e suas repercussões no período pós-operatório / Sealants and tissue adhesives used in thoracic surgery and its repercussions in the postoperative period

Objetivo ­ Verificar e comparar a eficácia do uso de selantes e adesivos cirúrgicos com técnicas convencionais de sutura após ressecções pulmonares. Métodos ­ Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica entre os períodos de 2005 e 2016 nos bancos de dados Lilacs, Scielo e Medline. Resultados ­ Foram identificados 939 estudos, tal que, 486 compreendiam o período entre 2005 e 2016 e destes 14 estudos se enquadraram para análise após os critérios de exclusão e inclusão. Conclusão ­ Este trabalho demonstrou que o uso de selantes ou adesivos teciduais de uma maneira geral é uma alternativa eficaz e segura na manutenção de aerostasia ou hemostasia quando comparada com técnicas ou procedimentos convencionais.

Objective ­ The aim of this study was to assess and compare the efficacy of sealants and adhesives with conventional surgical suture techniques after lung resection. Methods ­ A literature review was conducted between the periods of 2005 and 2016 in the databases Lilacs, Scielo and Medline. Results ­ 939 studies were identified, such that 486 comprised the period between 2005 and 2016 and from these 14 studies were selected for analysis after the exclusion and inclusion criteria. Conclusion ­ This study demonstrated that the use tissue adhesives or sealants in general is an effective and safe alternative in the maintenance of hemostasis and aerostasis when compared with conventional techniques of lung repair after its resection.

Multiple uses of fibrin sealant for nervous system treatment following injury and disease

Lesions to the nervous system often produce hemorrhage and tissue loss that are difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Therefore, scar formation, inflammation and cavitation take place, expanding the lesion epicenter. This significantly worsens the patient conditions and impairment, increasing neuronal loss and glial reaction, which in turn further decreases the chances of a positive outcome. The possibility of using hemostatic substances that also function as a scaffold, such as the fibrin sealant, reduces surgical time and improve postoperative recovery. To date, several studies have demonstrated that human blood derived fibrin sealant produces positive effects in different interventions, becoming an efficient alternative to suturing. To provide an alternative to homologous fibrin sealants, the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP, Brazil) has proposed a new bioproduct composed of certified animal components, including a thrombin-like enzyme obtained from snake venom and bubaline fibrinogen. Thus, the present review brings up to date literature assessment on the use of fibrin sealant for nervous system repair and positions the new heterologous bioproduct from CEVAP as an alternative to the commercial counterparts. In this way, clinical and pre-clinical data are discussed in different topics, ranging from central nervous system to peripheral nervous system applications, specifying positive results as well as future enhancements that are necessary for improving the use of fibrin sealant therapy.(AU)

Multiple uses of fibrin sealant for nervous system treatment following injury and disease

Abstract Lesions to the nervous system often produce hemorrhage and tissue loss that are difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Therefore, scar formation, inflammation and cavitation take place, expanding the lesion epicenter. This significantly worsens the patient conditions and impairment, increasing neuronal loss and glial reaction, which in turn further decreases the chances of a positive outcome. The possibility of using hemostatic substances that also function as a scaffold, such as the fibrin sealant, reduces surgical time and improve postoperative recovery. To date, several studies have demonstrated that human blood derived fibrin sealant produces positive effects in different interventions, becoming an efficient alternative to suturing. To provide an alternative to homologous fibrin sealants, the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP, Brazil) has proposed a new bioproduct composed of certified animal components, including a thrombin-like enzyme obtained from snake venom and bubaline fibrinogen. Thus, the present review brings up to date literature assessment on the use of fibrin sealant for nervous system repair and positions the new heterologous bioproduct from CEVAP as an alternative to the commercial counterparts. In this way, clinical and pre-clinical data are discussed in different topics, ranging from central nervous system to peripheral nervous system applications, specifying positive results as well as future enhancements that are necessary for improving the use of fibrin sealant therapy.

Estudo Prospectivo Sobre o Impacto do Uso do Selante de Fibrina Humano Evicel® em Pacientes com Osteoartrite Submetidos à Artroplastia Total do Joelho / Prospective Study on the Impact of Using Evicel® Human Fibrin Sealant in Patients with Osteoarthritis that Underwent Total Knee Arthroplasty

A artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ) está associada a sangramento per operatório significativo, que é causa potencial de complicações. Por isso, medidas que possam minimizá-lo devem ser constantemente investigadas. Os agentes hemostáticos, tipo selantes de fibrina humano, têm se mostrado como alternativas para alcançar este objetivo, porém alguns componentes de suas formulações como o ácido tranexâmico e a aprotinina têm se associado a complicações alérgicas e irritativas ao sistema nervoso central, surgindo então um selante de fibrina humano livre de tais substâncias. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os resultados do uso tópico intraoperatório do selante de fibrina humano Evicel® em pacientes com osteoartrite submetidos à ATJ, buscando diferenças entre os grupos em relação à perda sanguínea, necessidade transfusional, tempo de internação hospitalar, amplitude de movimento, percepção de dor e incidência de complicações de cicatrização de feridas, infecciosas e tromboembólicas. Foram analisados prospectivamente um grupo de intervenção com 32 pacientes e um grupo controle com 31 pacientes, com osteoartrite sintomática dos joelhos, submetidos à ATJ. Os resultados foram semelhantes entre os grupos, em relação à perda sanguínea visível no dreno em 24h (Controle 276,5 mL ± 46,24 vs. Evicel 365,9 mL ± 45,73), à perda sanguínea total em 24h (Controle 930 mL ± 78 vs. Evicel 890 mL ± 67) e em 60h de pós-operatório (Controle 1250 mL ± 120 vs. Evicel 1190 mL ± 96;), à necessidade de hemotransfusão (ocorreu em apenas um controle), ao tempo de permanência hospitalar (Controle 5,61 ± 0,50 n=31 vs. Evicel 4,81 ± 0,36), dor pósoperatória e amplitude de movimento. O uso do agente selante de fibrina não se relacionou à ocorrência de complicações da cicatrização de ferida, infecção ou à trombose venosa profunda. Concluímos que o agente hemostático de fibrina humana não foi eficaz em reduzir o volume de sangramento e a necessidade de hemotransfusão ou interferir sobre o tempo de internação hospitalar, percepção de dor e amplitude de movimento. Seu uso não se relacionou a nenhuma complicação

Total knee arthroplasty is associated with significant per operative bleeding, which is a potential cause of complications. So, measures that may minimize it should be constantly investigated. Hemostatic agents, such as human fibrin sealants, have been shown as alternatives to achieve this goal, but some components of their formulations (tranexamic acid and aprotinin), have been associated with complications like allergy and irritative central nervous system reactions, and a fibrin sealant has emerged, free of these substances. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of the intraoperative topical use of the Evicel® human fibrin sealant in total knee arthroplasties, looking for differences between groups in relation to blood loss, transfusional need, length of hospital stay, range of motion, pain perception and incidence of complications. We analyzed prospectively an intervention group with 32 patients and a control group with 31 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis who underwent arthroplasty. The results were similar between the groups, in relation to the visible blood loss in the drain in 24h (Control 276.5 mL ± 46.24 vs. Evicel 365.9 mL ± 45.73), the total blood loss in 24h (Control 930 mL ± 78 vs. Evicel 890 mL ± 67) and in the postoperative 60h (Control 1250 mL ± 120 vs. Evicel 1190 mL ± 96), the need for blood transfusion (occurred in only one control), the length of hospital stay (Control 5.61 ± 0.50 n=31 vs. Evicel 4.81 ± 0.36), postoperative pain and range of motion. Its use was not related to the occurrence of wound healing complications, infection or to deep venous thrombosis. We conclude that the new hemostatic agent of human fibrin was not effective in reducing bleeding volume and the need for blood transfusion or interfering with hospital length of stay, pain perception and range of motion. Its use was not related to any complications.

Sustained-released mixture of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and fibrin glue strengthens healing of ileal anastomoses in a rabbit model with intraperitoneal infection

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a sustained-released mixture of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) and fibrin glue (FG) local administration on postoperative rabbit ileal anastomoses. METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight male and female New Zealand white rabbits underwent intraperitoneal infection subsequent ileal anastomosis surgery were divided randomly into 4 groups, including 32 animals in each, applied with saline solution, FG, rhVEGF165 and a mixture of rhVEGF165 with FG (VEGF + FG) on the anastomoses, respectively. The incidences of anastomotic leakage were observed. Histopathological examination for inflammatory infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, and capillary vascular proliferation were performed. Then, bursting pressure and hydroxyproline concentrations were assessed in anastomoses sits on postoperative days 3, 5, 7, and 14. RESULTS: Rabbits in VEGF + FG group had the lowest incidence of leakage (P < 0.05). Histological evaluations revealed that granulation tissue was formed on days 5 after anastomosis; fibroblast proliferation and capillary vascular proliferation were significantly increased on days 7 and 14 in VEGF + FG group. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean bursting pressures between VEGF + FG group and other groups on days 7 and 14 (P < 0.05), and rabbits in VEGF + FG group exhibited a higher concentration than VEGF group (P < 0.05) and FG group (P < 0.05) on day 14. CONCLUSION: Administration of VEGF165 mixed with FG to ileal anastomosis accelerates wound healing and enhances the anastomosis by increased angiogenesis.

Will a Fibrin Sealant be Effective as a Seroma Reductant and a Hemostatic Agent in Breast Reconstruction Using a Latissimus Dorsi Flap?

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is widely used in breast cancer reconstruction, but donor-site morbidity is one of the major limitations of this surgery. Donor-site seroma is the most common complication. To prevent seroma formation, we consider the use of a fibrin sealant (FS) because of its hemostatic and sealing effects. In this study, we investigate the effect of a FS on seroma prevention and as a hemostatic agent at the LD donor site. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from 2011 to 2015. Herein, we analyzed the preoperative status, changes in the hemoglobin (Hb) level according to the postoperative day, postoperative drain amount, and the drain removal time. RESULTS: The decline in the Hb level was not statistically significantly less in the FS group than in the control group. Further, the difference in the drain amount between the 2 groups was not statistically significant either. The seroma rate and the drain removal time between the 2 groups also did not show any statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The FS does not have hemostatic effect and the drain amount reduction in the early phase of recovery and does not prevent seroma. Therefore, an empirical use of the FS alone is no longer recommended to prevent seroma. In contrast, the quilting suture has been reported to be effective in seroma prevention. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effects of a combination of quilting sutures and the FS on seroma and the other risk factors of this surgical complication.

Will a Fibrin Sealant be Effective as a Seroma Reductant and a Hemostatic Agent in Breast Reconstruction Using a Latissimus Dorsi Flap?

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is widely used in breast cancer reconstruction, but donor-site morbidity is one of the major limitations of this surgery. Donor-site seroma is the most common complication. To prevent seroma formation, we consider the use of a fibrin sealant (FS) because of its hemostatic and sealing effects. In this study, we investigate the effect of a FS on seroma prevention and as a hemostatic agent at the LD donor site. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from 2011 to 2015. Herein, we analyzed the preoperative status, changes in the hemoglobin (Hb) level according to the postoperative day, postoperative drain amount, and the drain removal time. RESULTS: The decline in the Hb level was not statistically significantly less in the FS group than in the control group. Further, the difference in the drain amount between the 2 groups was not statistically significant either. The seroma rate and the drain removal time between the 2 groups also did not show any statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The FS does not have hemostatic effect and the drain amount reduction in the early phase of recovery and does not prevent seroma. Therefore, an empirical use of the FS alone is no longer recommended to prevent seroma. In contrast, the quilting suture has been reported to be effective in seroma prevention. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effects of a combination of quilting sutures and the FS on seroma and the other risk factors of this surgical complication.

Uso de adhesivo tisular de fibrina en el tratamiento de endocrecimiento epitelial severo posterior a Lasik. Reporte de caso / Use of fibrin tissue adhesive in the treatment of severe epithelial ingrowth after LASIK. Case Report

Objetivo: Describir el uso de adhesivo tisular de fibrina para el sellamiento del flap en el tratamiento de un paciente con endocrecimiento epitelial severo posterior a Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). Diseño: Reporte de caso. Metodología: Reporte de Caso retrospectivo, mediante la recopilación de datos clínicos, imágenes, video y valoraciones postoperatorias. Resultado: Se reporta el uso de adhesivo tisular para el sellamiento del flap en el tratamiento de un paciente con endocrecimiento epitelial severo bilateral posterior a LASIK. Se documenta la recuperación de la agudeza visual en el ojo izquierdo (el ojo tratado) posterior a el uso de adhesivo tisular de fibrina para el sellamiento del flap en el tratamiento del endocrecimiento epitelial severo posterior a LASIK, llegando a una visión mejor corregida de 20/30. Conclusión: Se han descrito varias opciones de manejo: remoción mecánica junto con adhesión del flap mediante sutura, cianoacrilato, adhesivo tisular de fibrina o hidrogel. En la literatura mundial hay publicaciones de casos sobre el uso de adhesivo tisular de fibrina con buenos resultados, hasta la fecha este es el primer caso reportado en nuestro país, siendo demostrativo de buenos resultados, en cuanto a la tasa de recidiva y agudeza visual.

Purpose: To describe the use of fibrin adhesive for flap sealing in the treatment of a patient with severe epithelial ingrowth following Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). Design: Case Report. Methods: Retrospective Case Report study, was performed by collecting clinical data, images, video and postoperative evaluations. Results: The use of tissue adhesive for flap sealing is reported in the treatment of a patient with severe bilateral epithelial ingrowth post-LASIK Subsequent recovery of the visual acuity in the left eye (treated eye) after the use of fibrin adhesive for fl ap sealing in the treatment of severe epithelial post-LASIK epithelial ingrowth, reaching a better-corrected vision of 20/30. Conclusion: Several management options have been described: mechanical removal along with flap adhesion by suture, cyanoacrylate, fibrin adhesive or hydrogel. In the world literature there are case reports on the use of fibrin adhesive with good results, to date this is the fi rst case reported in our country, demonstrating good results in terms of relapse rate and visual acuity.

Staple Line Coverage with a Polyglycolic Acid Patch and Fibrin Glue without Pleural Abrasion after Thoracoscopic Bullectomy for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of staple line coverage using a polyglycolic acid patch and fibrin glue without pleural abrasion to prevent recurrent postoperative pneumothorax. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 116 operations performed between January 2011 and April 2013. During this period, staple lines were covered with a polyglycolic acid patch and fibrin glue in 58 cases (group A), while 58 cases underwent thoracoscopic bullectomy only (group B). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 33 months (range, 22 to 55 months). The duration of chest tube drainage was shorter in group A (group A 2.7±1.2 day vs. group B 3.9±2.3 day, p=0.001). Prolonged postoperative air leakage occurred more frequently in group B than in group A (43% vs. 19%, p=0.005). The postoperative recurrence rate of pneumothorax was significantly lower in group A (8.6%) than in group B (24.1%) (p=0.043). The total cost of treatment during the follow-up period, including the cost for the treatment of postoperative recurrent pneumothorax, was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.43). CONCLUSION: Without pleural abrasion, staple line coverage with a medium-sized polyglycolic acid patch and fibrin glue after thoracoscopic bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a useful technique that can reduce the duration of postoperative pleural drainage and the postoperative recurrence rate of pneumothorax.

The Use Fibrin Sealant after Spinal Intradural Tumor Surgery: Is It Necessary?

OBJECTIVE: A fibrin sealant is commonly applied after closure of an incidental or intended durotomy to reduce the complications associated with the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. Routine usage might not be essential after closure of an intended durotomy, which has clear cut-margins. We investigated the efficacy of fibrin sealants for primary intradural spinal cord tumor surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for 231 consecutive surgically treated patients with primary intradural spinal cord tumors without extradural extension. Fibrin sealants were not used for 47 patients (group I: age, 51.57±16.75 years) and were applied to 184 patients (group II: age, 48.8±14.7 years). The surgical procedures were identical except for the use of a fibrin sealant after closure of the durotomy. The primary outcome was the occurrence of complications (wound problems, hematoma collection, infection, and neurological deterioration). The covariates were age, sex, body mass index, operation time, pre-/postoperative ambulation, number of laminectomies, and type of tumor. RESULTS: Schwannoma was the most common pathology (n=134), followed by meningioma (n=35) and ependymoma (n=31). Complications occurred in 13 patients (3 in group I and 10 in group II, p=0.73). The postoperative ambulation status (p<0.01; odds ratio, 28.8; 95% confidence interval, 6.9-120.0) and operation time (p=0.04; cutoff, 229 minutes; sensitivity, 62%; specificity, 72%) were significant factors, whereas the use of a fibrin glue was not (p=0.47). CONCLUSION: The use of a fibrin sealant might not be essential to reduce complications after surgery for primary spinal intradural tumor.