[Use of oxicellulose in neurosurgery--technical comments]

In different surgical disciplines preparations which promote haemostasis are widely used. The latter comprise in particular preparations on the basis of collagen (e.g. Actifoam, Avitene), gelatin (Gelfoam, Spongostan) and oxidized celluloses (Traumacel, Surgicel). The application of these preparations in neurosurgery is very specific and has its laws. At the Neurosurgical Clinic, Faculty Hospital Brno the authors used since 1995 for brain surgery in particular Traumacel, i.e. oxidized cellulose in powder form. Since 1996 the author uses in brain surgery Surgical, extradurally Spongostan. The author summarizes his experience with the use of Surgical in 114 operations of the brain. He analyzes specific features of the use of Surgical in different diagnoses and its effectiveness in the prevention of haemorrhagic complications. At present the use of Surgical is an integral part of haemostasis in the majority of open operations of the brain in the author's department.