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Small bowel obstruction after FloSeal use

Benjamin Clapp1, Antonio Santillan

  • 1b_clapp1@hotmail.com

JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
|October 12, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

FloSeal (thrombin-gelatin hemostatic matrix) may cause small bowel obstructions (SBO) 7-9 days post-surgery. Prompt reexploration is recommended for early postoperative SBO after FloSeal use.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical complications
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical device safety

Background:

  • FloSeal is a widely used hemostatic matrix for achieving hemostasis during surgical procedures.
  • Previous isolated case reports have suggested a potential link between FloSeal use and bowel obstructions.

Observation:

  • This series presents three cases of small bowel obstruction (SBO) following the appropriate use of FloSeal across various surgical specialties.
  • The patients developed SBOs between 7 and 9 days postoperatively.

Findings:

  • Laparoscopic reexploration revealed intense inflammatory reactions and adhesions at the sites where FloSeal was applied.
  • Surgical lysis of adhesions successfully resolved the obstructions in all reported cases.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest a potential causal relationship between FloSeal and the development of early postoperative SBOs.
  • Prompt surgical reexploration should be considered in patients presenting with SBO after FloSeal application.
  • Further investigation into the inflammatory properties of hemostatic agents like FloSeal is warranted.

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