Early experience with a novel gelatine-based sponge for local haemostasis in thyroid surgery

The aim of the present investigation was to assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of a novel gelatine-based sponge as a haemostat in thyroid surgery.

A questionnaire was completed by surgeons after having used the sponge in thyroid surgery. The product in general, its effectiveness as a haemostat, its absorption capacity and handling issues were rated. Moreover unexpected complications or side-effects were documented.

Whenever thyroid resections were performed by the members of our study group (11 consultant surgeons in 8 hospitals specialized in thyroid surgery) the new haemostat was used during the period of surveillance. It was mainly rated as "excellent" or "good" by the study group members who used the product in 87 thyroid resections. Its effectiveness as a haemostat, its absorption capacity and handling issues were also rated as excellent. No poor results were reported. Complications occurred in only 2% of cases and were related to inappropriate application.

The evaluated data demonstrated that the sponge has an excellent safety and haemostatic efficacy in surgical application. The product is user-friendly and demonstrated its effectiveness as a haemostat and its excellent absorption capacity.