A new method for hepatic resection and hemostasis: absorbable plaque and suture

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Trauma Management

Background:

• Blunt and penetrating hepatic injuries present significant surgical challenges with high mortality and morbidity rates.
• Current hemostatic techniques for liver injuries range from simple methods to complex resections, often requiring specialized equipment and expertise.
• There is a persistent need for accessible, affordable, and user-friendly methods for managing liver bleeding in diverse clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel method for hemorrhage control in hepatic injuries using sutures supported by absorbable plaques.
• To address the limitations of existing techniques by providing an effective and easy-to-apply solution for liver hemostasis.

Main Methods:

• Development of a technique employing absorbable, flexible plaques to prevent suture tearing of fragile liver tissue.
• Application of polyglactin sutures through pre-made holes in the plaques, with bilateral tissue compression via strong ties for hemostasis.
• Experimental validation in pigs, involving induced hepatic injuries and liver resections.

Main Results:

• Successful hemostasis was achieved in experimentally induced hepatic hemorrhages in pigs.
• Liver resections were performed without intraoperative bleeding, with a total procedure time of 45 minutes.
• Postoperative recovery showed normal liver function tests by day 30, and complete tissue healing with plaque and suture absorption by six months, confirmed by pathological examination.

Conclusions:

• The developed method is safe and practical for controlling hemorrhage in hepatic resections and traumatic liver injuries.
• This technique offers a promising, accessible solution for managing liver bleeding across various medical centers.