A Clinico-pathologic Study of Oxidized Cellulose as Topical Hemostatic Agent in Neurosurgery

Hemostasis is extremely important in neurosurgical procedures to prevent major postoperative bleedings and their catastrophic consequences. Emoxicel TAF Retilight (Bioster, a.s., Czech Republic) is a sterile, resorbable, hemostatic reticulum, mainly used to stop capillary and venous bleeding. The textile form of the hemostatic material allows, in several cases, perfect adjustment to the varied shape of the surgical cavities and of the epidural space to which it adheres when wet. Hemostatic effect is rapid, and complete hemostasis can be achieved in several minutes after application. This topical hemostatic agent is biocompatible, biodegradable, and highly resorbable. It has a hemostatic and antimicrobic effect. The main aim of this study was to verify the efficacy, broadness of use, and safety of this topical hemostatic in neurosurgical procedures. A total of 43 cases were included, 18 cranial and 25 spinal, and in only one case a postoperative epidural bleeding was reported. A histopathologic study of the hemostatic was performed. No allergic reactions were reported. Emoxicel was useful not only in stopping minor bleeding, but also for bleeding prevention in the postoperative period.