Serious postoperative complications induced by medical glue: three case reports

Various types of medical glues/adhesives/topical coagulants' (referred to as MG hereinafter) have widespread application as surgical adhesives, and have been shown to be safe and effective for a broad range of usage, such as in hemostasis, reinforcement of intestinal anastomoses or sites of potential fluid leakage, adhesion of two surfaces, wound closure, and vascular embolization. However, inappropriate application of MG may sometimes lead to serious complications. Herein, we describe three cases of serious postoperative complications induced by a possible inappropriate use of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate MG (NBCA MG).

Three patients presented with abdominal pain (chronic pain in cases 1 and 2, and acute pain in Case 3), hematochezia (Case 2), and intestinal obstruction (Case 3). All patients had a history of abdominal surgery and intraoperative use of NBCA MG. Abdominal computed tomography and gastroenterological endoscopy revealed foreign bodies (solidified MG in cases 1 and 2) and intestinal obstruction related to a mass of residual non-absorbed MG causing an internal hernia from a dense adhesion (Case 3). All patients underwent exploratory laparotomy, which revealed duodenal perforation, colonic erosion, and an internal hernia, all of which was related to MG use. We undertook removal of the foreign bodies (cases 1 and 2), surgical closure of the site of duodenal erosion (Case 1), partial colectomy (Case 2), and partial enterectomy (Case 3).

Inappropriate application of MG may induce serious complications. We emphasize the importance of careful evaluation of the indications, dosage, and spraying thickness of MG in clinical practice. Serious complications caused by inappropriate application of MG should be reported to raise awareness in the surgical fraternity.