Wound Healing in External Rhinoplasty-The Effect of Fibrin Glue on Dead Space Closure: A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Study

INTRODUCTION

The presence of "dead space" in external rhinoplasty creates a welcoming environment for erratic soft tissue contraction. Poor redraping of the skin over the underlying osseocartilaginous framework at the end of the surgery may result in its creation. If surgeons can control and reliably predict skin contraction and wound healing, septorhinoplasty results would undoubtedly improve. Fibrin glue application has previously demonstrated a reduction in adverse events in plastic surgery. Several potential advantages have been attributed to the application of fibrin glue, such as reducing downtime, improving patient satisfaction and reducing complication rates.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of homologous fibrin glue on the long-term healing process in external rhinoplasty.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis in 154 patients enrolled for external septorhinoplasty. An aesthetic evaluation was performed with the FACE-Q nose and nostrils, the Utrecht Questionnaire including VAS score and the NOSE. Assessments were conducted prior to surgery and post-operatively at 3, 6 and 12 months. After propensity score matching, two equal groups of 66 patients were retained. The first cohort of 66 patients underwent a rhinoplasty without the application of fibrin glue; in the second cohort of 66 patients, human fibrin glue was used to achieve better adherence of the skin to the underlying skeletal framework.

RESULTS

All patients had a statistically highly significant improvement on all PROMs post-operatively. The post-operative results remained stable over the different time points. However, no statistically significant difference in the aesthetic outcome was discovered whether fibrin glue was used or not during surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Obliteration of dead space is a key component in septorhinoplasty as it minimizes soft tissue contraction, resulting in a more predictable outcome. Although fibrin glue has been used successfully in different medical fields, no long-term positive effects on patient satisfaction could be detected in the present study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A comparative high-resolution physicochemical analysis of commercially available fibrin sealants: Impact of sealant osmolality on biological performance

Fibrin sealants are well-established components of the surgical toolbox, especially in procedures that harbor a high risk of perioperative bleeding. Their widespread use as hemostats, sealants or tissue-adhesives in various surgical settings has shown that the choice of the appropriate sealant system affects the clinical outcome. While many studies have compared the hemostatic efficiency of fibrin sealants to that of other natural or synthetic sealants, there is still limited data on how subtle differences in fibrin sealant formulations relate to their biological performance. Here, we performed an in-depth physicochemical and biological characterization of the two most commonly used fibrin sealants in the US and Europe: TISSEEL™ ("FS") and VISTASEAL™/VERASEAL™ ("FS+Osm"). Our chemical analyses demonstrated differences between the two sealants, with lower fibrinogen concentrations and supraphysiological osmolality in the FS+Osm formulation. Rheological testing revealed FS clots have greater clot stiffness, which strongly correlated with network density. Ultrastructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed differences between FS and FS+Osm fibrin networks, the latter characterized by a largely amorphous hydrogel structure in contrast to the physiological fibrillar network of FS. Cytocompatibility experiments with human fibroblasts seeded on FS and FS+Osm fibrin networks, or cultured in presence of sealant extracts, revealed that FS+Osm induced apoptosis, which was not observed with FS. Although differential sealant osmolality and amounts of fibrinogen, as well as the presence of Factor XIII or additives such as antifibrinolytics, may explain the mechanical and structural differences observed between the two fibrin sealants, none of these substances are known to cause apoptosis at the respective concentrations in the sealant formulation. We thus conclude that hyper osmolality in the FS+Osm formulation is the primary trigger of apoptosis-a mechanism that should be evaluated in more detail, as it may affect the cellular wound healing response in situ.

Composition, host responses and clinical applications of bioadhesives

Bioadhesives are medical devices used to join or seal tissues that have been injured or incised. They have been classified into tissue adhesives, sealants, and hemostatic agents. Bioadhesives such as FloSeal®, CoSeal®, BioGlue®, Evicel®, Tisseel®, Progel™ PALS, and TissuGlu® have been commercialized and used in clinical setting. They can be formulated with natural or synthetic components or a combination of both including albumin, glutaraldehyde, chitosan, cyanoacrylate, fibrin and thrombin, gelatin, polyethylene glycol (PEG), along with urethanes. Each formulation has intrinsic properties and has been developed and validated for a specific application. This review article briefs the mechanisms by which bioadhesives forms adhesion to tissues and highlights the correlation between bioadhesives composition and their potential host responses. Furthermore, clinical applications of bioadhesives and their application-driven requirements are outlined.

Postoperative Ecchymosis and Edema After Creation of Subperiosteal Tunnels in Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Periorbital ecchymosis and edema are commonly associated with rhinoplasty and are the principal limiting factors for return to daily activities after rhinoplasty. Several methods have been evaluated to minimize these sequelae including creation of subperiosteal tunnels, which involves elevating the vascular periosteal layer, preserving it from trauma when creating osteotomies.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of the creation of subperiosteal tunnels prior to lateral osteotomies during rhinoplasty for reducing postoperative ecchymosis and edema.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized, blinded, matched-paired, prospective, clinical trial took place between April 1 and August 30, 2015, in a private practice in a stand-alone clinic and surgical center. All patients who were undergoing aesthetic rhinoplasty requiring bilateral lateral osteotomies were offered inclusion in the trial. All 34 enrolled patients completed the follow-up requirements.

Intervention

Creation of subperiosteal tunnels prior to lateral osteotomies on 1 randomly selected side.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Three blinded evaluators independently graded the degree of ecchymosis and edema on a visual analog scale of 0 to 10 on each side of the nose on postoperative days 2 and 7. Each patient had 1 side that was randomly selected to undergo creation of subperiosteal tunnels. A difference in mean score between sides of the nose was calculated for each patient using a paired t test.

Results

Of the 34 patients (28 females and 6 males; mean [SD] age, 27.3 [9.2]), the mean (SD) difference in ecchymosis scores between sides on day 2 was -0.05 (1.94) (95% CI, -0.43 to 0.33) and on day 7 was -0.22 (1.23) (95% CI, -0.47 to 0.02), favoring the side without tunnels. The mean (SD) difference in edema scores on day 2 was -0.21 (1.66) (95% CI, 0.53-0.12) and on day 7 was -0.29 (1.11) (95% CI, -0.51 to -0.07). There were no clinically significant differences between sides in terms of postoperative ecchymosis and edema.

Conclusions and Relevance

Ecchymosis and edema can have significant postoperative practical, emotional, and financial effects on patients. Creation of subperiosteal tunnels prior to lateral osteotomies showed no clinically significant differences in edema and ecchymosis after the procedure.

Level of Evidence

1.

Trial Registration

isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN42741475.

Intra-operative nasal compression after lateral osteotomy to minimize post-operative Peri-orbital ecchymosis and edema

INTRODUCTION

Post-operative periorbital ecchymosis and edema following rhinoplasty is a well-known sequela of surgery. Unfortunately, this can be a source of distress for patients, resulting in a longer post-operative recovery time and a delayed return to work. Trauma caused by lateral osteotomies is likely the most significant cause of periorbital edema and ecchymosis in rhinoplasty. There have been various strategies proposed to minimize swelling and ecchymosis with varying success rates and accompanied risks. Intraoperative nasal compression is one potential strategy that may reduce post-operative edema and ecchymosis with minimal risk.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether applying direct lateral nasal pressure intraoperatively immediately after performing lateral osteotomies reduces visible post-operative edema and ecchymosis.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized blinded study on consecutive patients undergoing rhinoplasty with lateral osteotomies was conducted in a single academic tertiary care medical center. Each of the participants were randomized into direct pressure application post-lateral osteotomies on the right or the left hand side. Intra-operatively, direct lateral nasal pressure was performed on the pre-determined side for 5 min timed by stopwatch after osteotomy. Post-operatively, standard photographs were taken of the patient on post-operative days 1, 3, and 7. These photographs were then shown to 20 blinded-physicians and the degree of ecchymosis and edema was graded using a previously published scale.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients were included in this study. Based on our blinded-grading, 11 of the 16 patients had a clear global improvement in the degree of peri-orbital post-operative edema and ecchymosis with compression post lateral osteotomies. Based on the 3 blinded expert reviewers, Periorbital ecchymosis was significantly decreased on the ipsilateral side of pressure application in 10 of the 16 patients, and periorbital edema was significantly decreased in 13 of the 16 patients. The differential degree in periorbital ecchymosis was most pronounced on post-operative day 7. Patient factors such as gender, age, skin color, history of nasal trauma, side of pre-operative nasal deviation, and smoking status did not have a significant influence on the effect of pressure application post lateral osteotomies.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of direct continual lateral nasal pressure intraoperatively after performing lateral osteotomies can help reduce post-operative edema and ecchymosis up to post-operative day 7. This may lead to an overall improved appearance and subsequently an improved post-operative experience for the patient. Although the effect may be variable to some degree, this is an intervention with no additional risks involved and thus can be used in a safe manner.

Human Fibrin Sealant: Effective Hemostasis in Otolaryngologic Surgeries

In otolaryngologic surgeries, achieving hemostasis is of paramount importance for reducing associated morbidities. Topical hemostatic agents have been studied mainly in endonasal operations. Its use in other surgeries has been minimally reported. In this "real world data" study, we retrospectively evaluated the surgeries between June 2014 and December 2014, where topical hemostatic agent-Evicel^® (Ethicon BioSurgery, US) was used to achieve hemostasis. All the patients were followed till 15 day post operation. The data on Evicel^® preparation time, intraoperative blood loss, hemostasis time, length of hospital stay, blood transfusion given, and complications were evaluated. The quality of life was assessed by using discomfort score and it was statistically analyzed for patients underwent surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis and chronic otitis media. The surgical clinical data of 103 patients (63 males and 40 females) were considered for the analysis. In all patients, hemostasis was achieved in less than 1 min. The intraoperative blood loss was between 23 and 99 ml for all surgeries. No postoperative bleeding was reported and blood transfusion was not required for any patients. The hospital stay was 1-2 days. In endonasal surgeries, nasal packing was not required in 36.9% of patients. The discomfort score was statistically improved in patients underwent surgery for chronic rhinosinusits and chronic otitis media (p < 0.001). No complications were reported till day 15 postoperatively. Evicel^®, a topical human fibrin sealant found to be effective in achieving hemostasis and for better clinical outcome in various otolaryngologic surgical procedures.

Aerosolized Fibrin Sealant Is Effective for Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis in Open Rhinoplasty Without Osteotomy

PURPOSE

Fibrin sealant (FS) was approved as a hemostatic agent, sealant, and adhesive by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998. Our study sought to determine whether FS also reduced edema and pain in rhinoplasty without osteotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective randomized trial involving patients who underwent open rhinoplasty without osteotomy. The patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: those treated with aerosolized FS (FS group) and those not treated (control group). The effect of FS on edema of the eyelid, edema of the dorsum and tip of the nose, and periorbital ecchymosis was separately rated postoperatively using a scale of 0 to 4 or 0 to 3. Postoperative pain was evaluated using questionnaires quantified with a visual analog scale. The Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare parameters between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients were included in this study. The FS group (n = 20) consisted of 13 male and 7 female patients with a mean age of 34.8 ± 5.8 years. The control group (n = 21) consisted of 15 male and 6 female patients with a mean age of 32.4 ± 4.8 years. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to age, gender, or combined surgical techniques (P > .05). Aerosolized FS significantly reduced not only ecchymosis and swelling in the periorbital area but also edema of the nasal dorsum (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Aerosolized FS can be effective for reducing eyelid edema, dorsal edema, and periorbital ecchymosis after open rhinoplasty. FS may serve as an adhesive for minimizing dead space by promoting adherence of the skin flap and as a hemostatic agent in reducing the amount of postoperative bleeding by sealing capillary vessels.

The use of fibrin sealant during non-emergency surgery: a systematic review of evidence of benefits and harms

BACKGROUND

Fibrin sealants are used in different types of surgery to prevent the accumulation of post-operative fluid (seroma) or blood (haematoma) or to arrest haemorrhage (bleeding). However, there is uncertainty around the benefits and harms of fibrin sealant use.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the evidence on the benefits and harms of fibrin sealants in non-emergency surgery in adults.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases [MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library (including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, the Health Technology Assessment database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials)] were searched from inception to May 2015. The websites of regulatory bodies (the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Administration) were also searched to identify evidence of harms.

REVIEW METHODS

This review included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies using any type of fibrin sealant compared with standard care in non-emergency surgery in adults. The primary outcome was risk of developing seroma and haematoma. Only RCTs were used to inform clinical effectiveness and both RCTs and observational studies were used for the assessment of harms related to the use of fibrin sealant. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant studies. Data extraction was undertaken by one reviewer and validated by a second. The quality of included studies was assessed independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool for RCTs and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidance for adverse events for observational studies. A fixed-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We included 186 RCTs and eight observational studies across 14 surgical specialties and five reports from the regulatory bodies. Most RCTs were judged to be at an unclear risk of bias. Adverse events were inappropriately reported in observational studies. Meta-analysis across non-emergency surgical specialties did not show a statistically significant difference in the risk of seroma for fibrin sealants versus standard care in 32 RCTs analysed [n = 3472, odds ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.04; p = 0.13; I² = 12.7%], but a statistically significant benefit was found on haematoma development in 24 RCTs (n = 2403, OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.86; p = 0.01; I² = 0%). Adverse events related to fibrin sealant use were reported in 10 RCTs and eight observational studies across surgical specialties, and 22 RCTs explicitly stated that there were no adverse events. One RCT reported a single death but no other study reported mortality or any serious adverse events. Five regulatory body reports noted death from air emboli associated with fibrin sprays.

LIMITATIONS

It was not possible to provide a detailed evaluation of individual RCTs in their specific contexts because of the limited resources that were available for this research. In addition, the number of RCTs that were identified made it impractical to conduct independent data extraction by two reviewers in the time available.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of fibrin sealants does not appear to vary according to surgical procedures with regard to reducing the risk of seroma or haematoma. Surgeons should note the potential risk of gas embolism if spray application of fibrin sealants is used and not to exceed the recommended pressure and spraying distance. Future research should be carried out in surgery specialties for which only limited data were found, including neurological, gynaecological, oral and maxillofacial, urology, colorectal and orthopaedics surgery (for any outcome); breast surgery and upper gastrointestinal (development of haematoma); and cardiothoracic heart or lung surgery (reoperation rates). In addition, studies need to use adequate sample sizes, to blind participants and outcome assessors, and to follow reporting guidelines.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015020710.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Interventions to Decrease Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis after Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Today, minimally invasive procedures are becoming more popular because of the fast recovery. Rhinoplasty is a common facial plastic surgery procedure that can be associated with significant postoperative morbidities, especially periorbital edema and ecchymosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the results of published literature that studied interventions that decrease postoperative edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty, and provide evidence-based strategies for surgeons to incorporate into practice.

METHODS

A systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases was performed to investigate interventions studied to decrease postoperative edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, articles were grouped into one of the following categories: corticosteroids, other medications and herbal supplements, interventions to decrease intraoperative bleeding, other postoperative interventions, and surgical techniques.

RESULTS

A total of 50 articles were included for review. Fourteen articles studied corticosteroids exclusively, whereas another 10 articles reviewed other medications and herbal supplements. Nine articles evaluated methods to decrease intraoperative bleeding during rhinoplasty, and four articles studied postoperative interventions to decrease edema and ecchymosis. Thirteen articles studied various surgical techniques to decrease postoperative morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a consensus within the literature that steroids, intraoperative hypotension, intraoperative cooling, and head elevation postoperatively decrease postoperative edema and ecchymosis, whereas nasal packing and periosteal elevation before osteotomy increased these postoperative morbidities. Studies of herbal supplements may be incorporated into practice with minimal risk to the patient. More studies must be performed before recommending an external or internal approach to lateral osteotomy.

Combined use of crushed cartilage and fibrin sealant for radix augmentation in Asian rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND

Crushed cartilage grafts are used to conceal irregularities and achieve a smoother nasal surface. They can potentially be stabilized by a fibrin sealant acting as a carrier. The primary purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of crushed cartilage-fibrin sealant combination grafts for radix augmentation performed in Asian patients.

METHODS

This study included 51 patients (38 men and 13 women) who underwent rhinoplasty with radix augmentation using crushed cartilage grafts. The malleable construct used for radix augmentation contained autologous crushed cartilage grafts stabilized with a fibrin sealant. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were reviewed for objective and subjective assessment of aesthetic outcomes. The mean follow-up period was 18.5 months (range, 12 to 25 months).

RESULTS

Preoperative and postoperative objective measurements indicated that the mean increment of the radix projection was 28.5 ± 7.9 percent and that of the nasofrontal angle was 11.5 ± 3.8 degrees. Most patients showed prominent radix augmentation and good cosmetic results. Postoperative aesthetic outcomes were graded as excellent in 41.2 percent of cases, good in 37.3 percent, fair in 15.7 percent, and unchanged/poor in 5.9 percent. Complications included one case (2.0 percent) of partial graft resorption and two cases (3.9 percent) of graft visibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the use of a crushed cartilage-fibrin sealant graft is a reliable and effective technique of stabilizing grafts for radix augmentation in Asian patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Evaluation of fibrin sealant as a wound closure agent in mandibular third molar surgery--a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effectiveness of fibrin sealants in achieving haemostasis and wound closure following mandibular third molar extraction, in comparison with conventional suturing. Thirty patients with bilateral mandibular third molar impactions were recruited for the study. Using a split-mouth study design, wound closure following extraction was done using fibrin sealant on the study side and suturing on the control side. Sample allocation was done by simple randomization. The primary outcome measures were (1) the time taken to achieve wound closure and haemostasis and (2) postoperative mouth opening, pain, and swelling. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and paired t-tests (P<0.05). IBM SPSS software (v.20.0) was used for the data analysis. The study group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in duration to achieve haemostasis (1.2 vs. 251.9s; P<0.001) and wound closure (152.8 vs. 328.8s; P<0.001) in comparison with the control group. The study group also exhibited significantly reduced pain scores (2.0 vs. 3.5; P<0.001) and increased post-surgical mouth opening (P<0.001). No adverse effects of fibrin sealant were observed. In conclusion, fibrin sealant is a superior intraoral wound closure and haemostatic agent and a worthy alternative to suturing.

No additional benefit with use of a fibrin sealant to decrease peri-operative blood loss during primary total knee arthroplasty

Blood loss remains a substantial problem associated TKA. This study evaluated the efficacy of a fibrin sealant on: (1) blood loss; (2) blood transfusions; and (3) length of stay. We evaluated the records of 113 consecutive patients with sealant and 70 without sealant. There was no significant difference in the hemoglobin levels (all 9.5-10 g/dL) on each of three postoperative days. There was also no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood loss or the total perioperative blood loss in both groups. The mean requirement in each patient was 2.5 ± 2.4 units in the fibrin sealant group compared to 2.0 ± 0.8 units in the non-fibrin sealant group. We have stopped using fibrin sealant based on this study.

Is the newest fibrin sealant an effective strategy to reduce blood loss after total knee arthroplasty? A randomized controlled study

An RCT was conducted to ascertain whether, compared to control management, topical application of a novel fibrin sealant (Evicel, J&J) in patients undergoing primary TKA reduces peri-operative blood loss. Sixty-two patients were randomized to receive topical application of Evicel (N = 31) or not (N = 31). The mean total blood loss was 1.9L(± 0.7) in the control group and 1.8L(± 0.5) in the treatment group (P = 0.4). The transfusion rate was 32.3% in the control group and 25.8% in the treatment group (P = 0.5). The transfusion rate decreased linearly with increasing preoperative Hb levels in the treatment group (P = 0.005). The results of this study suggest that topical application of this novel fibrin sealant doesn't reduce perioperative blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.

Comparison of postoperative eyelid position using fibrin sealant versus suture for wound closure in Müller's muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative eyelid position using fibrin sealant versus suture for wound closure in Müller's muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair.

METHODS

One hundred ninety-six patients (367 eyelids) who underwent Müller's muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair were divided into two groups: wounds closed with suture and those closed with fibrin sealant. Preoperative and postoperative eyelid measurements were compared statistically using appropriate t tests. Complications, eyelid symmetry, and revision rates were analyzed using a two-tailed Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Suture was used for wound closure on 53 eyelids of 39 patients and fibrin sealant was used on 314 eyelids of 157 patients. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.49) when comparing the change from preoperative to postoperative margin-to-reflex distance 1 between the two groups. Postoperative symmetry within 0.5 mm was achieved in 87 percent of patients in the suture group and in 96 percent of patients in the fibrin sealant group (p = 0.06). The percentage of patients requiring additional ptosis adjustment was 2 percent in both groups (p = 1.0). Major complications were more common in the suture group (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Müller's muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair using fibrin sealant for wound closure offers equivalent lid position and symmetry as compared with suture wound closure. There is also a reduction in major postoperative complications when using fibrin sealant.

Fibrin sealant (evicel® [quixil®/crosseal™]): a review of its use as supportive treatment for haemostasis in surgery

Evicel® is a fibrin sealant consisting of two components, human clottable protein (predominantly human fibrinogen) and human thrombin. It is indicated as supportive treatment in patients undergoing surgery when control of bleeding by standard surgical techniques is ineffective or impractical. Evicel® is a new formulation of the previously available fibrin sealant Quixil® (in the EU) or Crosseal™ (in the US). Evicel® differs from Quixil®/Crosseal™ in that its fibrinogen component does not contain the antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid, which is potentially neurotoxic, resulting in Quixil®/Crosseal™ being contraindicated for use in neurosurgery. The removal of tranexamic acid did not affect the haemostatic efficacy or longevity of Evicel® fibrin clots and allowed the sealant to be granted an expanded indication. Evicel® and Quixil®/Crosseal™ are easy to use and, since they do not contain synthetic or bovine aprotinin, have a reduced potential for hypersensitivity reactions. This article reviews the pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability of Evicel® and its previous formulation as supportive treatment for haemostasis in surgery. In clinical studies, Evicel® and Quixil®/Crosseal™ were generally well tolerated and effective haemostatic agents for adjunctive use in various types of surgeries when conventional methods were impractical or ineffective in controlling bleeding. Two pivotal, randomized studies showed that Evicel® was significantly more effective than manual compression in patients undergoing vascular surgery, and significantly more effective than Surgicel® in patients undergoing retroperitoneal or intra-abdominal surgery, as assessed by the proportion of patients achieving haemostasis. In another similarly designed pivotal study in patients undergoing liver resection, Crosseal™ was significantly more effective than standard haemostatic agents (e.g. Surgicel®), as assessed by the mean time to haemostasis. The incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events in these studies were generally similar between the Evicel® or Crosseal™ groups and the comparator groups. Quixil® was also generally well tolerated and an effective haemostatic agent in endonasal surgeries, and tonsillectomies and/or adenoidectomies, with some benefit of treatment with Evicel® or Quixil® also observed in orthopaedic surgeries. Although additional comparative studies with other haemostatic agents would help to definitively position Evicel® with respect to these agents, current evidence suggests that Evicel® is useful in surgeries for improving haemostasis where standard surgical techniques are insufficient.