This study evaluated
Fibrin Sealant (FS), a two-component
biologic adhesive that is effective in establishing hemostasis, in 27 experimentally produced splenic
injuries in five adult mongrel dogs. Ten small superficial
lacerations (2.0 cm in length), six large superficial
lacerations (3.0-6.0 cm in length), three small wedge resections, and eight
stab wounds extending into the splenic hilum were effectively repaired with FS without
suture splenorrhaphy or temporary splenic hilar occlusion. Complete hemostasis was achieved in all animals prior to skin closure. Dogs were reexplored postoperatively at intervals varying from 4 h to 6 weeks. When animals were killed, there was no gross evidence of splenic disruption or recurrent
bleeding; the spleens all had developed well-healed capsules. Histologic examination demonstrated a regenerated fibrous
capsule extending over the
injuries without significant inflammatory response. We conclude that FS provides adequate
hemostatic control of superficial and deep splenic
injuries; has good systemic and local compatibility; can be applied to
bleeding parenchymal
wounds; organ
ischemia is generally not required; avoids the use of parenchymal
sutures, which may be traumatic; and may promote splenic wound healing. Thus, use of FS is an effective technique for splenic preservation after
trauma.