Fibrin sealant treatment of splenic injury during open and laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy.

PURPOSE

We describe the use of fibrin sealant for rapid and definitive hemostasis of splenic injuries incurred during open and laparoscopic left nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 2 patients undergoing left nephrectomy for a suspicious renal mass splenic laceration occurred during mobilization of the colonic splenic flexure at open nephrectomy and laparoscopic upper pole dissection, respectively. Fibrin sealant was applied topically in each case.

RESULTS

In each patient fibrin sealant achieved immediate hemostasis and each recovered without further splenic bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The topical application of fibrin sealant safely, rapidly and reliably achieves definitive hemostasis of splenic injuries. It is simple to use in the open and laparoscopic approaches.