A comparative evaluation of Avitene and gelfoam for hemostasis in experimental canine prostatic wounds.

Microcrystalline collagen has been reported to be an effective hemostatic agent in brain, liver, kidney, etc. This experimental study in dogs and rats shows that microcrystalline collagen is a more effective hemostat in prostatic hemorrhage than is purified gelatin solution. No gross or histologic evidence of tissue damage or calcification was induced by microcrystalline collagen or purified gelatin solution. Wafers of microcrystalline collagen that are placed in rat bladders dissolve and do not induce calculogenesis.