Collagen sponge as a topical hemostatic agent in mucogingival surgery.

Hemorrhage from palatal donor sites during periodontal mucogingival surgery was controlled by application of Collastat absorbable hemostatic sponges. The use of collagen sponges was evaluated in 20 free-graft cases. In contrast to microfibrillar collagen, which is normally delivered as clumps of material, a Collastat sponge was applied as a single piece that maintained structural integrity even when wet and was easy to maneuver into place. The highly porous sponges conformed to the wound, absorbed fluid and produced consistently reliable hemostasis with no secondary bleeding. By stemming the seepage of blood into the throat, patient safety and comfort were improved. The sponges were left on the wounds and removed at the 1-week postoperative visit, revealing well-formed granulation tissue. Healing proceeded normally with no evidence of infection, tissue reaction, or other adverse effects.