Fibrin glue effectiveness and tolerance after elective liver resection: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The propensity of fibrin glue to achieve ultimate control of the liver raw surface and its tolerance after hepatic resection, were evaluated by a prospective study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy seven patients undergoing elective liver resection for benign lesions (n = 35) and malignant lesions (n = 42) including 7 with cirrhosis were studied. Randomization took place only at peritoneal closure and after completion of hemostasis and biliostasis.

RESULTS

In the group with fibrin glue (n = 38), a single dose of 5 ml was applied to the liver cut surface. The appearance of the liver margin at abdominal closure was judged as dry in 34/35 (97%) patients with fibrin glue, versus 34/42 (81%) in those without (p = 0.016). Although postoperative morbidity and mortality were not different between the 2 groups, the mean total fluid drainage during the three postoperative days and bilirubin concentration were significantly lower in the group with fibrin glue; respectively 242 +/- 249 ml vs 505 +/- 666 ml and 24 +/- 21 mmoles/l vs 65 +/- 47 mmoles/l.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that fibrin glue application to the hepatic stump after hepatic resection provides effective sealing with good systemic and local compatibility.