Validity of microporous polysaccharide hemispheres as a hemostatic agent in hepatic injuries: an experimental study in rats

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In the treatment of hepatic injuries, there is not always adequate and secure hemostasis. A hepatic biopsy is indispensable in the evolution of focal or diffuse liver cell disease, being necessary for candidates for liver transplant and post-transplant treatment. Many patients suffer blood clotting that increases the risk of bleeding. For this reason, it is necessary to seek for substances capable of bringing about hemostasis quickly and effectively. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to recognize the validity of the use of microporous polysaccharide hemispheres (MPH) as a hemostatic agent for hepatic injuries. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were used, split into three groups. Under anaesthetic, a laparoptomy was done and resulted in a standard liver injury that was treated in Group A with MPH, in Group B with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and in Group C with fibrin adhesive. Immediate hemostasis, delayed bleeding and histological evolution were timed. RESULTS: The MPH took on average six minutes to promote hemostasis and also resulted in re-bleeding, which required reapplication; the n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate took twenty seconds and the fibrin adhesive took one minute. The cyanoacrylate resulted in more intense adherence. The three adhesives mainly showed a chronic inflammatory reaction. The injuries treated with cyanoacrylate showed a larger area of injury (p=0,0164). The density of the collagen was similar in all groups. CONCLUSION: The MPH, despite achieving hemostasis, proved to be no more favorable than n-butyl-cyanoacrylate and the fibrin adhesive, the latter resulting in the lowest tissue reaction.