Does Fibrin Glue Reduce Complications After Femoral Artery Surgery? A Randomised Trial

Abstract 

Objectives: to determine whether application of fibrin glue before closure of inguinal wounds reduces the incidence of lymphatic complications.

Design: we a prospective randomised trial.

Materials and methods: 224 consecutive patients were enrolled. The wounds were randomly assigned to standard closure (group A, n = 134) or closure with application of fibrin glue (group B, n = 132). The incidence of local lymphatic and non-lymphatic complications, the amount of lymphatic fluid collected, and the time to drain removal were compared in the groups.

Results: the incidence of lymphatic complications was 19% in group A and 10% in group B (p = 0.027). The average drain output and the time to drain removal did not differ in the two groups. The total incidence of non-lymphatic local complications was 10% and did not differ in the two groups.

Conclusions:fibrin glue application is associated with a significant reduction in lymphatic complications.

Keywords: Randomised controlled trial, Vascular surgical procedures, Fibrin tissue adhesive, Postoperative complications, Lymphocele

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• f1 Please address all correspondence to: L. Giovannacci, Surgical Department, Buergerspital Solothurn, 4500 Solothurn, Switzerland.