Applications of fibrin sealant in surgery.

Fibrin sealant has been used with increasing frequency in a variety of surgical field for its unique hemostatic and adhesive abilities. Fibrin sealant mimics the last step of the coagulation cascade and takes place independently of the patient's coagulation status. With rapid advances in minimally invasive surgery, the potential uses for this type of biologic and synthetic material are expanding exponentially. This article reviews the data associated with the application of fibrin sealant in various surgical procedures. From reinforcing gastrointestinal anastomosis to repair perforated duodenal ulcers to mesh fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, fibrin sealant is gaining increasing acceptance among surgeons. The applications of fibrin sealant are expanding, and new preparations of fibrin sealant are currently being evaluated.