Comparative efficacy of topical hemostatic agents in a rat kidney model.

The efficacies of four topical hemostatic agents were compared in a rat model employing a standardized renal injury. The materials used to effect hemostasis were oxidized cellulose, microfibrillar collagen powder, positively charged modified collagen, and single donor heterologous fibrin glue. Animals that were treated only with surgical gauze served as controls. Hemostasis was achieved by application of one of the topical hemostatic agents plus moderate digital pressure. The time necessary to achieve complete hemostasis was recorded for each animal. Control animals bled profusely and suffered an increased postoperative mortality rate compared with the experimental animals. Microscopic studies demonstrated progressive healing of the injuries with varying degrees of inflammation and scar formation. Fibrin glue was by far the most effective agent in controlling hemostasis. The collagen materials, though effective, required a longer time to control bleeding and did not differ statistically in their activity from one another.