Use of topical hemostatic agents during liver resection.

Despite all recent developments in surgical techniques during liver surgery, blood loss is still one of the main causes for postoperative morbidity and mortality. Other complications include bile leakage and fluid accumulation intraperitoneally. Fibrin sealants are able not only to enhance clot formation and wound healing but possibly work as a sealing device for postoperative leakage and fistula formation. In this overview the underlying mechanisms for these agents are discussed and several clinical data concerning liver surgery will be reported.