Adhesive strength of fibrinogen-coated collagen patch or liquid fibrin sealant in an experimental liver resection model in pigs.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of sealing bile ducts by determining the adhesive strength of 2 different sealing agents, i.e. a fibrinogen-coated collagen patch (TachoSil) and a liquid fibrin sealant (Tissucol), in an experimental partial liver resection model in pigs.
METHODS: Pigs underwent laparotomy and partial resection of the left medial liver lobe. A 16-Ch silicon catheter was introduced into the common bile duct. Pigs were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 4 each). In group 1, TachoSil was applied on the resection surface, and in group 2 Tissucol was applied. After 2 h, pressure in the intrabiliary system was gradually increased.
RESULTS: No significant differences in the hemostasis times between TachoSil and Tissucol were observed (210.0 +/- 12.9 vs. 208.8 +/- 14.2 s; p = 0.9506). The pressure that could be resisted with Tissucol was significantly lower compared to TachoSil (77.0 +/- 8.6 vs. 131.8 +/- 16.3 mm Hg; p = 0.0405).
CONCLUSIONS: The application of TachoSil on the resection surface is equally effective in obtaining hemostasis and in sealing of biliary ducts as Tissucol. The adhesive strength of TachoSil on the resection surface, however, is superior to Tissucol. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.