Surgical tissue adhesives in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

The primary surgical tissue adhesives used in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery include the cyanoacrylate derivatives and the fibrin tissue adhesives. The cyanoacrylate derivatives are effective for superficial skin closure. Use of this material below the level of the skin can result in acute and chronic inflammation and tissue necrosis. Fibrin tissue adhesives can be used for wound closure, tissue sealing, and hemostasis. Drawbacks noted with the fibrin tissue adhesives include method of preparation, relatively low binding strength, and variable resorption time. This article discusses the properties, methods of preparation, and clinical indications of the cyanoacrylate derivatives and fibrin tissue adhesives.