Applied effectiveness of human fibrin glue (Tissucol) in tracheal reconstruction. Experimental research with a clinical orientation

: Tracheal surgery is not without complications in the genesis of which a by no means secondary part is played by the suture material use. To obviate these complications a variety of resorbable materials have been studied. In a personal experimental study in the rabbit, the usefulness of a human fibrin glue was assessed in terms of two of its properties: its adhesive capacity and its ability to seal the anastomosis. In the first place, use of the glue made it possible to reduce the number of suture points employed in fashioning the anastomosis. This is an important result considering the role played by the suture material in favouring the appearance of granulations and restenosis. Second, Tissucol has a good sealant effect on the anastomosis and reduces postsurgical complications such as subcutaneous emphysema and perianastomotic abscess. Finally, it should be observed that this material also offers good control of intraoperative haemorrhage.