Circulating cytokines in patients undergoing tonsillectomy with fibrin glue

Abstract Objective Fibrin glue is used as a haemostatic agent or as a sealant. The aim of this study is to objectively evaluate the efficacy of the use of fibrin glue Quixil – a human surgical sealer – in tonsillectomy, for the reduction of post-operative inflammatory response. Study design A prospective randomized single-blind study. Methods The study was performed on 40 consecutive patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy (TA the patients in the control group were treated for hemostasis without the use of fibrin glue. Complete blood counts and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (assayed by specific immunoassay – ELISA) were assessed in samples drawn pre- and 16 h post-tonsillectomy. Results Forty patients (aged 5.8 ± 2.4 years) were consecutively enrolled; 45% (18) of the patients were treated with fibrin glue, 55% (22) were not. Compared to controls, Quixil-treated patients demonstrated a reduction in post-tonsillectomy circulating leukocytes (29.2% vs. 45.4%, p p p p Conclusions Intra-operative fibrin glue therapy is associated with decreased immediate inflammatory response following T&A. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term outcome. Level of evidence 1B.