Use of Gelatin Matrix Thrombin Tissue Sealant as an Effective Hemostatic Agent During Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

ABSTRACTPurpose: We describe a technique for achieving effective hemostasis during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using gelatin matrix thrombin tissue sealant.Materials and Methods: Between June 2002 and April 2003, 6 patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using the 2-component tissue sealant. Median patient age was 59 years (range 28 to 71) and followup time ranged from 1 to 10 months (median 4.3). The tumor was at least 50% exophytic on preoperative computerized tomography and the diameter ranged from 2 to 3 cm (median 2.5). The 2-component tissue sealant, consisting of a gelatin matrix granula component and a thrombin component, was applied after resection of the tumor and before reperfusion of the kidney. Time until complete hemostasis was achieved, postoperative bleeding, estimated blood loss, warm ischemia time and length of surgery were recorded.Results: Hemostasis was immediate in all cases after application of the tissue sealant for 1 to 2 minutes to the moist resection site. The l...