Postoperative inflammatory reactions to sealed Dracon prostheses: a comparison of Gelseal and Hemashield.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess and compare inflammatory reactions to two types of sealed vascular prostheses used in the repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.


METHODS
Randomized prospective study with a follow-up period of 21 days.


METHODS
University hospital study.


METHODS
Sixty patients admitted for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.


METHODS
Each patient underwent repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm with either a gelatin-sealed knitted Dacron prosthesis (Gelseal, Vascutek, n = 30) or a collagen-sealed woven Dacron prosthesis (Hemashield, Meadox Medicals, n = 30).


METHODS
As indicators of the presence of inflammation, the peripheral blood cell count, platelet count, and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration were determined in each patient on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 7, 14 and 21. Body temperature was measured every 8 hours.


RESULTS
Patients in both groups revealed a low-grade fever and leukocytosis during the first 7 PODs. Significantly higher leukocyte counts were demonstrated in the Gelseal group on PODs 7 and 14. However, no difference in the leukocyte count, CRP concentration, or body temperature existed between the two groups on POD 21. Biphasis changes in the platelet count were observed in both groups. No complications were encountered.


CONCLUSIONS
The Gelseal prosthesis was associated with higher inflammatory response during the second week following implantation, but this difference had resolved by POD 21. This finding may reflect an inflammatory reaction against impregnated gelatin.
Utoh
J
J
First Department of Surgery, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan.
Goto
H
H
Hirata
T
T
Hara
M
M
Kitamura
N
N
D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D005780:Gelatin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D005780:Gelatin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein