Use of aerosolized bovine-prepared fibrin glue for skin fixation after primary open rhinoplasty: a prospective randomized and controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Fibrin glue has been used in diverse areas of plastic surgery. To the authors' knowledge, no clinical controlled trial studies have reported its use for open rhinoplasty.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized, masked clinical trial was designed to demonstrate that aerosolized bovine-prepared fibrin glue used in open rhinoplasty controls skin fixation (flap movement), edema, hematomas, ecchymosis, bleeding, and cosmetic results 1 and 12 months postoperatively. The results were reviewed by two blinded plastic surgeons who assessed postoperative photographs using the Strasser score. Other items such as columella scar, pain, surgery/recovery time, and patient satisfaction also were evaluated.


RESULTS
A computer system was used to randomize 22 consecutive open primary rhinoplasties. Cosmetic analysis did not differ significantly between the group redraped with fibrin glue and the control group. Patient satisfaction was the only outcome that significantly favored the active group. None of the other items or adverse events significantly differed between the two groups, including operative time and pain.


CONCLUSIONS
Fibrin glue is believed to reduce bleeding and to improve the adherence of tissues. The only statistical difference in this study favored the patient satisfaction cosmetic score of the group that received fibrin glue.
Prado
Arturo
A
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Jose Joaquin Aguirre Clinical Hospital, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile. pradoplast@yahoo.com
Andrades
Patricio
P
Danilla
Stefan
S
Benitez
Susana
S
Wisnia
Pamela
P
D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016707:Tissue Fixation / Q000379:methods*
D000336:Aerosols; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive