title: Hydrophilic polymers with potassium salt and microporous polysaccharides for use as hemostatic agents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Postoperative bleeding can lead to complications such as hematoma, infection, dehiscence, and an unscheduled office visit. Topical hemostatic agents can be used to aid in hemostasis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective is to familiarize physicians with topical hemostatic agents--hydrophilic polymers with potassium salts (Urgent QR powder) and microporous polysaccharide hemispheres (Bleed-X).
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hemostatic agents, microporous polysaccharide hemospheres and hydrophilic polymers with potassium salt, are discussed. The literature is reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Numerous types of hemostatic agents exist. Topical hemostatic agents are safe, cost-effective, and efficient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microporous polysaccharide hemospheres and hydrophilic polymers with potassium salts can be an adjunct to hemostasis after cautery and ligation. Patients can apply hemostatic agents if they experience any bleeding leading to decreased office visits. Hemostatic agents used intraoperatively shorten bleeding time and enable the physician to use less cautery. Using hemostatic agents can lead to fewer hematomas, infections, and office visits.
authors: Laser & Dermatology Surgery Center, Town and Country, Missouri, USA. hojules@yahoo.com
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Ho
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Hruza
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008863:Microspheres; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011188:Potassium; D012492:Salts
chemical_list: D006490:Hemostatics; D011108:Polymers; D011134:Polysaccharides; D012492:Salts; D011188:Potassium