Lysine-derived urethane surgical adhesive prevents seroma formation in a canine abdominoplasty model.
BACKGROUND
Seroma formation is a common postoperative complication following many surgical procedures, including abdominoplasty. Several approaches have been investigated to prevent seroma formation by draining fluid or attempting to eliminate dead space, but these approaches have limited effectiveness.


METHODS
A canine model of abdominoplasty was developed that reliably produced seroma formation. Bilateral subcutaneous pockets were created in the ventrolateral abdominal wall and additional tissue damage was inflicted using electrocautery. On one side, the tissue layers were treated with a lysine-derived urethane adhesive before closure, whereas the control side received no treatment before standard closure of the incision.


RESULTS
Seroma formation (60 +/- 45 ml) was observed on the control side, whereas the treated side had adherence between the tissue layers and minimal if any fluid accumulation (1.7 +/- 1.4 ml) (p < 0.01) (n = 7). The adhesive invoked little or no cellular response, based on histologic examination of the tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
The urethane surgical adhesive was effective in preventing the formation of seroma in this canine abdominoplasty model.
Gilbert
Thomas W
TW
Pittsburgh, Pa. From the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, and Cohera Medical, Inc.
Badylak
Stephen F
SF
Gusenoff
Jeffrey
J
Beckman
Eric J
EJ
Clower
Dottie M
DM
Daly
Patrick
P
Rubin
J Peter
JP
D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014014:Tissue Adhesives