Effect of fibrin sealant on drain output and duration of hospitalization after multilevel anterior cervical fusion: a retrospective matched pair analysis.
METHODS
Retrospective matched pair analysis.


OBJECTIVE
To determine if fibrin sealant can decrease postoperative drain output and length of stay (LOS) after multilevel anterior cervical fusions.


BACKGROUND
Despite careful hemostasis, bleeding after anterior cervical fusion can occur and may be life threatening. Although fibrin sealants are commonly used for hemostasis, no studies have been published on the efficacy of these products in achieving hemostasis after anterior cervical surgery.


METHODS
A retrospective age-, gender-, and fusion level-matched pair analysis was performed on 30 pairs of patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion >or= 3 levels. In the study group, after adequate hemostasis was obtained, before wound closure 2.0 mL of fibrin sealant was applied as a fine aerosolized spray over and around the plate/fusion sites and the soft tissues to seal the main operative field. A deep drain was used in all patients. Total drain output, time for the drainage to decrease to <or=20 mL per 8 hours shift, LOS, and number of readmissions were determined and analyzed by experienced and independent spine surgeons.


RESULTS
Total drain output averaged 47 mL in the study group and 98 mL in the control group (P < 0.0001). Time for the drainage to decrease to <or=20 mL per shift averaged 17 hours (range, 8-29 hours) in the study group and 24 hours (range, 7-43 hours) in the control group (P = 0.0054). LOS averaged 1.2 days (range, 1-4 days) in the study group and 2.1 day (range, 1-5 days) in the control group (P < 0.0001). Two patients were readmitted within 4 days of discharge in each group because of swallowing difficulty, dyspnea, or pneumonia (P = 1.000). There were no adverse reactions attributable to the fibrin sealant.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of fibrin sealant at the end of multilevel anterior cervical fusion can significantly decrease postoperative drain output and LOS.
Yeom
Jin S
JS
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Buchowski
Jacob M
JM
Shen
Hong Xing
HX
Liu
Gabriel
G
Bunmaprasert
Torphong
T
Riew
K Daniel
KD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000601:surgery*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000639:trends; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive