title: Aulogous fibrin sealant (Vivostat(®)) in the neurosurgical practice: Part II: Vertebro-spinal procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epidural hematomas, cerebrospinal fluid fistula, and spinal infections are challenging postoperative complications following vertebro-spinal procedures. We report our preliminary results using autologous fibrin sealant as both fibrin glue and a hemostatic during these operations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospectively, between January 2013 and March 2015, 68 patients received an autologous fibrin sealant prepared with the Vivostat(®) system applied epidurally to provide hemostasis and to seal the dura. The surgical technique, time to bleeding control, and associated complications were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Spinal procedures were performed in 68 patients utilizing autologous fibrin glue/Vivostat(®) to provide rapid hemostasis and/or to seal the dura. Only 2 patients developed postoperative dural fistulas while none exhibited hemorrhages, allergic reactions, systemic complications, or infections.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this preliminary study, the application of autologous fibrin sealant with Vivostat(®) resulted in rapid hemostasis and/or acted as an effective dural sealant. Although this product appears to be safe and effective, further investigations are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgical Unit, University Hospital, Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Graziano
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgical Unit, University Hospital, Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maugeri
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgical Unit, University Hospital, Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Basile
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgical Unit, University Hospital, Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Favia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Meccio
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgical Unit, University Hospital, Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico Gerardo
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Iacopino
keywords: Autologous fibrin glue; cerebrospinal fluid fistula; dural repair; dural sealant; hemorrhage; hemostasis