Abstract
AIM: To assess the impact of the use of intraoperative hemostatic gelatin-thrombin matrix (HM) (Floseal®, Baxter Healthcare) on transfusion rates and short-term perioperative outcomes in gynecological surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center study, we evaluated data of 215 patients (83 cases and 132 controls) undergoing extensive gynecological surgery (e.g. oncological procedures) with and without intraoperative HM application. RESULTS: Cases and controls did not differ according to age, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and Hb or C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at discharge. Patients receiving HM had significantly reduced operative (168 vs. 199 min, p=0.02) and hospitalization (9 vs. 14 days, p<0.001) times. The mean postoperative Hb drop (3.33 vs. 4.51 g/dl, p<0.001), and the mean postoperative increase in CRP (94.9 vs. 149.1 mg/l, p<0.001) were significantly less pronounced within the HM group. Despite more prevalent coagulopathy (48 vs. 31%, p=0.02), e.g. due to anticoagulant use (15.7 vs. 3%, p<0.001), patients treated using HM needed less frequent transfusions of packed red blood cells [odds ratio (OR)= 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.07-0.24) and fresh frozen plasma (OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.24-1.05). In comparison to controls, the need for surgical revisions (OR 0.1, CI 95% 0.02-0.42) and intensive-care unit admissions (OR 0.15, 95% CI=0.08-0.30) was lower in patients treated with HM. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, our study is the largest case-control study focusing on Floseal® use in gynecology. The use of HM was associated with significantly better short-term perioperative outcomes. Due to its local action, HM seems to be particularly useful in patients in which anticoagulant medication cannot be paused.