Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2011; 54(05/06): 257-259
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1284394
Case Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Massive Swelling of Surgicel® Fibrillar™ Hemostat after Spinal Surgery. Case Report and a Review of the Literature

T. Menovsky
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
,
M. Plazier
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
,
R. Rasschaert
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
,
A.I. R. Maas
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
,
P. M. Parizel
2   Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
,
S. Verbeke
3   Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 January 2012 (online)

Abstract

Background:

Oxidized regenerated cellulose is commonly used in many surgical fields as a hemostatic agent. Complications related to swelling or compression after application of small portions of Surgicel® Fibrillar™ have not yet been described.

Patients:

We report on a 65-year-old woman who was operated for a high-grade spinal stenosis at the L2-L3 level. Small portions of Surgicel® Fibrillar™ were used to control bleeding from the epidural venous plexus. The immediate postoperative course was uneventful. However, one day after surgery, the patient complained about progressive worsening pain at the operated level. A non-contrast lumbar CT scan showed no evidence of a postoperative hematoma or other complication. MR imaging showed a horseshoe-shaped mass compressing the dural sac at the operated level from posterior and both sides. Because we suspected a postoperative hematoma, the patient was re-operated. No hemorrhage was seen but instead we found large, swollen firm pieces of Surgicel® Fibrillar™ compressing the dural sac. These pieces were removed.

Result:

Postoperatively no neurological deficit or pain was present. Histological examination of the removed mass of Surgicel® Fibrillar™ revealed only the presence of blood, fibrin and an amorphous eosinophilic content. There was no sign of any inflammation.

Conclusion:

On the basis of this experience, we advise caution with the use of hemostatic agents during spinal surgery and – if used – strongly advise the removal of Surgicel® Fibrillar™ after the hemostasis has been achieved to avoid the development of complications due to a mass effect.

 
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