A new gelatine-based hemostat for sinonasal surgery: a clinical survey.

BACKGROUND To ensure more effective hemostasis in surgical procedures, a novel sponge of pharmaceutical-grade chemically cross-linked gelatine, characterized by a high pore density, reduced ligaments and a high nanoscale roughness of the surface has been developed. PATIENTS AND METHODS A questionnaire-based survey was carried out at seven ENT centers in Germany to collect clinical data. A total of 62 patients undergoing nasal and sinus surgery were treated with the new product to test its efficacy as a hemostat, its absorptive capacity, its handling in general, and its subsequent biodegradation. RESULTS In summary, performance regarding the above parameters was very good. No adverse events were observed. The major advantages of this sponge in comparison with other available products were fast hemostasis and that there was no need for removal of the dressing because of its biodegradation.