Efficacy of a Topical Gelatin-Thrombin Matrix Sealant in Reducing Postoperative Drainage Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Abstract

Study Design: Retrospective fusion level(s)-, age-, and gender-matched analysis. Purpose: To determine whether the application of a topical gelatin-thrombin matrix sealant (Floseal) at the end of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) can reduce the amount of postoperative hemorrhage. Overview of Literature: The effect of the matrix sealant in decreasing postoperative hemorrhage following ACDF has not been reported. Methods: Matrix sealant was (n=116, study group) or was not applied (n=58, control group) at the end of ACDF. Patients were se¬lected by 1:2 matching criteria of fusion level(s), age, and gender. Seven parameters described below were compared between the two groups. Results: The total drain amount for the first 24 hours (8±9 versus 27±22 mL), total drain amount until the 8-hour drainage decreased to ≤10 mL (8±10 versus 33±26 mL), and the total drain amount until 6 AM on the first postoperative day (7±8 versus 24±20 mL) were significantly lower in the study group than the control group (all p <0.001). Conclusions: Application of the topical matrix sealant at the end of ACDF can significantly reduce the amount of postoperative hemorrhage.