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From Medscape

American College of Surgeons 2006 Clinical Congress | ACS 2006 - Highlights of American College of Surgeons 92nd Annual Clinical Congress

ACS 2006 - Latest Advances in Surgical Adhesives and Sealants

Albert B. Lowenfels, MD, FACS

Introduction

Are there any substitutes for sutures to reestablish tissue continuity? Are there alternatives to clamps, ligatures, or cautery for control of bleeding? The goal of this general session from the American College of Surgeons 92nd Annual Clinical Congress was to define the role of adhesives and sealants in performing these essential surgical tasks. Adhesives and sealants have wide use outside the field of medicine for various construction and repair tasks: What is their role in surgery?

Five main types of adhesives or sealants are available for surgeons to use, including:

* Fibrin sealants;
* Cyanoacrylates;
* Gelatin and thrombin products;
* Polyethylene glycol polymers; and
* Albumin and glutaraldehyde products.

All of these products have different uses along with different advantages and disadvantages.

For the full article see American College of Surgeons 2006 Clinical Congress