Fibrin sealant prevents gastrointestinal anastomosis dehiscence in intra-abdominal sepsis.

We observed the potential use of fibrin sealant as a therapeutic modality for successful resolution of gastrointestinal anastomosis dehiscence in intra-abdominal sepsis. Forty-eight patients (33 men and 15 women) suffering from intra-abdominal sepsis were subjected to prophylactic appliance of fibrin sealant during immediate primary anastomosis during the laparotomy. The perioperative management invariably involved fluid resuscitation, active suction drainage of the abdominal liquor puris, nutritional supplementation, and growth hormone. The total surgical-related success ratio was 91.7% (44/48) for primary anastomosis with fibrin sealant in intra-abdominal sepsis. Anastomotic leakage occurred in the other four patients, two of which died because of leakage complications in our hospital. The hospital stay after the operation was 30.2 +/- 12.0 days. There has been no sign of recurrence over a follow-up period of 1-15 months. It is concluded that fibrin sealant may be useful in preventing gastrointestinal anastomosis dehiscence in intra-abdominal sepsis.