The objective of the present study is to test the use of a haemostatic sponge for urethral reconstructive surgery and to assess the relevant benefits.

Methods.

The haemostatic sponge is made up of collagen with human fibrinogen and human thrombin. When the sponge gets in contact with fluids, such as blood, lymph or saline solution, the fibrinogen and thrombin are activated and form a fibrin net able to achieve local haemostasis and tissue regeneration. This kind of product was used in 30 selected patients (pts.), aged 19 - 70 (mean age: 35), who underwent single-stage anastomotic urethroplasty from January 2006 to March 2007: 22 bulbar end-to-end anastomoses and 8 bulbo-prostatic anastomoses. All operations were performed due to post-traumatic stricture of bulbar and posterior urethra. The main selection criterion for the use of the haemostatic sponge has always been the tendency to and/or the presence of bleeding in the different surgical stages. The sponge imbibed in saline solution and suitably modeled for all specific requirements was differently placed: sleeve-shaped in the case of bulbar anastomoses (16 pts.); as a “patch” in the centre of spongioplasty in bulbo-prostatic anastomoses (8 pts.), and within the widening incisions of the urethral roof performed between the two cavernous bodies at level of the intercrural septum (5 pts.). In 1 case (obese patient) a single sponge was placed after the deep perineal reconstruction on the bulbo-cavernous muscle-subcutaneous layers because of massive bleeding.

Results.

In all cases a perfect control of haemostasis could be achieved, with immediate end of bleeding in the points where the haemostatic sponges were used. The dressings performed on day 3 upon removal of the compressive scrotum-perineal bandages did not show any late post-operative bleeding. The follow-up visits at month 1 and 3 yielded positive outcomes for all 30 patients, who achieved complete wound healing by first intention, and a perfect anastomosis especially in the bulbar end-to-end urethroplasty, confirmed by urethrografy at one month.

Conclusions.

The association of human fibrinogen and human thrombin in haemostatic sponges represents a manageable, useful product, apparently sure, not negatively interfering in repairing and regenerating tissue processes, and allowing a simple and direct control of important bleeding events occurring during urethral reconstructive surgery as well as other operations. It is therefore advisable to more widely use the product after a suitable follow-up period.