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The use of local agents: bone wax, gelatin, collagen, oxidized cellulose

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Abstract

The use of local agents to achieve hemostasis is an old and complex subject in surgery. Their use is almost mandatory in spinal surgery. The development of new materials in chemical hemostasis is a continuous process that may potentially lead the surgeon to confusion. Moreover, the more commonly used materials have not changed in about 50 years. Using chemical agents to tamponade a hemorrhage is not free of risks. Complications are around the corner and can be due either to mechanical compression or to phlogistic effects secondary to the material used. This paper reviews about 20 animal and clinical published studies with regard to the chemical properties, mechanisms of action, use and complications of local agents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Claudio Schonauer, Enrico Tessitore & Aldo Moraci

  2. Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

    Giuseppe Barbagallo & Vincenzo Albanese

  3. 23, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 80122, Naples, Italy

    Claudio Schonauer

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  1. Claudio Schonauer
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  2. Enrico Tessitore
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  3. Giuseppe Barbagallo
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  4. Vincenzo Albanese
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  5. Aldo Moraci
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Correspondence to Claudio Schonauer.

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Schonauer, C., Tessitore, E., Barbagallo, G. et al. The use of local agents: bone wax, gelatin, collagen, oxidized cellulose. Eur Spine J 13 (Suppl 1), S89–S96 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-004-0727-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-004-0727-z

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