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We report a case of cauda equina syndrome related to the use of fibrin glue dural sealant "TISSEEL". Incidental durotomy (ID) is not uncommon in revision spinal surgery. Augmentation of the dural repair after primary closure is gaining popularity. The use of dural sealants is not risk-free. A 65-year old man who underwent revision lumbar decompression surgery developed postoperative cauda equina syndrome. He had urinary retention, bilateral leg pain and perianal numbness on the third postoperative day. We believe this complication was related to the use of fibrin glue to manage an ID. After the urgent surgical removal of the fibrin glue patch, the patient fully recovered with no residual neurological deficit. Cauda equina syndrome development is a potential complication after the use of fibrin glue to augment intraoperative ID. Surgeons should be aware of this potential risk so it can be managed in a timely fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrin glue has been widely used in a variety of surgical procedures to promote haemostasis and tissue bonding. It can also be used as a cell carrier for stem cells on tendons. However, the data about the effect of fibrin glue on flexor tendon healing is very limited. The present study examined the role of fibrin glue TISSEEL® in a rabbit model of flexor tendon injury. The rabbits were killed 3 or 8 weeks after the operation. The range-of-motion of the fingers and biomechanical properties of tendons were measured and compared between the control group and TISSEEL-treated group. The findings have shown that the range-of-motion in the TISSEEL-treated group was significantly different from that of the control group at 3 weeks after the operation. However, there is no significant difference in range-of-motion at 8 weeks after the operation. Moreover, there is no significant difference in biomechanical properties between the control group and TISSEEL-treated group. The results indicate that TISSEEL may attenuate adhesion formation at the early stage of flexor tendon repair. However, there is no significant effect on biomechanical features during tendon repair. In conclusion, this study has shown that it may be safe to use TISSEEL in tissue engineering applications for tendon regeneration and healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Comparison of conjunctival closure with fibrin glue and conventional closure in strabismus surgeries. Methods: Twenty-nine patients undergoing strabismus surgery were studied. Group 1 included twelve cases in whom Tisseel was used for closure and group 2 included seventeen cases in whom 7/0 Vicryl was used. Severity of redness, watering, pain, and discomfort in opening eyes were evaluated postoperatively. Results: In the first hour, severe pain was experienced in both groups without statistical significance; but in group 1, pain was less severe in the 12th and 24th hour ( P<.0001). After the first hour severity of watering was less in group 1 ( P<.0001). Discomfort in opening eyes was detected in fifteen patients in group 2 in the first 12 hours where only one case with fibrin glue had discomfort. In the second week, no differences in severity of complaints were seen. Conclusions: Conjunctival closure with Tisseel following strabismus surgery might be an alternative to suturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]