Experience with an albumin-glutaraldehyde tissue adhesive in sealing air leaks after bullectomy.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an albumin-glutaraldehyde tissue adhesive (BioGlue Surgical Adhesive) in preventing air leaks after bullectomy.

METHODS

Between January 1999 and June 2002, BioGlue was applied over the staple or suture lines of 21 consecutive patients who underwent resection of bullae for persistent or recurrent pneumothorax. An age- and sex-matched control group of 19 bullectomy patients from our center was used for comparison.

RESULTS

Air leak duration was significantly reduced in the BioGlue group (mean, 0.42 days; range, 0-2 days), compared with the control group (mean, 3.68 days; range, 2-11 days; P < .001). Chest tube drainage time was reduced to a mean of 2.33 days (range, 2-4 days) in the BioGlue group, compared with a mean of 5.42 days (range, 3-12 days) in the control group (P < .05). Morbidity and hospital stay length were slightly lower in the BioGlue group. There was no mortality or BioGlue-related complication in this patient cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of BioGlue as a surgical lung sealant significantly decreased the duration of postoperative air leaks and the time to chest tube removal. Use of BioGlue facilitates the postoperative course following bullectomy.