Systematic review of the use of fibrin sealant in abdominal-wall repair surgery

Purpose Our objective was to analyze the advantages and inconveniences associated with the use of fibrin sealant compared with mechanical means for mesh fixation following abdominal-wall surgery. Methods Literature search was conducted in MedLine, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library Plus databases. Articles were randomized clinical trials, nonrandomized comparative studies, and case series containing at least ten patients. Results The fibrin sealant was shown to be biocompatible with the surrounding tissue. In patients treated with fibrin sealant, lower prevalence of acute and chronic postoperative pain was observed, and less hemorrhagic complications occurred. There are no data on the influence of fibrin sealant on seroma decrease. Efficiency in experimental models was similar to that observed for mechanical methods of fixation. Also, adhesions with fibrin sealant were less than that for mechanical methods. Conclusions Compared with mechanical methods, fibrin sealant is an efficacious alternative for mesh fixation postsurgery of the abdominal wall.