Usefulness of a new biological adhesive agent, Gelatin-Resorcinol Formaldehyde-Glutaraldehyde glue (GRFG-glue) in treating an air leakage following lung resection

• Published in: Nihon Kokyuki Geka Gakkai zasshi (Kyoto, 1992) Vol. 9; no. 5; pp. 592 - 596
• Main Authors: Doi, Osamu, Kodama, Ken, Higashiyama, Masahiko, Yokouchi, Hideoki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japanese Association for Chest Surgery 1995
• Subjects: adhesive; air leak; GRFG glue
• DOI: 10.2995/jacsurg.9.592
• ISSN: 0919-0945

A new biological adhesive agent, Gelatin-Resorcinol Formaldehyde-Glutaraldehyde glue (GRFG-glue), was introduced and its advantage in treating an air leakage following lung resection was evaluated. The agent was applied to 11 cases with wide dissected surface according to limited operation such as segmentectomy and with complications such as an extreme pleural adhesion and a severe emphysematous change which often cause a massive air leakage from a cleaned lesion or a dissected surface of the lung. All cases seemed difficult to treat with a conventional fibrin glue. Two to 4 ml of GRFG glue was applied in each case. Five among 11 cases showed complete closure at the air-sealing test. All of the 6 remaining cases but one showed only a slight air leakage at the test. Average postoperative day in recognition of no air leakage from the drain, and of extubation were 1.3 days and 3.6 day respectively. No clinical adverse effects were observed when an application of formaldehyde was carefully managed. The GRFG glue is a promising agent which could potentially replace fibrin glue currently in use.