Bioglue: a review of the use of this new surgical adhesive in thoracic surgery

BACKGROUND: Alveolar air leaks and broncho-pleural fistulae after thoracic surgical procedures contribute significantly to hospital morbidity and mortality. BioGlue has offered the thoracic surgeon an alternative to the products presently used to reduce the incidence of these complications. This retrospective study reviews our experience with this new adhesive. METHODS: Forty patients upon whom BioGlue was used were identified through operation records. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were collected to establish use, indications and outcome. RESULTS: The predominant underlying pathology was malignancy. In 32 patients BioGlue was used during the primary procedure while in the remaining eight, persistent air- or lymph-leak led to a further procedure requiring the use of glue. The indications for BioGlue use were alveolar air leak (36), broncho-pleural fistula (2) and lymph leak (2). There was one death. In 35 out of 36 patients with alveolar air leak, BioGlue controlled the leak at the site of application. CONCLUSIONS: Our results in this particular patient group indicate that BioGlue is a reliable adjunct in the reduction of alveolar air leaks. Although further studies are necessary to establish the role of BioGlue in thoracic surgery in comparison to other sealants, these initial results are promising.