Randomized, prospective study of TissuGlu® surgical adhesive in the management of wound drainage following abdominoplasty.

[BACKGROUND] Wound drainage and seroma formation following abdominoplasty remain significant concerns to both surgeons and patients due to the resulting increased need for patient follow-up and delays in returning to normal function. While a number of approaches are used to reduce wound drainage and seroma formation, there is still no definitive solution. A promising strategy to reduce these complications is the development of an effective method for closing dead space between tissue layers in order to achieve improved patient outcomes.

[METHODS] We conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial assessing the use of a lysine-derived urethane adhesive (TissuGlu®, Cohera Medical) in patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Twenty patients were randomized to a treatment group and a control group, with the adhesive applied to the abdominal wall prior to closure of the abdominoplasty flap in the treatment group. Control patients underwent an identical procedure but without application of TissuGlu. Outcome measures included time to drain removal, total wound drainage prior to drain removal, and surgical complications.

[RESULTS] The use of TissuGlu was associated with a trend toward decreased time to drain removal compared to the control group (2.9±1.4 vs. 3.7±1.5 days; P=0.13). Mean total drain volume also tended to be lower in the treatment versus the control group (208.7±138.2 vs. 303.5±240.8 ml; P=0.14). There were no differences in adverse events or complication rates between the two study groups.

[CONCLUSION] The application of TissuGlu in abdominoplasty is safe and may decrease wound drainage and the length of time required for postsurgical drains in abdominoplasty patients.