Long-range effects of Ivalon sponge containing isobutyl cyanoacrylates on rat tissue. A quantitative planimetric study

Efficacy of tissue glue for laceration repair in an animal model

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue glue (TG) for the repair of skin lacerations in rats with the efficacy of standard closure with sutures.

METHODS

In a prospective study, eight rats were anesthetized and an 8-cm dorsal incision was made on each side of the midline. One wound was closed with a single layer of interrupted 5-0 Prolene suture and one by application of TG. The time required to close each wound was recorded. Sutures were removed at seven days; the TG was allowed to fall off spontaneously. The animals were sacrificed after 20 days and the wounds were judged for cosmetic outcome. Four I x 3-cm strips of skin were excised from each wound; one strip for histologic analysis and three for load extension testing using a tensiometer. Specimens were loaded to wound failure while displacement (D) and energy absorption (EA) were recorded. The paired t-test was used for comparisons and reported as mean +/- SE. No significant difference between TG and suture was found in D (6.5 +/- 0.4 vs 5.2 (1.4 mm), EA (0.18 +/- 0.01 vs 0.17 +/- 0.03 kg x mm/cm2), or histologic features. The closure time was significantly less using TG (66 +/- 5 vs 401 +/- 17 sec; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

1) Sutures and TG in rat skin repair result in similar wound strengths (EA), amounts of stretch (D), and histologic feasures. 2) Wound closure is accomplished much more rapidly with TG.

High flow priapism after blunt perineal trauma: resolution with bucrylate embolization

We report on 2 patients (ages 21 and 33 years) with high flow priapism secondary to arteriocavernous fistula produced by perineal injury. Both cases were satisfactorily resolved by super-selective embolization of the fistula with bucrylate. Diagnosis was based on the results of gasometry in cavernous blood, color Doppler ultrasound and arteriography. Erectile function after 24 and 30 months of treatment, respectively, was normal in both patients. Review of the literature revealed that only 13 patients have been managed with arterial embolization. To our knowledge our report represents the first in which intracavernous bucrylate embolization produced detumescence with preservation of erectile function.