Fibrin Sealant Reduces Blood Loss in Total Hip Arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a new fibrin glue spray, Quixil™, on blood loss and blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing total hip replacement. This fibrin sealant is derived from human cryoprecipitate. It imitates the final stages of coagulation and when sprayed over a wound it prevents bleeding. Thirteen patients received sealant, which was applied at different stages during the surgical procedure. Treatment patients were compared with 12 control patients who were selected according to the same criteria. The average total blood loss of the treatment group was 587 ml, a highly significant reduction in blood loss in comparison with the controls which had an average loss of 1016 ml (p=0.001). No patients in the treatment group needed a blood transfusion, whereas in the control group 5 patients were transfused with a total of 10 units of blood (p=0.015). We conclude that Quixil™ is an effective means of reducing blood loss and blood requirements in total hip arthroplasty surgery.