Hemostatic Agents for General Surgery (e.g., Surgicel®, Gelfoam®)

These hemostatic agents are designed to control bleeding during surgical procedures when conventional methods such as sutures, ligatures, or cautery are either ineffective or impractical. Oxidized-cellulose agents like Surgicel® create a scaffold at the bleeding site to accelerate clot formation and are absorbed by the body over time. Gelatin sponge agents like Gelfoam® provide a porous matrix that expands when saturated with blood, concentrating platelets and clotting factors to achieve hemostasis efficiently.

Specifications:

• Types:

  • Oxidized-cellulose absorbable hemostat (Surgicel®)

  • Gelatin-sponge absorbable hemostat (Gelfoam®)

• Materials:

  • Surgicel®: Oxidized regenerated cellulose

  • Gelfoam®: Porcine-derived gelatin sponge

• Form: Sheets, sponges, powder, or applicator forms (depending on product)

• Absorption Time: Typically 4–8 weeks for oxidized cellulose; 4–6 weeks for gelatin sponge

• Application: Adjunctive control of capillary, venous, or small arterial bleeding in general surgical procedures

• Warnings: Not intended for large-artery or vein bleeding; avoid use in confined bony spaces or intravascular placement due to risk of swelling or thrombosis