Experimental study on the in vivo behaviour of a new collagen glue in lung surgery

OBJECTIVE: To study the pneumostatic ability of a collagen polymerised with a polysaccharide (GAO) glue in lung surgery; its influence in pleuro-pulmonary adhesion formation; the pulmonary tissue reaction to it, its biodegradability, and the eventual alterations of pulmonary compliance induced by the glue. METHODS: Two groups of ten rabbits (controls and treated) were operated under ventilatory assistance by thoracotomy to promote pleural adhesions, and injury to the lung. Repeated chest X-rays were carried out postoperatively. Lungs were examined histologically at day 40. In vitro tests were performed to study glue effects on pulmonary compliance. RESULTS: Air leaks stopped 2 min after glue application. Persistent pneumothorax were likely seen in treated rabbits (ns). Glue induces a temporary reduction of pulmonary compliance. Glue did not increase adhesion formation, or interfere with the healing process. CONCLUSIONS: For its properties, GAO seems to be a good and well-tolerated tool to reduce air leaks from the lung, without inducing residual pleural symphysis.