Localized fluid collection after carrier-bound fibrin sealant application on liver: complication or proof of efficacy? A long-term clinical observational study.

Background/aims: This study was intended to evaluate the incidence and the long-term outcome of fluid collecting between the hepatic resection surface and a collagen patch. To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze these aspects.
Methodology: All patients undergoing hepatic resection with patch application from February 2006 to September 2008 were included. At followup, all patients found to have a collection between the liver surface and the patch underwent a CT scan every three months.
Results: Ten patients underwent hepatic resection with the patch application. No mortality occurred and the morbidity rate was 10%. No biliary leaks or free abdominal fluid collection occurred. At follow-up, fluid collections were detected in 60% of cases. The collected fluid did not increase in volume and in 66.6% of the cases the fluid spontaneously reabsorbed after a mean of 5.5 +/- 1.9 months from the operation.
Conclusion: The high incidence, lack of symptoms, favorable evolution and constant stability should be considered a display of patch tightness rather than a complication.