Study finds new sealant gel effective in closing spinal wounds postoperatively (OrthoSuperSite)
A national multicenter randomized study by researchers with the UC Davis Health System has found a polyethylene glycol hydrogel sealant to be effective in the postoperative sealing ofspinal wounds, according to a press release.
The gel plugs miniscule leaks in the dura of the spinal cord. Researchers note, however, it does not take the place of suture work.
“This substance is synthetic so there is no possibility of disease transmission, but does not replace a careful surgical technique of closing the dura with the sutures,” lead author Kee D. Kim, MD, stated in the release. “This sealant allows easy repair of spinal leak that may be present even after best attempts at dural closure with suturing.”