CLOSURE OF BLEPHAROPLASTY INCISIONS WITH AUTOLOGOUS FIBRIN GLUE

Autologous fibrin glue was prepared from individual patients and used as a surgical adhesive. Sixteen patients undergoing elective eyelid operations were studied. The fibrinogen was prepared from autologous blood by a cryoprecipitate technique. When mixed with commercially available thrombin, a fibrin clot develops with sufficient adhesive strength that the need for extensive suturing is obviated. Complications were few, and due to technical factors in the initial cases, all patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Problems associated with suture closure of wounds (eg, cysts, granulomas, milia) were not seen. The fibrin glue not only sealed the wound but also acted as a hemostatic agent. The autologous preparation is superior to commercial products since it avoids the problem of transfusion-transmitted disease. The fibrin glue and minimal suture technique is an alternative to eyelid incision closure and may be useful in many other types of operative procedures. © 1990, American Medical Association. All rights reserved.