Lymphostasis and Hemostasis in Body-Contouring Surgery Using a Polysaccharide Based Hemostat (4DryField PH)

BACKGROUND: Following liposuction, abdominoplasty is the most frequent body-contouring intervention in the world. The transection of small blood vessels in large areas and subsequent bleeding is a viable risk during this procedure. The resulting microvascular bleedings should be stopped thoroughly to reduce the probability of related complications. In this prospective, monocentric, randomized study, the efficacy of the polysaccharide-based hemostat 4DryField PH (4DF) (PlanTec Medical, Lueneburg, Germany) is examined in classic abdominoplasty and lower body lift after Lockwood. METHODS: For this prospective, monocentric, randomized study, 40 patients underwent surgery for both interventions. Twenty patients received an abdominoplasty, and 20 patients underwent a body lift. In each group, 10 patients have been treated with 4DF, whereas 10 have been served as the untreated control group. RESULTS: 4DF had neither a beneficial nor a negative effect on necessity of drainages, drainage volume and duration, length of hospital stay or frequency of postoperative seromas, wound healing disturbances, and infections, independent of surgical intervention. Patients in the 4DF group, however, had more individual risk factors, and required extended surgical interventions that might mask primary outcome results. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective, monocentric, randomized study on 4DF in body-contouring surgery. The use of 4DF did not lead to a better postoperative outcome regarding hemostasis and lymphostasis. Potential benefits need further evaluation in high-volume studies.