Recalcitrant Anaphylaxis Associated with Fibrin Sealant: Treatment with “TISSEEL-ectomy”

Here, we present the case of an adolescent male who developed a severe allergic reaction 10 minutes after application of TISSEEL fibrin sealant to control bleeding during a gynecomastia revision surgery. Conventional treatments of acute hypersensitivity were ineffective. After a “tisseel-ectomy,” the patient’s condition improved and symptoms resolved. Besides oral tranexamic acid, and topical and local anaesthesia, no other medications besides TISSEEL were administered preceding the allergic reaction. After TISSEEL was identified as the allergen upon its removal, his clinical status improved. The patient had been exposed to TISEEL 15 months before the anaphylactic episode. This case can aid in decision-making for surgical re-exposure to fibrin sealants in the setting of acute anaphylaxis.