The Use of a Powdered Polysaccharide Hemostat (HemoStase) in Live Donor Nephrectomies Controls Bleeding and Reduces Postoperative Complications

Objective. This study assesses the use of microporous hemospheres (hemoStase) procedures to control bleeding and reduce associated unfavorable sequelae in live donor nephrectomy (LDN). Methods. Forty-four consecutive patients who underwent LDN between January 2009 and August 2009 were included in this prospective study. HemoStase (CryoLife, Inc), Kennesaw, Georgia) was used topically in the kidney bed to avoid bleeding. We recorded intraoperative and postoperative bleeding control, re-exploration to control bleeding, surgical site fluid collection, infection, and postoperative wound complications. Results. Hemostasis was achieved in all 44 (100%) patients, none of whom experienced postoperative bleeding, fluid collection, infection or required re-exploration of the surgical site. Conclusion. HemoStase is a safe, facile hemostatic agent that effectively controls bleeding and reduces associated postoperative complications in LDN cases.