Fibrin Foam and Gelfoam in Experimental Kidney Wounds

Abstract

The authors compared the local tissue effects in the kidney of implanted Gelfoam and Fibrin Foam. Gelfoam is a synthetic substance prepared from specially treated and purified gelatin soln.; Fibrin Foam is a by-product of the fractionation of human blood plasma. The 2 materials were laid in the nephrotomy wounds experimentally produced in dogs. The wounds were then closed. The kidneys were examined for a period of 36 days. In the gross specimens, no apparent interference with healing could be noted, and no difference in the amt. of subsequent fibrosis could be discerned. Microscopically, the almost entire lack of foreign body granulomatous reaction to both substances was most impressive. The Fibrin Foam underwent almost complete autolysis in 12 days. Gelfoam persisted in microscopic amts. to the 36th day. Despite its longer retention in the wound it does not produce any corresponding increase in fibrosis or foreign body reaction.