Clinical study of bioabsorbable PGA sheets for suture reinforcement and use as artificial pleura

Bioabsorbable PGA non-woven fabric sheets were used to treat 103 patients who underwent pulmonary surgery in three hospitals, and their handleability, applicability, drainage time after surgery and subsequent side effects were studied. For suture reinforcement, these sheets showed satisfactory handleability, applicability and effectiveness for hemostasis and prevention of air leakage at the suture sites. Since this material has good compatibility with fibrin glue, use of these two materials in combination reduced both the operation time and postoperative drainage period. For small fistula and pleural defects, attachment of the sheets with fibrin glue to create an artificial pleura was sufficient for prevention air leakage without suturing. No side effects or complications were observed, and the postoperative courses of all 103 patients were uneventful. These findings suggest that PGA sheets are acceptable for suture reinforcement in the pulmonary surgery, and that when used with fibrin glue, can simplify surgery for emphysematous lung disease and shorten the period of postoperative air leakage.