Background: Fluid accumulation in dissected tissue planes has been a longstanding problem following surgical procedures. The common use of closed suction drains has been associated with infection risk, wound healing complications, additional scarring, and patient discomfort. Additionally, seroma formation after drain removal often requires invasive treatment. Therapies that can reduce fluid accumulation and decrease the need for drains will have a positive impact on surgical practice.~Objective: To study the safety and the preliminary efficacy of a TissuGlu®, a novel surgical adhesive, in the management of wound drainage during abdominoplasty procedures.~Material & Methods: A blinded prospective randomized trial compared drain fluid output (volume) and complication profile in 40 subjects undergoing abdominoplasty with (n=20) or without (n=20) the use of a urethane based adhesive. The TissuGlu® adhesive, which required no mixing or preparation, was administered to the abdominal wall using a custom drop tip applicator prior to closure of the abdominoplasty flap. Two Blake® drains connected to J-VAC suction reservoirs were placed in the wound.
A blinded, prospective, randomized trial in 40 abdominoplasty cases at three sites to study the safety and the preliminary efficacy of TissuGlu®, a novel surgical adhesive, in the management of wound drainage during abdominoplasty procedures.