A Comparative Review of Two Major Topical Hemostasis Agents in Spine Surgery

Abstract

Achieving adequate hemostasis in spine surgery is critical for both the patient and surgeon. Currently, there are two major topical hemostatic matrix agents used in spine surgery—Floseal (Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, Illinois, USA) and Surgiflo (Ethicon Inc., Raritan, New Jersey, USA). While both products have been shown to be effective at achieving hemostasis, there is no consensus supporting the use of one agent over another in spine surgery. There are studies comparing outcomes and cost between Floseal and Surgiflo, but a significant portion of the studies have industry affiliations. Generally, existing literature reports low to moderate cost savings in favor of one agent or the other, with no clinically significant differences in other patient-based outcomes such as postoperative hematomas. Animal model studies also suggest unique complications, including epidural fibrosis and associated nerve root compression with use of a flowable topical hemostatic agent. Further non-industry-affiliated studies are warranted to compare efficacy, patient outcomes, cost analyses, and possible unique complications associated with the two hemostatic agents.