Preface
When bleeding occurs, the doctor must use hemostat products timely to prevent any problems. Effective and rapid hemostats products can improve surgical efficiency and reduce patient pain; they can ensure the success of the surgery and the safety of the patient.
So choosing an ideal hemostat product is important, and the hemostasis is an important factor in any surgery or medical procedure where bleeding may occur. However, we also need to choose suitable hemostat products.
To achieve ideal surgery effects, doctors may rely on different methods and hemostats. These hemostats can be classified into two categories: absorbable and non-absorbable. We need to understand the difference between the two kinds of hemostats. They have many differences in materials, hemostat mechanisms, application fields, and costs; the physiological mechanisms and efficacy they employ vary from product to product.
This article will introduce the difference between absorbable hemostats and non-absorbable hemostats.
What are absorbable hemostats?
Absorbable hemostatic dressing is a medical material used to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. Unlike traditional hemostatic dressings, it has the characteristics of absorption while having the function of stopping bleeding and does not need to be removed again, reducing the patient's pain and recovery time. Common materials of absorbable hemostats include gelatin, oxidized cellulose, fibrin, etc. Due to the character of absorbable, the absorbable hemostats can be degraded within the body and need no secondary operation to take them out. Doctors can suture it at the surgical site and leave it in place, allowing it to continue its hemostatic effect even after the surgery is completed. This helps promote faster patient recovery while reducing the risk of postoperative complications and bleeding.
Common types and application scenarios:
Gelatin sponge: suitable for small-scale hemostasis in general surgery.
Oxidized cellulose sheet: mostly used for hemostasis in minimally invasive surgery and visceral bleeding.
Fibrin hemostatic agent: mostly used in trauma surgery and large-area bleeding.
Surgiclean is a professional brand specializing in the manufacture of absorbable hemostatic products, holding certifications such as CE, ISO, NMPA, ANVISA, and more.
Surgiclean absorbable hemostatic products series include Surgiclean Powder Absorbable Hemostat, Surgiclean Gauze Absorbable Hemostat, Surgiclean Fibril Absorbable Hemostat, and Surgiclean Sponge Absorbable Hemostat.
What are non-absorbable hemostats?
Non-absorbable hemostatic products are medical devices used to stop bleeding. They are usually made of materials such as high-density polyethylene, jute, wax, cellulose, etc. These products are not absorbed by the body and therefore need to be removed manually after surgery. Their advantages are good hemostatic effect and long-term persistence, which can increase the safety and success rate during surgery. Non-absorbable hemostats have the advantages of being easy to apply and having long-lasting effects. However, non-absorbable hemostats must be removed by the doctor before the end of the surgery. They act as a physical barrier to prevent blood from disturbing the surgical field. In addition, depending on the type, they can release hemostatic substances to stop bleeding.
| Characteristics | Absorbable hemostatic material | Non-Absorbable hemostatic material |
| Degradability | Naturally degradable | Non-degradable |
| Duration of use | Short-term (weeks to months) | Long-term (many years or even lifelong) |
| Applicable needs | Rapid hemostasis, short-term needs | Long-term functional replacement, structural support |
| Potential risks | Incomplete degradation or inflammatory reaction may occur | Risk of rejection or infection after implantation |
Common types and application scenarios:
Hemostatic forceps/hemostatic clips: used for physical compression to stop bleeding.
Medical gauze: suitable for superficial wound bleeding, commonly used in first aid scenarios.
Silicone hemostatic pads: mostly used for local fixation and compression to stop bleeding.
How should doctors choose absorbable or non-absorbable hemostats?
Considered the characters of absorbable hemostats and non-absorbable hemostats. Absorbable hemostatic products are suitable for deep, difficult-to-remove areas and situations where foreign body reactions need to be avoided. They are widely used, especially in internal and external surgeries. While non-absorbable hemostatic products are more suitable for surgical operations, daily care, and scenarios requiring short-term hemostasis.
In short, there are significant differences in properties and uses between absorbable hemostatic materials and non-absorbable biomaterials. When choosing, the characteristics of the material should be comprehensively considered based on specific medical needs, patient conditions, and expected surgical effects to achieve the best treatment effect and patient experience.