Tissue Adhesives in Endosurgery

Usage of tissue adhesives/glues for tissue approxima-tion and hemostasis is increasing as the related tech-nology advances. There is no accepted classification, but surgical adhesives fall into 3 main categories: bio-logical, synthetic, and genetically engineered polymer protein glues. Nonresorbable glues should be confined only to surface application, such as closure of the wound edges. Adhesives for internal use, including he-mostasis, tissue edge approximation, mesh hernioplas-ties, sealing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fluid and intes-tinal leaks, and anastomoses, should be biocompatible and resorbable. In time, tissue glues and soldering will likely replace, in whole or in part, the use of sutures and staples for a variety of tissue approximation surgical procedures. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company