Background: We evaluated the effect of calcium alginate as a hemostatic agent in a splenic injury model.
Methods: Experimental rats (Wistar albino) were divided into four groups. Group I: Laparotomy was not performed. Group II: After laparotomy, the abdomen was closed without any splenic injury. Group III: After laparotomy, splenic injury about 0.5 cm in depth and 0.3 cm in length was created by standard Rochester pean forceps. Physiological serum treated gauze dressing, about 2x2 cm in size, was applied to the injured splenic tissue for 3 minutes. Group IV: After laparotomy, standard splenic injury about 0.5 cm in length and 0.3 cm in depth was created. Calcium alginate wound dressing, 1x1 cm in size, was applied to the splenic wound. In all groups, blood samples for bleeding time and hemogram were taken. Peroperative blood loss, pre- and post-operative hemoglobin and hematocrit values were calculated.
Results: Comparing hematocrit values and peroperative bleeding in Groups III and IV, Group IV had a lower decline in hematocrit values and lower peroperative bleeding.
Conclusion: Calcium alginate has hemostatic capacity. It may be used in splenic injuries, especially for Grades I and II.