Post-Operative Outcomes of Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Use in Women Undergoing Cesarean Delivery

Abstract

Introduction: In spite of careful technique, bleeding may continue to occur at time of surgery. Absorbable hemostatic agents have been developed in order to control hemorrhage. However, no study to date has investigated post-operative outcomes when oxidized regenerated cellulose is used routinely at time of cesarean delivery.
Objective: To assess post-operative outcomes associated with routine use of oxidized regenerated cellulose at the time of cesarean delivery
Methods: Retrospective chart review of cesarean deliveries divided into two groups: Those in which oxidized regenerated cellulose was used and those in which it wasn’t. Following data were obtained: Maternal baseline characteristics, estimated blood loss, pre- and post-operative complete blood counts and incidence of fever and post-operative abscess. Student t-test and  Chi-square were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Of 155 patients, oxidized cellulose was used in 77 (50%). Baseline characteristics between groups were similar. Mean estimated blood loss was not significantly different between groups (803 mL vs 800 mL, p=0.32). Increase in pre- and post-operative white blood cell count (3.5 vs. 3.3, p=0.65) and decreases in pre- and post-operative hemoglobin (1.7 vs. 1.9, p=0.21) and hematocrit (4.5 vs. 5.1, p=0.29) were not significantly different between groups. However, there was a significantly increased incidence of fever in the group in which oxidized cellulose was used (13.0% vs. 3.9%, p<0.05). Abscess formation did not occur in either group.
Conclusion: Oxidized regenerated cellulose use was associated with an increased incidence of post-operative fever without significantly affecting changes in pre- and post-operative hemoglobin and hematocrit.