A Review of the Use of Avitene in Otolaryngologic Surgery

Chairman's Comments: Control of hemorrhage is a problem familiar to all otolaryngologists, whether the bleeding occurs post-tonsillectomy, from spontaneous epistaxis, or from major head and neck surgery. Operating room aids in obtaining hemostasis include pressure, hot packs (to accelerate the coagulation process), ligatures, hot cautery, electrocoagulation, and a variety of pharmaceutical products. This latter group is reviewed by Leland P. Johnson, MD, from the Division of Otolaryngology at the University of Utah, particularly microfibrillar collagen hemostat (Avitene). Dr Johnson brings the uses and abuses of this expensive but often invaluable material into sharp focus. This information is prepared under the sponsorship of the Committee on Drugs—Otolaryngology of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. George A. Gates, MD