METHOD OF TREATMENT OF DISSECTED LYMPH NODE AND/OR VESSEL
Methods are provided that include applying to a surgical field in the patient following a lymphadenectomy or other procedure in which a lymph node or lymphatic vessel is dissected, a bioresorbable and biocompatible material in an amount effective to control oozing of lymphatic fluid. The material may be a hydrophilic polysaccharide material which, in contact with tissues in the surgical field, produces a gelled matrix that adheres to and forms a mechanical barrier with tissues in the surgical field to control oozing of lymphatic fluid. The hydrophilic polysaccharide material may include a modified starch such as a cross-linked carboxymethyl polysaccharide.
1 . A method of treating a patient comprising:
performing a radical retropubic prostatectomy on the patient; and
applying to a surgical field of the radical retropubic prostatectomy a hydrophilic polysaccharide material which, in contact with tissues in the surgical field, produces a gelled matrix that adheres to and forms a mechanical barrier with tissues in the surgical field to control oozing of lymphatic fluid.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophilic polysaccharide material comprises a cross-linked carboxymethyl polysaccharide.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the cross-linked carboxymethyl polysaccharide is a modified starch and is in the form of granules having an average length of from about 100 to about 500 micrometers.
4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein from about 5 grams to about 10 grams of the granules is applied to the surgical field.
5 . A method of treating a patient comprising:
applying to a surgical field in the patient following a lymphadenectomy or other procedure in which a lymph node or lymphatic vessel is dissected, a bioresorbable and biocompatible material in an amount effective to control oozing of lymphatic fluid.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material is in a particulate form.
7 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material comprises a hemostat.
8 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material comprises a hydrophilic polysaccharide.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the hydrophilic polysaccharide material comprises a cross-linked carboxymethyl polysaccharide.
10 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the cross-linked carboxymethyl polysaccharide is a modified starch and is in the form of granules having an average length of from about 100 to about 500 micrometers.
11 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material is PerClot® polysaccharides granules.
12 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material comprises a microporous polysaccharide.
13 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the patient has undergone a radical retropubic prostatectomy.
14 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material is applied to the surgical field after hemostasis is achieved.
15 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material is in a particulate form during the step of applying.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein following the step of applying the particulate form becomes wetted and forms a gel.
17 . A method of treating a patient comprising:
performing a lymphadenectomy on the patient; and then
applying to a surgical field of the lymphadenectomy a bioresorbable and biocompatible material in an amount effective to control oozing of lymphatic fluid.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material comprises a hydrophilic polysaccharide containing no animal or human components, wherein upon contact with aqueous fluid in the surgical field, the hydrophilic polysaccharide produces a gelled matrix that adheres to and forms a mechanical barrier with tissues in the surgical field.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the applied the bioresorbable and biocompatible material is enzymatically degraded by alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, and macrophages within 2 to 4 days in vivo.
20 . The method of claim 18 , wherein from about 5 grams to about 10 grams of the hydrophilic polysaccharide is applied to the surgical field.
21 . A kit of parts comprising:
a) a dispenser containing a bioresorbable and biocompatible material, and
b) instructions for using the dispenser to apply the bioresorbable and biocompatible material to a surgical field of and following a lymphadenectomy or other procedure in which a lymph node or lymphatic vessel is dissected.
22 . The kit of claim 21 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material is in particulate form.
23 . The kit of claim 22 , wherein the dispenser comprises a bellows and a nozzle.
24 . The kit of claim 23 , wherein the bioresorbable and biocompatible material is PerClot® polysaccharides granules, and the dispenser contains from about 5 grams to about 10 grams of the polysaccharides granules.