BACKGROUND: This study aimed to observe the effects of bismuth subgallate used on bleeding surfaces after hepatectomy, in relation to bleeding, adhesions and histological study. METHODS: A total of 30 rats divided in 2 equal groups were studied. Partial hepatectomy was performed in both groups. In group 1 (G-1) an electric scalpel was used and in group 2 (G-2) bismuth subgallate for hemostasis of the bloody surface was aplied. On the 7th post-operative day, rats were sacrificed and the abdominal cavity was investigated with respect to bleeding and adhesions. A total hepatectomy with the adhesions was performed for histological study. In the histological study, microcirculation thrombosis, granulomatosis reaction, necrosis, fibrosis, degree of inflammation and adhesions were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no post-operative bleeding in both groups. Adhesions were observed on all rats in both groups. G-1 presented omentum adhesions to the liver, here denominated physiological in 80% of the rats and the G-2 presented adhesions of other organs, here named pathological in all cases. The histological study showed that all rats presented a granulomatosis reaction and adhesions. G-1 presented a greater intensity of thrombosis and necrosis. There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to fibrosis or the degree of inflammation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that both methods were efficient to prevent hemorrhage. G-2 presented pathological adhesions suggesting its use is unfeasible in human beings. G-1 presented more thrombosis and also more necrosis. The granulomatosis reaction, fibrosis, degree of inflammation and microscopic adhesions were similar in between groups.
Hepatectomy; Hemostasis, surgical; Bismuth; Adhesions; Digestive system surgery; Blood loss, surgical; Postoperative hemorrhage
