Photocurable Gelatin Provides Superior Hemostasis Compared With Fibrin Glue Under Stringent Conditions in a Rabbit Partial Nephrectomy Model.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether photocurable gelatin can provide effective hemostasis under stringent conditions in a rabbit partial nephrectomy model, in comparison with conventional fibrin glue. METHODS: A standardized partial nephrectomy model was established in ten male Japanese white rabbits by creating an 8-mm parenchymal defect. Animals were randomly assigned to receive either fibrin glue (Group A, n = 5) or photocurable gelatin activated by visible light using a ruthenium photoinitiator (Group B, n = 5). Blood loss before and after agent application was quantified, and the requirement for additional suturing was recorded. Histological evaluation was performed 7 days postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in control bleeding between the two groups prior to agent application. After treatment, bleeding volume was significantly lower in the photocurable gelatin group than in the fibrin glue group. All rabbits treated with fibrin glue required additional suturing to achieve hemostasis, whereas none of the rabbits treated with photocurable gelatin required suturing. Histological analysis demonstrated milder inflammatory infiltration at the resection surface in the photocurable gelatin group. CONCLUSIONS: Under experimentally stringent conditions in which fibrin glue alone was insufficient, photocurable gelatin achieved effective hemostasis without the need for additional suturing. These findings suggested that photocurable gelatin has the physical robustness required to overcome the limitations of conventional fibrin sealants and may represent a promising adjunct for hemostasis in nephron-sparing surgery.