A surgeon, a rabbi and a lawyer walk in to an OR… Absorbable haemostatic agents and the dangers of product evolution – clinical, religious and legal implications

Abstract

Please cite this paper as: Gluch L, Gluch N. A surgeon, a rabbi and a lawyer walk into an OR… Absorbable haemostatic agents and the dangers of product evolutionclinical, religious and legal implications. AMJ 2018;11 (1) ABSTRACTAdjunctive haemostatic agents have been used in surgery for over 70 years. What surgeons may not know is that products intended for similar applications may have very different biological properties and that occasionally product upgrades may introduce a change in the material's behaviour. Many of the agents employed to assist in haemostasis may have a biological (animal) origin. A recent case brought to light the need to recognise the possibility of biological interactions. As consideration into this surgical problem unfolded, religious and legal questions began to arise. Key WordsBreast reconstruction, haemostatics, adverse effects Implications for Practice: What is known about this subject?This case suggests the possibility that some "inert" haemostatic agents may result in allergic type reactions. It has not previously been reported. What new information is offered in this case study?The complex biological origin of haemostatic agents and the biological, religious and legal implications of using them.3. What are the implications for research, policy, or practice?