Hemostasis after partial hepatectomy using argon beam coagulation and a concentrated albumin

Background: The argon beam coagulator (ABC) is frequently used to control bleeding on parenchymatous organs during surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess whether it improves the efficacy of hemostasis of using the argon beam coagulation with a concentrated human albumin at partial hepatectomy. Methods: Thirty-two domestic swine were randomized and treated with either conventional argon beam coagulation alone (ABC, N=16) or the argon beam coagulation in association with a concentrated human albumin (ABCA, N=16) following by wedge resection of left median lobe of the liver using a digital fracture technique. Postoperative followup was up to 90 days for acute parameters and chronic bio-compatibility studies. Results: The ABCA group required fewer repeat applications of argon beam coagulation than ABC alone group (mean 0.5 vs. 1.5, p=0.007). The total blood loss of ABCA was significantly less than ABC group (mean 3.83 vs. 8.29, p=0.049). The post-operative reaction was similar to the both groups, which shows a chronic inflammation response as part of the ongoing normal healing process. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the ABCA is more effective and reliable than ABC alone in hemostasis of hepatic injury. Clinical trials of using the ABCA for solid organs injury repair are warranted.