The Effect of Ferric Chloride on Superficial Bleeding

BACKGROUND Controlling superficial bleeding, despite all the progress in surgical science, is still a challenge in some settings. OBJECTIVES This study assesses the hemostatic effects of ferric chloride and compares it with the standard method (suturing technique) to control superficial bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this animal model study, 60 male Wistar rats were used. An incision, 2 cm long and 0.5 cm deep was made on rat skin and the hemostasis time was recorded using ferric chloride at different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, and 50%) and then using a control (i.e. control of bleeding by suturing). The skin tissue was examined for pathological changes. Finally, the obtained data were entered into SPSS (ver. 16) and analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and Wilcoxon signed ranks test. RESULTS The hemostasis time for the ferric chloride concentration group was significantly less than for the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Ferric chloride may be an effective hemostatic agent to control superficial bleeding in rats.