Wound management products

We have a range of Surgicel hemostatic dressing types available in different lengths and widths, as well as powder form.

This sterile absorbable plant-based dressing uses the controlled oxidation of regenerated cellulose (ORC). In fact, it is the only ORC product approved by the FDA in America.

There are four different types of dressing available, Original Surgicel, a mesh used to adhere the dressing to the tissue; Surgicel SNoW, a faster-acting version with better adhesive properties; Surgicel Nu-Knit, which can be sutured into place; and Surgicel Fibrillar, which can be easily moulded into shape.

There is also a powder form which can be dispensed endoscopically via an applicator.

Surgicel dressings are designed to help stop blood flow in difficult to access areas during the course of operations.

They are absorbable within eight weeks, but larger quantities may need to be manually removed once hemostasis is achieved, as it has been reported that swelling of the product can cause patient discomfort.

Dressings should be stored at controlled room temperature and are ready for use as a variable thickness adjunctive hemostat to stem intraoperative bleeding once removed from the package. They are suitable for assisting in control of capillary, venous and small arterial haemorrhage where other methods may be impractical or ineffective.

Surgicel hemostatic dressings help promote the body’s natural reactions to stop bleeding and start the healing process. Prompt healing lessens the chance of infections and may improve a patient's recovery, among other benefits.

You may look at Surgicel dressing cost and wonder whether it is good value for money, but American hospitals have found extensive savings through the use of Surgicel products. Around a third fewer patients require blood transfusions and they can be discharged on average four days earlier.

Surgeons reported shorter operating times too, which not only reduces strain on the patient, it also helps the surgeon and their team.

A Surgicel multilayer dressing works by binding with the damaged tissue of a wound and acts as a temporary coagulant while the tissue heals. The cellulose polymer reacts with the moisture in the wound, making it more acidic. This low pH increases bacterial resistance and so improves the chances of effective healing.

Once the surgeon has placed the hemostat on the wound and pressed it into place for three minutes, the dressing starts to work. It stimulates the production of coagulants while quickly forming a seal to prevent bleeding.

Surgeons can use one or more layers to achieve hemostasis, depending on the requirement. However, Surgicel should not be used as a replacement for sutures and is not suitable for use on infants under one month of age.

If your consultants perform the types of operations where a plant-based cellulose product would be useful, next time you reorder, maybe suggest that you buy Surgicel gauze for them to try out. It not only benefits the patient by promoting quicker healing, it also helps the surgeons by reducing operation lengths.