Update of Surgical Hemostats: Materials and Applications

In spine surgery, intraoperative blood loss is known to be associated with the occurrence of both intra- and postoperative complications, making it a critical factor in complication avoidance [1]. Poor intraoperative hemostasis may obscure the surgical field, increasing the risk of dural tears or neural injury, and can lead to postoperative hematoma and neurological deficits. In highly invasive procedures, such as spinal deformity surgery, massive blood loss can further compromise the patient’s systemic condition and precipitate systemic complications during and after surgery. Consequently, achieving reliable intraoperative hemostasis is one of the most important requirements for safe spine surgery. In recent years, the availability of various topical hemostatic agents has contributed greatly to improved intraoperative bleeding control.