Clinical complications in the application of polyglycolic acid sheets with fibrin glue after resection of mucosal lesions in oral cavity.

OBJECTIVES: Covering open wounds with a polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet using fibrin glue after resection of oral mucosal lesions is reportedly useful. We focused on clinical complications of this procedure: development of marked granuloma-like neoplasm (GLN) and abnormal postoperative bleeding (APB) on the resected region.

STUDY DESIGN: The characteristics of 100 cases with PGA sheet application after the resection of oral mucosal lesion were examined retrospectively by the medical records and/or oral photographs at our department between 2010 and 2016.

RESULTS: Our retrospective analysis identified included 8 cases of GLN development and 7 cases of APB. There was a significantly higher risk of GLN development when the PGA sheet was applied to the raw surface of the tongue. There were no immediate APBs, but 4 APBs occurred several hours after surgery. All APB cases involved the tongue.

CONCLUSIONS: Both GLNs and APBs are minor complications. Although all cases of GLNs did not involve the recurrence of a tumor, follow-up with incisional or excisional biopsy should be performed. APB in the oral cavity induced by the PGA sheet peeling due to fluctuating adhesive force of the PGA sheets and fibrin glue can sometimes induce life-threatening events.