Safety and Efficacy of Microporous Polysaccharide Hemospheres in Neurosurgery

BACKGROUND: Effective hemostasis is mandatory for brain tumor surgery. Microporous polysaccharide hemosphere (MPH) powder, a white powder compounded from potato starch, was recently introduced for surgical and emergency application. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of MPHs in brain tumor surgery. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (mean age, 58 years; range, 22-84 years) underwent microsurgical brain tumor resection. Final hemostasis was performed by topical application of MPHs, video recorded, and subsequently analyzed. Blood samples were taken before surgery, before application of hemospheres, and postoperatively. Volume measurements of the tumor, resection cavity, and postopera…