Surgicel Size Specifications
Surgicel (oxidized regenerated cellulose) does not come in a single fixed size—it is manufactured in multiple standardized dimensions to accommodate different surgical needs and anatomical sites. 1, 2
Available Size Formats
Surgicel is produced in various forms and sizes, including:
- Standard sheets: Multiple rectangular dimensions are available, typically ranging from small (e.g., 2 x 3 inches) to larger formats (e.g., 4 x 8 inches) 1
- Fibrillar form: Provides different handling characteristics for specific applications 1
- Powder form: Available for certain formulations like Surgifoam powder 1
The specific size selected depends on the surgical site, extent of bleeding surface area, and anatomical constraints. 1, 2
Clinical Application Principles
The amount used should be minimized to the smallest effective quantity necessary for hemostasis, as larger amounts increase the risk of postoperative complications. 3, 4
- Dose-dependent infection risk: Studies demonstrate that infection rates increase significantly when 20-30 mg of oxidized cellulose is used compared to 5-10 mg 3
- Reabsorption timeline: Oxidized cellulose typically reabsorbs over 4-8 weeks, but retained material can cause complications including foreign body reactions, seromas, and compressive neuropathies 2, 4
- Imaging mimicry: Retained Surgicel can appear similar to postoperative abscess on CT scans, showing focal gas collections within masses that may lead to misdiagnosis 5
Surgical Site Considerations
For oral and intraspinal procedures, Surgicel is particularly useful in difficult-to-reach areas where traditional hemostatic methods are impractical. 6, 1
- European guidelines recommend topical hemostatic agents like Surgicel for venous or moderate arterial bleeding in parenchymal injuries 6
- In neurosurgical procedures, oxidized cellulose is preferred over bipolar cautery because it controls bleeding without thermal injury to adjacent neural structures 1
The key principle is using the minimum effective amount tailored to the specific bleeding surface rather than applying a standard fixed quantity. 3, 2, 4