Prospective study examining the use of thrombin-gelatin matrix (Floseal) to prevent post dental extraction haemorrhage in patients with inherited bleeding disorders.

The bleeding risk in individuals with inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) during exodontia is traditionally managed with perioperative coagulation factors and/or desmopressin, in conjunction with systemic and topical perioperative tranexamic acid and meticulous primary closure. Factor replacement is costly, requires specialist input, and carries a risk of developing factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors. This prospective study was performed to determine whether the use of a standardized Floseal and anti-fibrinolytic protocol could reduce postoperative bleeding in patients with IBDs undergoing dental extraction, as compared to factor replacement. All patients >18 years old attending Queensland Haemophilia Centre between November 2014 and July 2019 who required dental extractions were referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Unit. Patients were consented for intraoperative Floseal administration instead of factor replacement. All other operative measures remained the same. The bleed rate was assessed against a historical control cohort. There were 34 extraction events in 32 patients. Four of the patients reported postoperative bleeding requiring factor supplementation or desmopressin; the bleeding rate was 11.8%. While not statistically significant, this was a reduction in the bleed rate compared to the traditional protocol (P = 0.35). Third molar extractions were 10.33 times more likely to cause postoperative bleeding (P = 0.018). The Floseal protocol was equipotent to the traditional perioperative factor replacement protocol. Floseal use is more economical, eliminates the risk of peri-procedural FVIII inhibitor development, and provides a haemostatic option for patients with very rare factor deficiencies, pre-existing clotting factor inhibitors, and those with anaphylaxis to clotting concentrates.