Effects of Fibrin Glue, 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate, and N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate on Cartilage Healing: An Experimental Animal Study

Aim: Following septoplasty surgery, nasal packing is performed to stabilize the healing of septum and prevent septal hematoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of fibrin glue, 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, and n-butyl cyanoacrylate on the healing of the septum cartilage following septoplasty. Methods: Since rabbit ear cartilages resemble septal cartilage, 10 New Zealand rabbits were used in our study which was performed between March and May 2016. A total of 20 ears of 10 rabbits were used, with 4 separate incisions in each ear. Perichondrial flaps were raised and the following chemical adhesives were applied separately on the cartilage: Fibrin glue, 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, n-butyl cyanoacrylate. As the control group, no material was applied to the remaining incision. The right ears were examined at 15 days and the left ears at 30 days; samples were removed with solid tissue around the edges, treated with formol and histopathologically examined. Results: Epithelial integrity and re-epithelialization were adequate in all groups. As the epithelium and perichondrium thicknesses were compared in the 15-day samples, epithelium and perichondrium were thicker in the n-butyl cyanoacrylate and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate groups than the other groups. Conclusion: N-butyl cyanoacrylate, fibrin glue and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate are potential alternatives for cartilage and mucosal support.