Controlling bleeding is one of the most important aspects of any surgical procedure. While sutures, ligatures, cautery, and direct pressure are often effective, surgeons occasionally encounter situations where additional hemostatic support is needed.

This is where absorbable hemostatic products play an important role.

Among the most widely recognized products in this category is Ethicon SURGIFOAM®, an absorbable gelatin sponge that has been used by surgeons for decades as an adjunct to hemostasis when conventional methods are ineffective or impractical. Understanding how absorbable hemostatic sponges work can help healthcare professionals, purchasing departments, and students better appreciate their role in modern surgery.

Inventory & Sourcing Note: As a primary medical distributor, Lexicon Supply maintains fully stocked inventory lines of authentic Ethicon SURGIFOAM® and advanced surgical essentials, ready for immediate local delivery or rapid nationwide fulfillment.

What Is Hemostasis?

Hemostasis is the body's natural process of stopping bleeding following injury or tissue disruption. During surgery, maintaining proper hemostasis is critical for visibility within the surgical field and for supporting successful procedural outcomes.

Surgeons use a variety of techniques to achieve hemostasis, including:

• Direct pressure

• Sutures and ligatures

• Electrocautery

• Vessel sealing technologies

• Topical hemostatic agents

The appropriate method depends on the type of procedure, the anatomy involved, and the extent of bleeding encountered.

What Is an Absorbable Hemostatic Sponge?

An absorbable hemostatic sponge is a sterile material designed to assist in controlling bleeding during surgical procedures.

Unlike traditional gauze, which must be removed, absorbable hemostatic sponges are designed to remain in the surgical site when clinically appropriate and gradually absorb over time. These products provide a physical matrix that supports clot formation and may be used when conventional methods alone are insufficient or impractical.

What Is Ethicon SURGIFOAM?

SURGIFOAM is an absorbable porcine gelatin sponge manufactured by Ethicon. The product is designed to assist surgeons in achieving hemostasis during a variety of surgical procedures.

SURGIFOAM can be cut, shaped, and adapted to fit different surgical sites and may be used either dry or moistened according to surgical preference and procedural requirements. Because of its flexibility and ease of handling, it has become a staple adjunctive hemostatic product in many operating rooms.

Common Procurement Configurations & Reference Codes:

To streamline facility procurement and match exact case requirements, these gelatin sponges are commonly sourced by specific item numbers:

• Ethicon 1151: Standard Sponges (Size 12-7) – Approximately 80 mm x 125 mm x 10 mm

• Ethicon 1972: SURGIFOAM Powder (Kit format for malleable paste application)

• Ethicon 1963: Oral Surgery Sponges (Size 4) – Approximately 20 mm x 20 mm x 7 mm

How Does SURGIFOAM Work?

When applied to a bleeding surface, SURGIFOAM provides a physical structure that supports the body's natural clotting mechanisms.

The sponge helps create a matrix where platelets can accumulate and clot formation can occur. Once hemostasis is achieved, the material gradually absorbs over time. As with all surgical products, clinicians should follow manufacturer instructions and facility protocols regarding product selection and use.

Common Surgical Applications

Absorbable gelatin sponges such as SURGIFOAM may be used in a variety of surgical specialties, including:

• General Surgery: Surgeons may utilize hemostatic agents to assist with bleeding control during abdominal and soft tissue procedures.

• Orthopedic Surgery: Bone surfaces and highly vascular tissues can occasionally require supplemental hemostatic support.

• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Procedures: ENT surgeons often work within small anatomical spaces where precise bleeding control is important.

• Neurosurgery: Specialized hemostatic products may be utilized when managing delicate neurological structures.

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Absorbable hemostatic materials are frequently used following certain dental and oral surgical procedures.

What Is the Difference Between SURGIFOAM and Gauze?

While both products may be used to help manage bleeding, they serve entirely different purposes.

Traditional surgical gauze is generally intended for temporary use and removal. SURGIFOAM, on the other hand, is an absorbable material specifically designed to assist with hemostasis and may remain in place when clinically appropriate. This distinction makes absorbable hemostatic products invaluable tools in a surgeon's armamentarium.

SURGIFOAM vs Other Hemostatic Products

Healthcare facilities today have access to multiple categories of hemostatic agents, including:

• Absorbable gelatin sponges (like SURGIFOAM)

• Oxidized regenerated cellulose products (like SURGICEL)

• Collagen-based hemostats

• Flowable hemostatic matrices

• Topical thrombin products

Each product category offers unique characteristics, and surgeons select products based on procedural needs and clinical judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions About SURGIFOAM

Is SURGIFOAM absorbable?

Yes. SURGIFOAM is designed as an absorbable gelatin sponge used to assist with surgical hemostasis. It is naturally absorbed by the body over several weeks.

What is SURGIFOAM made from?

SURGIFOAM is manufactured from high-quality, medical-grade porcine gelatin.

Can SURGIFOAM be cut to fit a surgical site?

Yes. One of the main advantages of absorbable gelatin sponges is their ability to be easily cut with sterile scissors and shaped to the exact dimensions of the surgical field as needed.

Why do surgeons use absorbable hemostatic sponges?

These products are selected when additional support for bleeding control is desired beyond conventional methods like sutures or cautery alone.

Streamline Your Surgical Supply Chain with Lexicon Supply

Maintaining a reliable stock of trusted hemostatic agents like Ethicon SURGIFOAM is critical for preventing operating room delays and ensuring procedural continuity. At Lexicon Supply, we partner directly with healthcare facilities, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and clinical purchasing departments to provide transparent bulk medical pricing and reliable logistics.

Explore our comprehensive selection of advanced hemostatic agents, or contact our contract sourcing specialists today to request an institutional quote.