Sir Victor Horsley popularized the use of beeswax in modern surgery.
Composition may include:
(1) beeswax
(2) paraffin wax
(3) isopropyl palmitate
After formulation the compound is sterilized.
Primary use: hemostasis of bone to prevent oozing from marrow and small blood vessels
It may also be used for a variety of other purposes from covering wires to stabilizing screws.
Mechanism of action: mechanical tamponade
Complications may include:
(1) infection
(2) ineffective bone healing
(3) migration/extrusion of the material, which can impinge adjacent structures
(4) chronic granulomatous inflammatory (foreign body) reaction
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology
