MESNA for chemically assisted tissue dissection

Importance of the field: To date, surgical dissection is based only on mechanical forces. The use of a chemical product that is able to ease tissue dissection represents an important advance. MESNA (sodium-2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) has recently been validated for chemically assisted tissue dissection during surgery or invasive procedures. No other drugs are available for this. Areas covered in this review: An extensive literature search was conducted that included published articles and abstracts on the use of MESNA during surgery or invasive procedures in the experimental and clinical setting, since 1997. Clinically validated settings are ear, nose and throat (ENT), gynecological and orthopedic fields. What the reader will gain: A state-of-the-art overview of intraoperative applications of MESNA, and a consideration of the possible mechanisms underlying chemically assisted tissue dissection. Take home message: MESNA has been successfully used to ease abdominal myomectomies and excision of endometrial cysts; in ENT surgery, topical MESNA could be widely used, from ear and skull base to head and neck diseases, in both outpatient and operating-room settings. In revision lumbar spine surgery, its use resulted in significantly easier surgery and reduction of postoperative complications. Given the high efficacy and favorable complications rate, future applications in the surgical field are expected to increase.