During which procedure is Gelfoam most commonly used?

Gelfoam is a hemostatic agent derived from absorbable gelatin sponge that is frequently utilized in surgical procedures to help control bleeding. During a myringotomy, a small incision is made in the eardrum to relieve pressure or drain fluid, and Gelfoam can be applied to the area to aid in hemostasis. Its ability to absorb blood and promote clotting makes it particularly useful in this context, as it helps to minimize bleeding around delicate structures in the ear.

In contrast, while Gelfoam can be used in various surgical procedures, its most common application is in those where bleeding control is crucial in the immediate surgical field, such as myringotomy, which specifically involves delicate tissues that are prone to bleeding. Other procedures listed, like TVH (Total Vaginal Hysterectomy), cataract extraction, and TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), may have different protocols and materials for managing bleeding that are more suited to their respective anatomies and techniques.