Inhibitory effect of epsilon aminocaproic acid on fibrinolytic activity and bleeding in transvesical prostatectomy.

Abstract

The influence of the antifibrinolytic agent epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) on postoperative bleeding in transvesical prostatectomy was studied in 29 cases. Administration of the drug was started immediately before operation and in closes of 6 g every sixth hour. It was continued for 24 hours in one group of patients and for 96 hous in another.Compared to a control group, a tenfold reduction of blood loss was found during the first 24 postoperative hours in both EACA-groups. After this time a definite difference appeared in favour of treatment for 96 hours.A considerable increase in inhibitory activity of blood against plasminogen activation with tissue activator was found after the administration of EACA, usually sufficient to control per- and postoperative increase of fibrinolytic activity in blood.The use of EACA in transvesical prostatectomy affords an effective prophylaxis against fibrinolytic hemorrhagic conditions and reduces postoperative bleeding.