The Role of Tranexamic Acid in Controlling Bloodloss During PCNL for Staghorn Calculi

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to assess the efficiency and safety of the tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss and the need for transfusion in patients diagnosed with staghorn calculi treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive technique used for large kidney stones. Hemorrhagic complications and urinary sepsis are serious complications associated with this type of surgery. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic drug that has the property of reducing intra or postoperative bleeding. The experience with tranexamic acid in preventing blood loss during percutaneous nephrolithotomy for is limited. The use tranexamic acid in percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn type stones is safe and is associated with reduced blood loss and a lower transfusion rate.