Expected Blood Loss Research Articles

A Comparison of Postprocedural Hemoglobin in Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis versus Large-Bore Aspiration Thrombectomy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism

PurposeTo compare changes in hemoglobin (HB) following catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDL) versus large-bore aspiration thrombectomy (LBAT) of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and MethodsA single-center retrospective review of patients with acute high- and intermediate-risk PE treated with CDL or LBAT between December 2009 and September 2023 was performed. The LBAT group was divided according to usage of an autotransfusion device (ATD). There were 166 patients in the CDL group (56 years ± 15). LBAT patients were treated without (LBAT, n = 58, 61 years ± 16) or with (LBATw, n = 47, 62 years ± 15) an ATD. Endpoints included change in HB between preprocedural and postprocedural measurements, the 7-day postprocedural nadir (low point), and adverse events (AEs). ResultsThe mean HB changes between preprocedural and postprocedural measurements in the CDL, LBAT, and LBATw groups were −1.3 g/dL ± 1.3, −1.6 g/dL ± 0.98, and −1.1 g/dL ± 0.9, respectively (P = .098). The mean HB changes to the 7-day postprocedural nadir in the CDL, LBAT, and LBATw groups were −1.7 g/dL (SD ± 1.4), −2.4 g/dL (SD ± 1.3), and −1.8 g/dL (SD ± 1.3), respectively (P = .008). The minor hemorrhagic AE rates were 3.6% in the CDL group, 12.1% in the LBAT group, and 14.9% in the LBATw group (P = .010). There was no significant difference in moderate (P = .079) and major (P = .529) hemorrhagic AEs between the groups. There were no procedure-related mortalities. ConclusionsThe use of LBAT without ATD resulted in a significant decrease in HB to the 7-day postprocedural nadir compared with CDL or LBAT with ATD. This did not translate into significantly higher transfusion rates or moderate or major hemorrhagic events. Findings suggest that the decision between CDL and LBAT should not be based solely on the expected blood loss consideration.

Efficacy of tranexamic acid versus placebo in reducing blood loss during burn excisional surgery: a multi-center, double-blind, parallel, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial (TRANEX)

BackgroundDespite an increase in knowledge, blood loss during burn excisional surgery remains a major challenge and is an independent predictor of mortality. During burn surgery, limited measures are available to control the bleeding. Increased fibrinolysis could be one of the contributing factors of blood loss during burn excisional surgery. Tranexamic acid inhibits the fibrinolytic response, and a small body of evidence shows positive effects of tranexamic acid on the volume of blood loss.MethodsThe main objectives of this study are twofold, (1) to investigate whether tranexamic acid reduces blood loss and (2) to investigate the changes in coagulation after burn trauma and during burn excisional surgery. This study is a multicenter double-blind randomized clinical trial in patients scheduled for burn excisional surgery within the Dutch burn centers. All adult patients scheduled for burn surgery with an expected blood loss of ≥ 250 are eligible for inclusion in this study. The study is powered on a blood loss reduction of 25% in the intervention group. In total, 95 subjects will be included. The intervention group will receive 1500 mg tranexamic acid versus placebo in the other group. Primary endpoint is reduction of blood loss. Secondary endpoints include occurrence of fibrinolysis during surgery, graft take of the split skin graft, and differences in coagulation and blood clot formation.DiscussionThis protocol of a randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss during burn excisional surgery. Furthermore, this study aims to clarify the coagulation status after burn trauma and during the surgical process.Trial registrationEudraCT: 2020-005405-10; ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT05507983 (retrospectively registered in August 2022, inclusion started in December 2021).

Prothrombin complex concentrate for emergency surgery in patients on oral Xa-inhibitors

BackgroundIt is uncertain whether prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) improves hemostasis in patients on treatment with oral factor Xa-inhibitors (XaI) who require emergency surgery. ObjectivesTo evaluate whether, in patients with therapeutic levels of oral XaI, preoperative PCC prevents excessive bleeding during and after emergency surgery and is not associated with thrombotic complications. MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study wherein a fixed 2000 IU dose of 4-factor PCC was given to patients taking oral XaI with plasma XaI levels of at least 75 ng/mL before the emergency surgery with an expected blood loss of at least 50 mL. Patients were followed for 30 days. The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of normal or mildly abnormal surgical hemostasis, as assessed by the surgeon; primary safety outcome was the incidence of thromboembolic events within 7 days. ResultsWe included 20 patients, of which 50% were female, on apixaban (75%) or rivaroxaban (25%) with median XaI level of 128 ng/mL (range, 77-497 ng/mL). The median duration of surgery was 2 hours 42 minutes (range, 15 minutes to 8 hours 17 minutes). Normal or mildly abnormal hemostasis was observed in 16 patients (80%); 2 patients had moderately abnormal and 2 had severely abnormal hemostasis, 1 each of those was considered due to local or technical factors. There were 4 deaths (20%) secondary to underlying disease and 1 incidental pulmonary embolism in a patient with cancer. ConclusionA fixed dose of PCC appears to control hemostasis in patients with therapeutic plasma levels of apixaban or rivaroxaban requiring emergency surgery.

Perioperative Blindness in Spine Surgery: A Scoping Literature Review.

Perioperative vision loss (POVL) is a devastating surgical complication that impacts both the recovery from surgery and quality of life, most commonly occurring after spine surgery. With rates of spine surgery dramatically increasing, the prevalence of POVL will increase proportionately. This scoping review aims to aggregate the literature pertinent to POVL in spine surgery and consolidate recommendations and preventative measures to reduce the risk of POVL. There are several causes of POVL, and the main contribution following spine surgery is ischemic optic neuropathy (ION). Vision loss often manifests immediately following surgery and is irreversible and severe. Diffusion weighted imaging has recently surfaced as a diagnostic tool to identify ION. There are no effective treatments; therefore, risk stratification for counseling and prevention are vital. Patients undergoing prone surgery of long duration and/or with significant expected blood loss are at greatest risk. Future research is necessary to develop effective treatments.

Intraoperative red blood cell salvage in cancer surgery

Surgery in cancer patients may sometimes involve significant blood loss, and intraoperative red blood cell salvage is an effective technique that can reduce postoperative complications. Autologous reinfusion of red blood cells processed by a cell saver machine significantly reduces the number of red blood cell transfusions from donors. The use of leukocyte filters eliminates the possibility of tumor cell release into the patient’s circulation. This method is easy to use, however medical staff should be appropriately trained in cell salvage. Intraoperative red blood cell salvage can and should be used in the management of patients undergoing planned or emergency surgeries with expected blood loss > 500 mL.

Ten-step minimally invasive slalom unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (sULBD) with navigation

BackgroundUnilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) is a MIS surgical technique that offers safe and effective decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with a long-term resolution of symptoms. Advantages over conventional open laminectomy include reduced expected blood loss, muscle damage, mechanical instability, and less postoperative pain. The slalom technique combined with navigation is used in multi-segmental LSS to improve the workflow and effectiveness of the procedure.MethodsWe outline ten technical steps to achieve a slalom unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (sULBD) with navigation. In a retrospective case series, we included patients with multi-segmental LSS operated in our institution using the sULBD between 2020 and 2022. The primary outcome was a reduction in pain measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back pain and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).ResultsIn our case series (N = 7), all patients reported resolution of initial symptoms on an average follow-up of 20.71 ± 9 months. The average operative time and length of hospital stay were 196.14 min and 1.67 days, respectively. On average, VAS (back pain) was 4.71 pre-operatively and 1.50 on long-term follow-up of an average of 19.05 months. VAS (leg pain) decreased from 4.33 to 1.21. ODI was reported as 33% pre-operatively and 12% on long-term follow-up.ConclusionThe sULBD with navigation is a safe and effective MIS surgical procedure and achieves the resolution of symptoms in patients presenting with multi-segmental LSS. Herein, we demonstrate the ten key steps required to perform the sULBD technique. Compared to the standard sULBD technique, the incorporation of navigation provides anatomic localization without exposure to radiation to staff for a higher safety profile along with a fast and efficient workflow.

Retroperitoneal Single-Port Robot-Assisted Nephroureterectomy with Bladder Cuff Excision: Initial Experience and Description of the Technique.

With the introduction of the single-port (SP) robot, surgery that was difficult to attempt is becoming possible. Nephroureterectomy (NUx) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma also seems to be able to attempt a retroperitoneal (RP) approach. to investigate the feasibility of SP robotic RP NUx with bladder cuff excision. we sequentially analyzed 20 patients who underwent SP robot NUx from January 2021 to December 2022. all patients were diagnosed with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and were operated upon by a single expert using the da Vinci SP platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) with retroperitoneal approach. A total of 20 patients underwent SP robotic NUx with bladder cuff excision. The mean age of patients was 69.45 ± 8.68 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.37 ± 3.00 kg/m2. The mean tumor size was 2.42 ± 1.03 cm on a CT scan, with right-sided tumors in eight patients (40%) and left-sided tumors in 12 patients (60%). The median console time was 106 min and 40 s, and the expected blood loss was 122.50 ± 75.18 mL. Final pathology showed that all of the patients were diagnosed as having urothelial carcinoma; one patient was classified as Ta (5.00%), three patients were classified as T1 (15.00%), seven patients were classified as T2 (35.00%), eight patients were classified as T3 (40.00%), and one patient was classified as T4 (5.00%). None of these 20 patients showed any complications based on the Clavien-Dindo scale. SP robotic NUx using a retroperitoneal approach provides feasible perioperative and postoperative outcomes for UTUC.

300 Intraoperative Thresholds for Transfusion During Burn Surgery

Abstract Introduction Burn injury is associated with significant morbidity. Deep partial thickness or full thickness burns require surgical excision and skin grafting. This process results in significant blood loss and frequently requires blood transfusions. There is scarcity in published literature addressing intraoperative blood transfusion requirements. The relationship between blood product volume and patient characteristics has not been clearly defined. The enhanced ability to predict blood transfusion requirements would allow for improved allocation of blood products and safer overall operations. Methods This is a retrospective review conducted at a large academic burn center. Inclusion criteria are adult patients admitted between December 2019 and August 2020 with burns requiring surgical excision. Prisoners, children, and non-operative burns were excluded. Operative cases requiring blood product administration were compared to cases that did not require transfusion. Two-tailed student’s t-tests were conducted with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results There were 103 total patients who underwent a total of 217 operations. Forty-eight percent (n=104) of cases required blood transfusion. As detailed in the table, the transfusion group had significantly increased percent total body surface area (TBSA) burn, along with longer hospital and ICU lengths of stay (LOS). Operatively, this group underwent more tissue excision (approximately 15% TBSA compared to 5%) with longer case lengths, coupled with higher estimated blood loss and a lower preoperative hemoglobin. Interestingly, the median time for the initiation of packed red blood cell transfusion was six minutes after incision. Conclusions The average estimated blood loss in cases resulting in transfusion was 907±462mL (with a median of 800mL) compared to 467±398mL estimated blood loss in the non-transfused group. Expected blood loss along with parameters such as planned area of excision (which was approximately three times greater in transfused patients) and severity of burn injury can guide the surgeon in anticipating perioperative administration of blood products. Future directions include stratification of blood volume administration by %TBSA, operative time, LOS, and percent excision. Applicability of Research to Practice The ability to predict blood product requirements preoperatively coupled with the incorporation of perioperative parameters can assist in the judicious and appropriate use of blood products during burn operations.

Long-term outcomes after core extirpation of fibrous dysplasia of the zygomaticomaxillary region.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a localized bone disorder in which fibro-osseous tissue replaces the normal bone structure. Patients with craniofacial FD often present with gradual swelling, deformity, and compromised vision or hearing. We previously introduced "the core extirpation method," a novel surgical technique that is minimally invasive like traditional bone shaving but has longer-lasting effects. This study presents the long-term outcomes of our core extirpation method. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent core extirpation for FD of the zygomaticomaxillary region from 2012 through 2021. Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed 6 to 12 months before the operation, immediately before and after the operation, and during follow-up visits. We performed all operations using the upper gingivobuccal approach, and we extirpated the core of the lesion while preserving the cortical structures of the zygoma and the maxilla to maintain symmetrical facial contour. In 12 patients with lesions in the growth phase, anteroposterior/mediolateral (AP/ML) length discrepancies and the volume increased between preoperative and immediate postoperative CT scans. All patients' immediate postoperative AP/ML discrepancies were stable up to 12-17 months postoperatively. Postoperative volume showed continuous lesion growth; the median volume growth rate was 0.61 cc per month. In this article, we present our experiences managing FD using the minimally invasive core extirpation technique, which entails small expected blood loss and can be performed as day surgery. It provides similar cosmetic outcomes as traditional bone shaving but with longer-lasting results. Although there are some limitations with the study's retrospective nature and small sample size, our 4-year follow-up results show promising results of the core extirpation method in well-indicated patients.

Hemodynamic protective effects of epinephrine containing saline irrigation in biportal endoscopic lumbar surgery.

During endoscopic orthopedic surgery, epinephrine mixed with irrigation saline is frequently used to improve visualization. By monitoring hemodynamic parameters throughout the procedure, we intended to discover the hemodynamic effect of epinephrine between the normal saline irrigation fluid without epinephrine group (NS) and normal saline irrigation fluid with epinephrine group (EPI).Patients who underwent 1-level lumbar decompression or discectomy surgery without fusion between August 2019 and July 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The hemodynamic parameters were compared between the NS group and EPI group. As a second endpoint, the incidence of hypotension and hypertension events, expected blood loss, postoperative nausea and vomiting and postoperative epidural hematoma were compared between the 2 groups.The 2 groups were homogeneous in terms of age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), ASA physical status (ASA PS), and diagnosis. The incidence of hypotension events (67.2 % in the NS group, 45.7 % in the EPI group, P =.015) and severe hypotension events (51.7 % in the NS group, 28.6 % in the EPI group, P = .015) were less frequent in the EPI group. Only epinephrine had a significant protective effect through a multivariable analysis (P = .027, OR = 2.361) and in severe hypotension events, only epinephrine had a significant protective effect through a multivariable analysis (P = .011, OR = 2.818), and EBL was the risk factor through a multivariable analysis (P = .016, OR = 1.002)We believe that the addition of epinephrine to irrigation saline has hemodynamic protective effects in patients who underwent endoscopic lumbar surgery.

Type-2 Neurofibromatosis Patient with Parasagittal Meningioma: A Challenging Airway

AbstractThe anesthetic management of a type-2 neurofibromatosis patient with a difficult airway is quite challenging. Such a situation tests the limits of the anesthesiologist's preparedness in maintaining the balance of the cerebral protection strategies and securing the airway. The anticipated challenges include managing the airway, controlling the raised intracranial pressure, and maintaining stable hemodynamics in anticipation of the expected blood loss. This article focuses on the preoperative airway evaluation and intraoperative preparedness in case of a patient with type-2 neurofibromatosis scheduled for craniotomy and excision of intracranial meningioma.

Efficacy of Red Cell Salvage Systems in Open Acetabular Surgery.

Over the past 50 years, treatment of displaced acetabular fractures has moved away from conservative treatment with bedrest to operative intervention to achieve anatomic reduction, stable fixation, and allow early range of motion of the hip. However, operative fixation is not without complications. Internal fixation of traumatic acetabular fractures has been coupled with large volume of blood loss both at the time of injury and surgery. This often results in the need for allogenic blood products, which has been linked to increase morbidity (Vamvakas and Blajchman, 2009). In an attempt to avoid the risk associated with allogenic blood transfusion numerous techniques and methods have been devised. Red blood cell salvage (CS) is an intraoperative blood salvage tool where blood is harvested from the operative field. It is washed to remove the plasma, white blood cells, and platelets. The red cells are resuspended in a crystalloid solution. If the hematocrit of the resuspended red blood cells is sufficient, it is transfused to the patient intravenously. The benefits of CS in major spine surgery, bilateral knee replacement, and revision hip surgery are well established (Goulet et al. 1989, Gee et al. 2011, Canan et al. 2013). However, literature reviewing the use of cell saver in orthopedic trauma surgery, specifically acetabular surgery is limited. Our institute performed a retrospective review of 63 consecutive operative acetabular fractures at a level one trauma center. Our study revealed that patients with blood loss of less than 400 mL were 13 times less likely to receive autologous blood, and patients with hemoglobin less than 10.5 were 5 times less likely to receive autologous transfusion (p < 0.05). We also found that no patients with a hemoglobin level less than 10.5 and EBL less than 400 mL received autologous blood return. Autologous blood transfusion had no effect on volume or rate of allogenic blood transfusion. We believed that if a patient's preoperative hemoglobin is less than 10.5 or expected blood loss is less than 400 mL, then CS should have a very limited role, if any, in the preoperative blood conservation strategy. We found ASA greater than 2, BMI greater than 24 and associated fracture type to be a risk factor for high blood loss.

Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: Off-Clamp Versus on Clamp.

Purpose:The aim of this study is to describe our experience in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and to compare the differences between off-clamp and on-clamp techniques in terms of clinical characteristics and outcomes. Methods:A retrospective study was utilized. A purposeful sampling method was used to select the patients. The inclusion criteria for kidney tumors were as follows: exophytic, maximum diameter 3 cm, RENAL score 4 or more, solid or cystic, and suspected of malignancy. Around 32 participants were selected. The data were collected from patient files. Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the mean of the off-clamp group and the on-clamp group in terms of tumor size, size of the kidney, and the position of the tumor. The average expected blood loss in the off-clamp group was 150.15 +/- 60.25 mL and in the on-clamp group was 75.25+/- 40.11 mL, with a p-value of less than 0.001. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the most common surgical complications, postoperative drainage, overall operation time, renorrhaphy time, and postoperative bedtime. Conclusion:The off-clamp group was shown to have a higher tumor resection duration as well as a higher rate of expected blood loss. The functional result of alterations in the estimated glomerular filtration rate seemed to be better in the off-clamp group. We expect to understand its long-term safety and oncological efficacy better as we continue to use this method.

Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi-center, multinational study on the safety and efficacy of 6% Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) sOlution versus an Electrolyte solutioN In patients undergoing eleCtive abdominal Surgery: study protocol for the PHOENICS study

BackgroundHydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are used for volume therapy to treat hypovolemia due to acute blood loss and to maintain hemodynamic stability. This study was requested by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to provide more evidence on the long-term safety and efficacy of HES solutions in the perioperative setting.MethodsPHOENICS is a randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi-center, multinational phase IV (IIIb) study with two parallel groups to investigate non-inferiority regarding the safety of a 6% HES 130 solution (Volulyte 6%, Fresenius Kabi, Germany) compared with a crystalloid solution (Ionolyte, Fresenius Kabi, Germany) for infusion in patients with acute blood loss during elective abdominal surgery. A total of 2280 eligible patients (male and female patients willing to participate, with expected blood loss ≥ 500 ml, aged > 40 and ≤ 85 years, and ASA Physical status II–III) are randomly assigned to receive either HES or crystalloid solution for the treatment of hypovolemia due to surgery-induced acute blood loss in hospitals in up to 11 European countries. The dosing of investigational products (IP) is individualized to patients’ volume needs and guided by a volume algorithm. Patients are treated with IP for maximally 24 h or until the maximum daily dose of 30 ml/kg body weight is reached.The primary endpoint is the treatment group mean difference in the change from the pre-operative baseline value in cystatin-C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), to the eGFR value calculated from the highest cystatin-C level measured during post-operative days 1-3. Further safety and efficacy parameters include, e.g., combined mortality/major post-operative complications until day 90, renal function, coagulation, inflammation, hemodynamic variables, hospital length of stay, major post-operative complications, and 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality.DiscussionThe study will provide important information on the long-term safety and efficacy of HES 130/0.4 when administered according to the approved European product information. The results will be relevant for volume therapy of surgical patients.Trial registrationEudraCT 2016-002162-30. ClinicalTrials.govNCT03278548

Should We Stop Collecting the Preoperative Autologous Blood before Bone Marrow Harvest?

Preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) in bone marrow (BM) donors is performed to meet potential post-harvest transfusion needs and to avoid the risk of allogeneic transfusions. We reviewed retrospectively bone marrow harvests in 216 healthy donors during a ten-year period to determine the use of autologous blood. All donors except four had undergone PAD. The initial hemoglobin level of 153 g/L (male donors) and 135 g/L (female donors), respectively, decreased by about 8 g/L after preoperative blood donation and by 23 g/L after bone marrow harvest (medians). Autologous blood was administered to 70% of donors, 30% of the units remained unused. The evaluation of the risk of reaching transfusion threshold (<115 g/L males, <105 g/L females) revealed that donors with initial hemoglobin above 145 g/L and those weighing above 75 kg have minimal risk of requiring blood substitution (about 10%). A larger volume of bone marrow was obtained from male compared to female donors (1300 vs. 1100 mL) because of their higher body weight, which resulted in a higher number of procured nucleated cells (362 vs. 307 × 106/kg TNC, ns). The donor-recipient weight difference predicted the probability of sufficient collection. Only 1.5% of donors weighing ≥ 20 kg more than recipients failed to reach ≥3 × 108/kg TNC recipient. Our findings affirm previous data that PAD is unnecessary for healthy marrow donors and may be indicated individually after considering the pre-collection hemoglobin level, donor and recipient weight, and expected blood loss. Reasonable substitution cut-offs have to be set together with clinical symptom evaluation. The effective use of PAD also requires an adequate time interval between PAD and BM harvest.

Les pertes sanguines sont 1,38 à 2,17 fois plus importantes après reprise de PTG qu’après PTG primaire : analyse rétrospective de 898 cas

BackgroundThere are a number of factors that influence blood loss during and after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and revision TKA (rTKA). The purpose of this study was to provide a factorial assessment that would aid surgeons in managing expected blood loss in rTKA, when compared to TKA. The first question asked was the blood loss and transfusions between TKA and rTKA and the second question were risk factors for blood loss after rTKA. HypothesisBlood loss in any rTKA is higher than in TKA by a factor of 2. Patients and methodsA retrospective single-center consecutive series of rTKA between 2006 and 2018 was performed. Based on the rTKA types identified in joint registries, 4 rTKA cohorts were created: aseptic minor rTKA, aseptic major rTKA, 1st stage, and 2nd stage septic rTKA. A consecutive TKA cohort from the same study period was used to create a propensity score matched cohort with the aseptic major rTKA cohort. ResultA total of 622 rTKA were identified. Aseptic major rTKA had double the median blood loss than TKA. The lowest blood loss was observed in the TKA group followed by aseptic minor rTKA, and the highest in 2nd stage septic rTKA. The median total blood loss was higher in all rTKA by a factor ranging between 1.38 and 2.17. Higher age, female gender, lower preoperative hemoglobin, chronic heart disease and history of myocardial infarction were risk factors for increased blood loss. The type of rTKA performed was not predictive of blood loss in the linear regression analysis. DiscussionBlood loss after rTKA is 1.38- to 2.17-fold higher than after TKA. The blood loss observed in 2nd stage septic rTKA and aseptic major rTKA was the highest. Older, female patients, with a low preoperative hemoglobin were identified to be at the highest risk of blood loss after rTKA. Strategies for further blood loss reductions need to be utilized to the fullest extent for these procedures. Level of evidenceIII; retrospective prognostic study.

Is fresh, leucodepleted, whole blood transfusion superior to blood component transfusion in pediatric patients undergoing spinal deformity surgeries? A prospective, randomized study analyzing postoperative serological parameters and clinical recovery.

PurposeTo compare the effectiveness of fresh whole blood (FWB) and blood component transfusion in improving clinical outcome and serological parameters in the early postoperative period following spinal deformity surgery.MethodsPatients undergoing major spinal deformity surgeries involving ≥ 6 levels of fusion and expected blood loss ≥ 750 ml between September 2017 and August 2018 were included in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups: FWBG and CG, receiving fresh whole blood and component transfusions, respectively.ResultsA total of 65 patients with spinal deformities of different etiologies were included. The mean age was 14.0 and 14.9 years in FWB and CG, respectively. All other preoperative parameters were comparable. The mean fusion levels and surgical time were 11.1 and 221.20 min in FWB, as compared with 10.70 and 208.74minutes in CG, respectively. Intraoperative blood losses were 929 ml (FWBG) and 847 ml(CG), and the mean volumes of transfusion were 1.90 (FWBG) and 1.65 units (CG). FWBG was significantly superior to CG in the following clinical and laboratory parameters: duration of oxygen dependence [36.43 (FWBG) vs. 43.45 h (CG); P = 0.0256], mean arterial pH [7.442 (FWBG) vs. 7.394 (CG); p < 0.001], interleukin-6 [30.04 (FWBG) vs. 35.10 (CG); p < 0.019], mean duration of HDU stay [40.6 hours (FWBG) vs 46.51 hours (CG); p = 0.0234] and postoperative facial puffiness [7/30 in FWBG vs. 18/35 (CG) (P < 0.02)].ConclusionFWB transfusion can potentially improve the immediate postoperative outcome in patients undergoing major spinal deformity surgeries by reducing the duration of intensive care unit stay and oxygen dependence. The other potential benefits of this practice, based on our study, include a reduced inflammatory response (reduced lactate and IL-6) and postoperative facial puffiness. However, further large-scale validation studies in future are necessary to precisely determine the role of FWB in spine surgeries.Level of evidence IIDiagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Blood loss after revision knee arthroplasty is 1.38- to 2.17-fold higher than after primary knee arthroplasty: A retrospective analysis of 898 cases

BackgroundThere are a number of factors that influence blood loss during and after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and revision TKA (rTKA). The purpose of this study was to provide a factorial assessment that would aid surgeons in managing expected blood loss in rTKA, when compared to TKA. The first question asked was the blood loss and transfusions between TKA and rTKA and the second question was risk factors for blood loss after rTKA. HypothesisBlood loss in any rTKA is higher than in TKA by a factor of 2. Patients and methodsA retrospective single-centre consecutive series of rTKA between 2006 and 2018 was performed. Based on the rTKA types identified in joint registries, 4 rTKA cohorts were created: aseptic minor rTKA, aseptic major rTKA, 1st stage, and 2nd stage septic rTKA. A consecutive TKA cohort from the same study period was used to create a propensity score matched cohort with the aseptic major rTKA cohort. ResultA total of 622 rTKA were identified. Aseptic major rTKA had double the median blood loss than TKA. The lowest blood loss was observed in the TKA group followed by aseptic minor rTKA, and the highest in 2nd stage septic rTKA. The median total blood loss was higher in all rTKA by a factor ranging between 1.38 and 2.17. Higher age, female gender, lower preoperative hemoglobin, chronic heart disease and history of myocardial infarction were risk factors for increased blood loss. The type of rTKA performed was not predictive of blood loss in the linear regression analysis. DiscussionBlood loss after rTKA is 1.38 to 2.17-fold higher than after TKA. The blood loss observed in 2nd stage septic rTKA and aseptic major rTKA was the highest. Older female patients, with a low preoperative hemoglobin, were identified to be at the highest risk of blood loss after rTKA. Strategies for further blood loss reductions need to be utilised to the fullest extent for these procedures. Level of evidenceIII; retrospective prognostic study.

Does communication between neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists improve preoperative efficiency?

BackgroundSuboptimal communication can lead to preventable preoperative delays. In our study, we aimed to identify factors delaying surgery in the immediate preoperative period. Our outcomes of interest were the anesthesia release to incision time (RIT) and preoperative expectations of neurosurgery and anesthesia providers. Additionally, we introduced new communication goals prior to induction, to examine the impact on preoperative efficiency. MethodsThe study is a prospective cohort analysis evaluating communication in the immediate preoperative period. In 42 consecutive cranial neurosurgical cases, a questionnaire was given to neurosurgical and anesthesia providers, and their responses were recorded. Halfway through this study, a formal pre-induction checklist was implemented that included expected duration of surgery, expected blood loss, surgical positioning, and intraoperative medication requirements. ResultsComparing the cohorts before and after implementing the checklist, no difference in release to incision time was observed. However, the difference in estimated procedure time was significantly decreased after implementation of the formal pre-induction checklist. Further, there was a trend towards better agreement in estimated blood loss, although results did not achieve statistical significance. These delays all demonstrated a statistically significant decrease after the new communication goals were executed. ConclusionWhile no statistically significant change in release to incision time was uncovered during our study, there was evidence that communication between teams improved after implementation of the checklist. Additionally, we observed less discrepancy in estimated case length and blood loss, suggesting focused communication goals aligned expectations of the neurosurgical and anesthesia teams.

Blood transfusion decisions cannot be based on percutaneous haemoglobin measurements.

Percutaneous measurement of haemoglobin (SpHb) has been an emerging technique in the past decades. It has been suggested that SpHb measurement could be used as atrend monitor and as asupportive tool for easier and faster transfusion decision-making. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SpHb monitoring is auseful instrument in transfusion decision-making. Patients scheduled for surgery with expected blood loss over 800 mL were included in the study. SpHb was measured using aMasimo Rainbow probe. Blood samples were drawn before and after surgery and, if clinically indicated, during surgery. Moreover, perfusion parameters were analysed, as well as transfusion triggers. Based on transfusion triggers 27.1% of patients would not have been transfused according to National Guidelines (14.5% transfused in error, 12.5% not transfused when indicated). Invasive haemoglobin (invasive Hb) and SpHb were obtained 266 times in 75 patients. The mean invasive Hb was 7.37 ± 1.34 mmol L-1 and SpHb was 6.47 ± 0.81 mmol L-1 (P < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis corrected for multiple measurements revealed proportional bias of -4.05 + 0.72 Hb (least bias at Hb 5.62). The precision of the SpHb measurement exceeded the acceptable range of error. We concluded that SpHb measurement using the Rainbow device is too unreliable to be an acceptable alternative to invasive Hb measurement, or even as atrend monitor or decision support tool.