Need For Postoperative Blood Transfusion Research Articles

Impact of malnutrition on postoperative outcomes in total knee arthroplasty: a comprehensive analysis

Introduction: Malnutrition has been shown to cause perioperative complications, which can be particularly detrimental following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These complications can lead to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, and significant financial burdens on both patients and healthcare systems. To evaluate the nutritional status and body mass index (BMI) of patients undergoing TKA and monitor them for complications immediately postoperatively, at one week, and three months after surgery. Methods: This prospective study included 88 patients who underwent TKA at government medical college Kozhikode, Kerala, India. Nutritional status was assessed using serum albumin, ferritin, haemoglobin, and BMI (body mass index) levels. Patients were followed up for three months postoperatively to identify any complications. Data analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between malnutrition and postoperative complications. Results: Of the 88 patients, 5 developed major wound complications, with 4 of these patients exhibiting hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia was found to have a statistically significant association with major wound complications (p<0.001). Malnutrition was associated with higher rates of major wound complications, increased need for postoperative blood transfusions, and longer hospital stays. Conclusion: Identifying modifiable risk factors such as malnutrition in patients undergoing TKA is crucial for reducing the risk of postoperative complications, which can otherwise lead to disastrous outcomes. Preoperative optimization of nutritional status can significantly improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications.

Our experience of laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair in a tertiary care center

Objective: Laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is gaining popularity day by day, but we have limited literature on it. This study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of laparoscopic VVF repair in a tertiary care center in Eastern India. Subjects and Methods: This study is a single-center retrospective study in which 11 patients of supratrigonal VVF were evaluated who underwent laparoscopic repair. Preoperative workup included history, examination, computed tomography urography, cystoscopy, and vaginoscopy. After informed consent, laparoscopic VVF repair was done under general anesthesia. Duration of surgery, the need for conversion to open procedure, intraoperative bowel injury, the need for postoperative blood transfusion, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative urinary leak, and any incontinence after catheter removal were noted. Results: All the patients had primary supratrigonal fistula of approximate size in the range of 1.5–2.0 cm. All the included patients were operated on successfully by laparoscopic technique with a mean duration of surgery of 177.91 ± 6.14 min. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 4.45 ± 0.52 days. There was no incidence of postoperative urine leak in any patient. After urethral catheter removal, all the patients voided well without any incontinence. Conclusions: Laparoscopic VVF repair is a safe and feasible option with satisfactory intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Association of Race and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Previous literature suggests that rates of postoperative complications following inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery differ based on race. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between race and adverse events and wound complications in patients with IBD. This was a retrospective cohort study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program Inflammatory Bowel Disease Collaborative from 2017 to 2022. The data was collected from 15 high-volume IBD centers across the United States. The data was analyzed using crude and multivariable logistic regressions. 4284 patients were included in the study. Overall rates of adverse events and wound complications were 20.3% and 11.3%, respectively, and did not differ based on race on bivariate analysis. Rates of adverse events were 20.0% vs 24.6% vs 22.1%, p = 0.13 for white, black and other minority subjects, respectively. The adjusted odds of adverse events were higher for black subjects (1.46 [95%CI 1.0-2.1], p = 0.03) compared to white subjects. No difference in adverse events was found between other minority subjects and either black or white subjects (1.29 [0.7-2.3], p = 0.58). Race was not associated with likelihood of wound complications in the final analysis. We found that a subset of black patients with IBD continue to experience more adverse events compared to white patients, primarily driven by a higher need for postoperative blood transfusion. Nonetheless, known risk factors, including comorbid conditions, decreased BMI, open surgery, and emergency surgery have a stronger association with postoperative complications than race alone.

Subcutaneous Onlay Laparoscopic Approach for small ventral hernias associated with divarication of rectus abdominis muscle

BackgroundVentral hernias when associated with divarication of rectus abdominis if repaired without concomitant repair of the divarication is plagued by higher rates of recurrences. Out of the many options available for the repair, Subcutaneous Onlay Laparoscopic Approach (SCOLA) with concurrent plication of the divarication is gaining popularity. MethodsAll patients with a ventral hernia associated with divarication of recti were included in this prospective study. The calculated sample size was 34 with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. The patient demographics, operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, need for post-operative blood transfusion, and the recurrence were recorded. Categorical data were compared using Student's t-test, whereas chi-square test was used to compare the nominal variables between the two groups. A P-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. ResultsThirty-six patients were analysed for the study with a mean age of 43.40 years. A total of 55.55% patients were female. Twelve patients had co-morbidities. Umbilical hernia was the most common hernia. The mean size of the hernial defect was 3.67 cm, and the mean operative time was 156.66 min (±31.02 min). The first 15 cases took longer time for the surgery (mean operative time 183.53 min [±19.73 min]). No intraoperative complications were recorded, except for one patient in whom we encountered an excessive bleeding but was tackled with harmonic scalpel. Eight patients (22.2%) had complications with Seroma formation being the commonest. ConclusionSCOLA is feasible and advantageous because of faster recovery and minimal complication and recurrence rates.

Establishment of a predictive model for blood transfusion after femoral head replacement in elderly patients.

The study aimed to establish a nomogram predictive model for blood transfusion after artificial femoral head replacement surgery in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures. Two hundred five elderly patients (55 males, 150 females; mean age: 82.1±6.6 years; range, 63 to 103 years) with intertrochanteric femoral fractures who underwent artificial femoral head replacement surgery between January 2015 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the training group (n=143) and the validation group (n=62). Within the training group, patients were further categorized into the nontransfused (n=86) and transfused (n=57) groups. Perioperative data were collected for logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for postoperative blood transfusion. A nomogram model was developed to predict the need for blood transfusion, with assessments including the C-index, receiver operating characteristic curve, decision curve analysis, and clinical impact curve. Logistic regression analysis showed that low preoperative hemoglobin levels, high intraoperative bleeding volume, high drainage volume, the use of wire reinforcement, and history of cerebral infarction were the independent risk factors for transfusion after femoral head replacement. Both decision curve analysis and clinical impact curves indicated that the prediction model could be used as a good prediction tool for blood transfusion after artificial femoral head replacement for intertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly. A nomogram prediction model that effectively assesses the risk of blood transfusion in elderly patients undergoing femoral head replacement for intertrochanteric femoral fractures was established in this study. This model demonstrated high predictive accuracy and consistency, providing a valuable tool for clinicians to identify high-risk patients and implement early interventions to reduce the need for postoperative blood transfusions.

Impact of uterine weight on surgical outcomes in robotic hysterectomy: An ambispective analysis.

Robot-assisted surgeries are increasingly used for the treatment of benign gynaecological conditions. However, their impact in cases of significantly enlarged uteruses remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate whether the weight of the uterus influences the surgical results of robotic hysterectomy. Ambispective analysis of 306 cases was performed, of which 265 cases were analysed retrospectively. The outcome measures included total operative time, including docking time, console time and vault closure time, complication rates and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief questionnaire) stratified based on uterine sizes into three groups by every 250 g. Of the 306 cases, 76.47% of cases (n = 234) had uterine weight <250 g, 18.30% of cases (n = 56) had uterine weight between 250 and 500 g, while 5.23% of cases (n = 16) had a weight of uterine specimen >500 g. The total operative time was significantly lower in the <250 g group compared to >500 g (81.92 ± 22.81 vs. 111.88 ± 40.27 min; P = 0.003), contributed primarily by the console time. Although the need for post-operative blood transfusion was higher in the >500 g group, the overall complication rate between the three groups was similar. The three groups had comparable QOL through all four domains. The present study underscores the influence of uterine weight on robotic hysterectomy outcomes, revealing increased operative times and post-operative haemoglobin drop for uteri over 500 g. Despite these challenges, complications were not significantly affected by uterine size.

Identification of Data-Driven Preoperative Hemoglobin Strata That Predict the Likelihood of Blood Transfusion and the Risk of Major Complications and Prosthetic Joint Infection After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Preoperative anemia is an independent risk factor of complications after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Currently used hemoglobin thresholds are not developed for risk stratification of arthroplasty patients and do not provide surgery-specific information on postoperative complication risk. Thus, we aimed to calculate THA-specific preoperative hemoglobin strata that observe the likelihood of 90-day blood transfusion and determine whether these strata are associated with increased risk of 90-day complications and 2-year prosthetic joint infection (PJI). A retrospective cohort analysis identified 56,101 patients who underwent primary THA from 2013 to 2022. Using the lowest hemoglobin value for each patient one month before THA, stratum-specific likelihood ratio (SSLR) analysis calculated sex-based hemoglobin strata associated with the likelihood of 90-day postoperative blood transfusion. Propensity score matching was performed. Incidence rates and risk of 90-day major complications and 2-year PJI were observed for each identified preoperative hemoglobin stratum. SSLR analysis identified five male (strata, likelihood ratio [<10.4 g/dL, 12.5; 10.5 to 11.4 g/dL, 8.0; 11.5 to 12.4 g/dL, 2.4; 12.5 to 13.4 g/dL, 1.3; 13.5 to 13.9 g/dL, 0.5]) and five female (<8.9 g/dL, 10.7; 9.0 to 10.9 g/dL, 4.0; 11.0 to 11.4 g/dL, 2.0; 12.0 to 12.9 g/dL, 1.0; 13.0 to 13.4 g/dL, 0.6) preoperative hemoglobin strata associated with varying likelihoods of 90-day blood transfusion after THA. After matching in both male and female cohorts, as the calculated preoperative hemoglobin strata decreased, the relative risk of overall 90-day major complications and 2-year PJI increased incrementally (all P < 0.05). SSLR analysis established THA-specific sex-based preoperative hemoglobin strata that observe the likelihood of 90-day blood transfusion and predict the risk of 90-day medical complications and 2-year PJI. These strata are a first of their kind in THA research. While preoperatively optimizing patients, we recommend using these hemoglobin thresholds to help guide decisions on presurgery anemia optimization and to reduce the need for postoperative blood transfusion. Level III.

Role of Tranexamic Acid in Controlling Blood Loss in Hemiarthroplasty of the Hip: A Prospective and Observational Study.

Tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic drug, is well-established for its efficacy in reducing intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in major orthopedic surgeries, particularly total knee replacement (TKR) and spine surgeries. However, there is limited research on the role of tranexamic acid in hemiarthroplasty of the hip. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in controlling blood loss in hemiarthroplasty of the hip. The primary objective was to analyze the pre- and postoperative changes in hemoglobin levels among patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the hip with and without intravenous tranexamic acid administration. A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics of Government Medical College, Kannur, and St. Joseph's Hospital, Karuvanchal, Kannur. Patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the hip with 1 gm of intravenous tranexamic acid were compared with those without tranexamic acid. The sample size was calculated to be 33 in each group. Data were collected using a standardized proforma, entered into an Excel sheet (Redmond, USA), and analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2017. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. The study comprised mainly elderly females with a mean age of 74.84 ± 8 years. There was a significant reduction in postoperative hemoglobin drop, requirement for postoperative blood transfusion, and total drain output for the initial three postoperative days among patients who received intravenous tranexamic acid. Preoperative administration of intravenous tranexamic acid significantly reduced postoperative hemoglobin drop and the need for postoperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the hip. This highlights the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in controlling blood loss in this surgical setting.

Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic splenectomy in children: a costeffectiveness study.

Laparoscopic elective splenectomy is considered as a safe surgical treatment of spleen non-traumatic blood disorders. However, robotic assisted splenectomy is becoming a promising alternative, although there are scarce studies in pediatric patients. Our aim is to compare the effectiveness and associated costs of both procedures in children. A single-institution retrospective study was performed among consecutive children undergoing splenectomy between 2004 and 2021, who were divided according to the surgical approach: LAS group (laparoscopic splenectomy) and RAS group (robotic assisted splenectomy). Demographics, clinical features, intraoperative blood loss, surgery time, length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative complications, need for postoperative blood transfusion, readmission rate and economic data were compared. A total of 84 patients were included (23 LAS group; 61 RAS group), without demographic or clinical differences between them. RAS patients presented lower intraoperative blood loss (42 ± 15 vs. 158 ± 39ml; p < 0.021) and shorter surgery time (135 ± 39 vs. 182 ± 68min; p = 0.043), with no differences in median LOS (3days in both groups). No intraoperative complications or conversion was reported. Five postoperative complications were observed: 4 in LAS patients (17.4%) versus only one in RAS (1.6%; p = 0.021). One reintervention was required in LAS group due to hemoperitoneum 12h after splenectomy. RAS patients had lower postoperative blood transfusion requirements (1.6% vs. 13.0%; p = 0.025) and lower readmission rate (3.3 vs. 17.4%; p = 0.042). No differences were observed when comparing the median economic costs ($25,645 LAS vs. $28,135 RAS; p = 0.215). Robotic assisted splenectomy may be considered as a safe and feasible option in children compared to the traditional laparoscopic approach. Level of evidence: III.

COMPARISON OF INTRAVENOUS VERSUS TOPICAL TRANEXAMIC ACID IN BLOOD LOSS REDUCTION IN BILATERAL TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

AbstractIntroductionMultiple strategies, used either in isolation or combination, are available to reduce the need for post-operative blood transfusion in joint replacements. Amongst them, the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has been rising and this study was conducted to compare the efficacy of topical and intravenous TXA in bilateral total knee replacement patients.Materials and methodsRandomised prospective study with 120 patients (male: female: 25:95) undergoing bilateral TKA. Patients were divided into two groups A and B after computer randomization, who received intravenous or topical (intra-articular) TXA respectively.ResultsThe average haemoglobin loss in intravenous group was 90.2379 g/L as compared to 39.137 g/L in topical group (p &lt; 0.005). Moreover, there was reduction in blood loss in topical (330.1602 ml) as compared to intravenous group (764.9622 ml). The blood transfusion rate was more for the intravenous group (average 1.73 units) than for the topical group (average 0.75, unit). WOMAC score at 6 weeks in the intravenous group was 12.50, and in the topical group was 7.23 (p value &lt; 0.001).ConclusionTopical TXA is better than intravenous TXA for reduction of blood loss, which also reduces the need for blood transfusion in bilateral TKA patients.

Access to the upper third of the face: a literary review of indications, techniques, and intercurrences

Due to its location, anatomy, and projection in the upper third of the face, the frontal bone is frequently affected by trauma of different intensities that result in fractures. Access to the upper third of the face for the correct reduction and stabilization of the trauma requires an extensive approach. The main alternatives for correct exposure are coronal and transcutaneous incisions. The coronal incision is the incision of choice, as it allows us to adequately approach important structures related to fractures of the frontal bone. The transcutaneous incisions, these incisions comprise the region of the eyebrow, upper eyelid, eyebrow, and gull-wing incision and, when present, lacerations in the soft tissue of the trauma itself can be used as access to the fractures. The present work aimed to describe, through a literature review, the accesses to the upper third of the face, as well as to report the techniques and intercurrences. Even though it is the main choice for coronal access, it can cause alopecia, loss of sensitivity, compromised aesthetics, muscle depression, possible need for postoperative blood transfusion, facial nerve deficit, and supratrochlear deficit, among others. The alternatives are transcutaneous incisions, these incisions include the region of the eyebrow, upper eyelid, eyebrow, and gull-wing incision and, when present, lacerations in the soft tissue of the trauma itself can be used as access to the fractures. It was concluded that although coronal access is the main choice, the choice of incision depends on the location of the fracture, the presence of laceration, its extension, its relationship with other fractures, and surgeon preference, in addition to aesthetic factors.

Barbed versus conventional suture in laparoscopic myomectomy: A randomized controlled study.

To compare the surgical and clinical results of traditional absorbable polyglactin 910 and barbed sutures in laparoscopic myomectomy. This single-center randomized study included 75 women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. The uterine wall defects were closed with a continuous conventional absorbable polyglactin 910 suture (Vicryl; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) in 41 women and with a unidirectional barbed suture (V-Loc 180; Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) in 34 women. The time required to suture the uterine wall defect was lower in the V-Loc group than in the Vicryl group (p=0.007). However, no significant difference was observed in the operative time between the two study groups. The intraoperative blood loss and need for postoperative blood transfusion were significantly lower in the barbed group than in the Vicryl group (p=0.018 and p=0.048, respectively). In laparoscopic myomectomy cases, the unidirectional barbed suture is more effective than the conventional absorbable suture. Barbed sutures facilitate the suturing process and reduce the time required to suture the uterine wall defect, blood loss, and the need for postoperative blood transfusion.

Comparison of valvuloplasty and replacement for surgical treatment of tricuspid infective endocarditis

BackgroundOwing to the increase in both intravenous drug injections and intracardiac and vascular interventional treatments among drug users, the incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) involving the tricuspid valve, which sits between the two right heart chambers, has gradually increased. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of different surgical procedures for tricuspid infective endocarditis (TIE).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed fifty-six patients who underwent tricuspid valve surgery at our hospital from January 2006 to August 2019. All patients were diagnosed with TIE and indicated a need for surgery. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected to summarize and analyze the clinical outcomes of different surgical approaches, including tricuspid valvuloplasty (TVP) and tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) for TIE.ResultsCardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay time were shorter in the TVP group than in the TVR group. Additionally, the incidence of red blood cell transfusion and postoperative complications was lower in the TVP group than in the TVR group. The postoperative 30-day mortality rates were similar between both the groups. Fifty-two patients were followed up for an average of 5.50 ± 3.79 years. The postoperative 3-, 5-, and 7-year survival rates were 100%, 100%, and 95.5% in the TVP group and 96.7%, 96.7%, and 96.7% in the TVR group, respectively. The 5-year and 10-year reoperation rates were 0% and 0% in the TVP group and 6.7% and 20% in the TVR group, respectively.ConclusionBoth TVR and TVP for TIE significantly improved the functional status of the heart with satisfactory efficacy. TVP was found to be superior to TVR in reducing the need for postoperative blood transfusions, reducing the risk of postoperative complications, and reducing the need for long-term reoperations.

Introduction of laparoscopic nephrectomy for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease as the standard procedure

PurposeAutosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common hereditary disorder and accounts for 5–10% of all cases of kidney failure. 50% of ADPKD patients reach kidney failure by the age of 58 years requiring dialysis or transplantation. Nephrectomy is performed in up to 20% of patients due to compressive symptoms, renal-related complications or in preparation for kidney transplantation. However, due to the large kidney size in ADPKD, nephrectomy can come with a considerable burden. Here we evaluate our institution’s experience of laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) as an alternative to open nephrectomy (ON) for ADPKD patients.Materials and methodsWe report the results of the first 12 consecutive LN for ADPKD from August 2020 to August 2021 in our institution. These results were compared with the 12 most recent performed ON for ADPKD at the same institution (09/2017 to 07/2020). Intra- and postoperative parameters were collected and analyzed. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the SF36 questionnaire.ResultsAge, sex, and median preoperative kidney volumes were not significantly different between the two analyzed groups. Intraoperative estimated blood loss was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (33 ml (0–200 ml)) in comparison to the open group (186 ml (0–800 ml)) and postoperative need for blood transfusion was significantly reduced in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.0462). Operative time was significantly longer if LN was performed (158 min (85–227 min)) compared to the open procedure (107 min (56–174 min)) (p = 0.0079). In both groups one postoperative complication Clavien Dindo ≥ 3 occurred with the need of revision surgery. SF36 HRQol questionnaire revealed excellent postoperative quality of life after LN.ConclusionLN in ADPKD patients is a safe and effective operative procedure independent of kidney size with excellent postoperative outcomes and benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Compared with the open procedure patients profit from significantly less need for transfusion with comparable postoperative complication rates. However significant longer operation times need to be taken in account.

Efficacy of a Combined Intramedullary, Periarticular Injection, and Intraarticular Tranexamic Acid Application on Postoperative Bleeding in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case-Matched Study.

Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used to reduce postoperative blood loss following total knee replacement (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined intramedullary, periarticular injection, and intraarticular TXA application in patients who underwent TKA as compared to those who did not. This was a retrospective case-matched study of 111 patients. We evaluated the transfusion rate and postoperative drainage of 56 patients who underwent TKA using combined topical tranexamic acid application (directly pushed into the femoral intramedullary canal and tibia base, with periarticular soft tissue injection and injected into the knee cavity via a drain tube) and the control group of 55 patients. In the control and TXA groups, 7.14% and 1.81% of the patients received blood transfusions, respectively (p=0.176). The closed-suction drainage output at 0-8 h and total drainage output were significantly lower in the TXA group than those in the control group (p < 0.001). Application of topical TXA with the combined method (intramedullary, periarticular injection, and intraarticular) in TKA decreases postoperative suction drainage and may reduce the need for postoperative blood transfusion.

Factors affecting the need of postoperative blood transfusion in elderly patients with intertrochanteric hip fracture.

We investigated the risk factors that increased the frequency of blood transfusions in elderly patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures to determine blood transfusion risk before surgery and to take selective precautionary measures in the group at high risk for transfusion to ensure safe surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 203 patients who underwent surgical fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures from January 2015 to December 2020. We hypothesized that patient sex, age, body mass index, preoperative hemoglobin, preoperative platelet count, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), preoperative albumin level, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, method of anesthesia, and time from injury to surgery would affect the need for blood transfusion. Student's t-test, Chi-squared test, and the one-way analysis of variance test were used to determine whether differences between variables in the transfusion and non-transfusion groups were significant. Unstable fractures (P = 0.002), general anesthesia (P = 0.028), lower preoperative hemoglobin levels (P < 0.001), and lower GFRs (P < 0.001) were identified as related to blood transfusions in univariate analysis. In multivariate logistic analysis, the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in unstable fractures was approximately 2.949 times higher than in stable fractures (P = 0.009). The risk in general anesthesia patients was about 2.953 times higher than in spinal anesthesia patients (P = 0.007). In addition, the need for allogeneic blood transfusion increased by about 1.293 times as preoperative hemoglobin levels decreased by 1 g/dL (P = 0.017) and increased by about 1.017 times as the GFR decreased by 1 mL/min/1.7m2 (P = 0.006). Low preoperative hemoglobin levels, low GFRs, general anesthesia, and unstable fractures in elderly patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures increased the risk of blood transfusion.

A Comparative Study of Blood Loss With and Without Infusion of Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Replacement

Introduction: Total knee replacement (TKR) is associated with significant blood loss in intra- and postoperative periods. This trial was designed to determine the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the reduction of perioperative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing primary TKR.Materials and methods: This study was performed at a tertiary care institute with 30 cases of primary unilateral TKR. The patients were randomly divided into two groups comprising 15 patients each. Group A comprised patients who received TXA by intravenous route and locally. Group B served as control, which comprised patients who had not received TXA. Patients were assessed in terms of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, reduction in haemoglobin, the requirement of blood transfusion, and any untoward effects of TXA at 24 and 72 hours after surgery.Results: In group A, the mean number of swabs used intraoperatively was 2.3 ± 0.5 swabs while in group B, the mean number was 4.3 ± 0.7 swabs (p = 0.0000). The mean drop in the postoperative haemoglobin concentration in group A was 0.6 gm/dl (24 hours) and 1.3 gm/dl (72 hours), with a mean postoperative drain collection of 247.3 ± 50.6 ml (24 hours) and 316.7 ± 55.6 ml (72 hours). In comparison, the mean drop in the postoperative haemoglobin in group B was 1.5 gm/dl (24 hours) and 2.3 gm/dl (72 hours), with a mean drain collection of 474 ± 30.7 ml (24 hours) and 453.3 ± 37.7 ml (72 hours) (p < 0.001). In group A, significantly fewer patients (four) required blood transfusion while 13 patients required blood transfusion in group B (p = 0.0004).Conclusion: The data from this study conclude that the use of TXA in TKR significantly reduces perioperative blood loss and the need for postoperative blood transfusion without significantly altering the liver and renal functions and coagulation profile of patients.

Evaluation of Blood Loss in Conventional vs MAKOplasty Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPrimary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been historically associated with considerable blood loss. Allogenic transfusions, the standard of care for blood loss following TKA, carry inherent risks. With the expanding use of robotic technology in TKA, one theoretical advantage is decreased blood loss and postoperative blood transfusions requirements. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative hemoglobin levels and the percentage of patients requiring a transfusion of allogenic packed red blood cells after conventional TKA (CTKA) vs robot-assisted TKA (RATKA). MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 486 consecutive patients undergoing either CTKA or RATKA between October 30, 2018, and June 25, 2020, by a single fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeon. Mako SmartRobotics (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) was used for RATKA cases. Primary outcomes included preoperative vs postoperative hemoglobin values and postoperative blood transfusion rates between the 2 groups. ResultsThe mean hemoglobin on postoperative day 1 was 10.7 gm/dl (±1.3) in the CTKA group and 10.9 gm/dl (±1.3) in the RATKA group, P = .24. The largest decline in hemoglobin from preoperative to within 2 days postoperatively was 3.1 gm/dl (±1.1) in the CTKA group and 3.1 gm/dl (±1.1) in the RATKA group, P = .92. The percentage of patients requiring a blood transfusion was 1.1% in the CTKA group and 1.3% in the RATKA group, P = .79. ConclusionsRATKA and CTKA groups did not have significant differences in postoperative hemoglobin changes or the need for postoperative blood transfusions.

Topical hemostatic application on staple line in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a single-surgeon experience.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a common bariatric procedure with low complication rates. Several hemostatic agents have been used to reduce staple line bleeding, but its impact is unclear. The primary endpoint of this study was to compare the early (30-day) complications comparing oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) and fibrin sealant (FS) application on the staple line. The secondary endpoints were to compare the need for postoperative blood transfusion, postoperative blood work values of hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), drain output volume and hospital length of stay (LOS). A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent LSG between January and October 2021 was performed. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the use of ORC versus FS on the staple line. Early postoperative complications, Hb level, WBC count, and drain output volume were compared between groups. A total number of 77 patients were included: 27 in the ORC-group and 50 in the FS-group. No major complication was recorded in both groups. There was no significant difference in the need for blood transfusion, Hb value, and drain output volume on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2. There was a significantly higher WBC count in the ORC-group on POD 1 and 2. There was no difference in hospital LOS between the groups. The use of FS and ORC was associated with a comparable low rate of bleeding. ORC causes an increased WBC count postoperatively, but this showed no clinical relevance.

Efficacy and Safety of Locally Injected Tranexamic Acid in Hip Fracture Patients: A Retrospective Review.

To determine whether locally injected tranexamic acid (TXA) used in the surgical treatment of fragility hip fractures can lower transfusion rates without increasing the risk of complications. Retrospective comparative cohort. Tertiary referral orthopaedic specialty hospital, Level I trauma center. A total of 490 patients (252 patients received TXA) 50 years of age and older who underwent surgery for a low-energy fragility fracture of the proximal femur between March 2018 and February 2020 were included in this study. Use of locally injected TXA at the time of wound closure. The main outcomes of this study were the number of patients requiring postoperative blood transfusions, incidences of venous thromboembolism, and surgical site infections. A statistically significant difference was noted in the frequency of transfusion between patients who received TXA compared with those who did not receive TXA (33% vs. 43%, respectively) (P = 0.034). There were no significant differences in venous thromboembolism incidence (0.4% vs. 0.8% TXA vs. No TXA) (P = 0.526) or infections (0.4% vs. 0.4% TXA vs. No TXA) (P = 0.965). Regression analysis indicated that the use of TXA reduced the need for postoperative blood transfusion by 31% (odds ratio: 0.688, 95% CI: 0.477-0.993, P = 0.045). Locally injected TXA significantly reduced the need for postoperative transfusion in the surgical treatment of fragility hip fractures. In addition, there was no increased risk of complications in those receiving TXA versus those who did not. Locally injected TXA seems to be both a safe and effective way to reduce postoperative blood transfusions in patients with fragility hip fractures. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.