Postoperative Allogeneic Blood Transfusion Research Articles

Effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing Sun′s procedure

Objective To evaluate the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) on postoperative outcomes in the patients undergoing Sun′s procedure. Methods One hundred and sixteen patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection of both sexes, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 19-34 kg/m2, of American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status Ⅳ, were divided into aPRP group (group A) and control group (group C) by a random number table method, with 58 cases in each group.After anesthesia induction and intubation, aPRP preparation was completed before surgery in group A, and surgery began in group C. After heparin neutralization, group A received retransfusion of platelet-rich plasma, while group C received conventional fluid management.Thromboelastography was performed on all patients, and the results were recorded.The intraoperative amount of allogeneic blood products and blood loss were recorded in two groups.Plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were recorded after anesthesia induction (T0), immediately after completion of aPRP preparation (T1), 3 h after heparin neutralization (T2), and at 24 and 48 h after surgery (T3, 4). The volume of postoperative chest drainage and amount of allogeneic blood products, mechanical ventilation time, lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stay, incidence of important complications and fatality rate within 30 days after surgery were also collected. Results Compared with group C, the intraoperative amount of allogeneic blood products and blood loss were significantly reduced, α angle and MA values of thromboelastograph were larger, plasma concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 were reduced at T2, 3, postoperative chest drainage volume and allogeneic blood transfusion were reduced, the postoperative mechanical ventilation time and length of hospital stay were shortened, and the incidence of pulmonary complications was reduced in group A(P 0.05). Conclusion aPRP can improve postoperative outcomes in the patients undergoing Sun′s procedure. Key words: Platelet-rich plasma; Aneurysm, dissecting; Prognosis

Is Intraoperative Blood Cell Salvage Effective in Hip Surgery?

Objective The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of blood cell salvage (CS) as a method of reducing allogeneic blood transfusion in patients submitted to transtrochanteric femoral and hip surgeries due to injury. Methods Prospective cohort of 38 patients from a school hospital submitted to hip or trochanteric surgeries and divided into two groups from August 2015 to February 2017. Patients with any malignancy or infectious condition were excluded from the study. Cell savage group (19 patients) received autologous blood using cell saver, whereas control group (19 patients) received just allogeneic blood, if needed. Red blood cell parameters, blood transfusion requirements, and clinical and surgical characteristics, such as age, gender, ASA scale and type of surgery, were compared both preoperatively and postoperatively. Data was processed in SPSS 20.0. Results There were no differences in the clinical parameters studied (age, gender and ASA scale). Red blood cell parameters on the first day postoperative were higher in the cell savage group ( p < 0.05). No significant reduction of intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion requirements was found. Conclusion This study found that CS was not effective in reducing intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion requirements in patients submitted to transtrochanteric femoral and hip surgery.

One- or Two-Level Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion without Closed-Suction Wound Drainage

Background Data: Although many surgeons stopped using closed-suction drainage following simple spine decompression surgery, there is still debate regarding the necessity of wound drainage in more extensive lumbar spine surgical procedures. Purpose: To estimate the advantages and disadvantages of performing one- or two-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) without closed-suction drainage. Study Design: Retrospective clinical cohort study. Patients and Methods: The Fast-Track technique was performed in 36 consecutive TLIF surgeries between January and September 2016 without using wound drainage. Twenty-eight patients were females and 8 were males. Thirty patients had single-level TLIF and 6 double-level TLIF. The results of these patient series were retrospectively analyzed. The variables that were reviewed included blood transfusion, postoperative temperature, postoperative pain and the use of opiates during hospital stay, duration of surgery, duration of hospital stay, and incidence of postoperative complications such as neurological deficit, hematoma, postoperative wound infection, and revision surgery. Results: There was no postoperative allogenic blood transfusion; the patients did not develop postoperative neurological deficit; there were no cases of surgical revision as a result of significant postoperative hematoma or infection. There were two cases (5.5%) of revision surgery due to persistent CSF leakage from the wound. Four patients (11.1%) developed serous discharge from the wound, which was treated conservatively with frequent dressing and antibiotics. Four patients (11.1%) developed transient postoperative fever. The mean pain score in the first 2 days after surgery assessed by the Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was 6.1 points, and additional opiate in the first 2 postoperative days was mandatory in 30 patients (83.3%). Conclusion: Performing one- or two-level lumbar decompression and fusion without closed-suction wound drainage did not increase the rate postoperative infection or hematoma formation. Additionally, none of our patients required postoperative blood transfusion. (2018ESJ168)

The use of subfascial drains after multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: does the data support its use?

Subfascial drains are routinely used after multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures despite little evidence to support their use. Proponents of drain use argue that drain placement reduces the incidence of post-operative hematomas and surgical site infections (SSI). The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of subfascial drains after multi-level ACDFs are associated with a decreased incidence of hematomas and SSIs. This is a retrospective study of 321 consecutive adult patients (18 years and older) with degenerative cervical stenosis that undergoing an index multi-level ACDF procedure. Only patients undergoing multilevel ACDF were included in the study. Patients were separated into one of two groups depending whether a subfascial drain was placed during surgery. The decision to place a drain was based on surgeon preference. Baseline characteristics, operative details, as well as rates of hematoma formation and SSIs were gathered by direct medical record review. Of the 321 patients enrolled in the study, 58 (18%) patients had subfascial drains placed at the time of surgery. Baseline demographics and co-morbidities were similar between both cohorts; however, on average, patients in the "Drain Use" cohort were older when compared to those in the "No Drain" cohort (64 vs. 56 years old, P<0.0001). There was no observed difference between both groups in the incidence of post-operative hematoma formation (P=0.99) or SSI (P=0.99). Five percent of patients in the "Drain Use" cohort required a post-operative allogenic blood transfusion compared to less than 1% (0.4%) in the comparison cohort. The duration of hospital stay was almost 2-fold longer in the in the "Drain use" cohort compared to the comparison cohort ("Drain Use": 2.82 days vs. "No Drain": 1.58 days, P<0.0001). The use of subfascial drains after multi-level ACDF procedures were not associated with a decreased incidence of hematoma formation or SSIs. In fact, patients in which a subfascial drain was used were 14 times more likely to require a post-operative blood transfusion and with an almost 2-fold increase in the duration of in-hospital stay.

Periarticular Injection of Tranexamic Acid Reduces Blood Loss and the Necessity for Allogeneic Transfusion After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Autologous Transfusion: A Retrospective Observational Study

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the influence of a periarticular injection of tranexamic acid (TXA) on blood loss after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients who received an autologous blood transfusion. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 82 patients (88 consecutive knees) who underwent a primary unilateral TKA with or without a periarticular TXA injection (TXA and control groups, respectively). All patients underwent an autologous blood transfusion. Perioperative parameters related to blood loss were compared between groups. ResultsCompared to the control group, the decrease in hemoglobin was significantly smaller in the TXA group (1.5 ± 1.2 vs 2.5 ± 1.4 g/dL, P < .001), and blood drainage was significantly lower in the TXA group (387.2 ± 215.7 vs 582.3 ± 272.9 mL, P = .002). Moreover, the estimated blood loss, based on either hemoglobin or hematocrit, was significantly lower in the TXA group (509.8 ± 405.2 and 530.7 ± 418.5 mL, respectively) than in the control group (814.2 ± 543.8 and 809.1 ± 469.6 mL, respectively, both P < .001). No severe complications, including a venous thromboembolic event or infection, or local complications, including skin necrosis or delayed wound healing, were observed in either group. A postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion was performed in 2 cases in the control group and none in the TXA group. ConclusionPeriarticular TXA injection is effective in reducing postoperative blood loss and hemoglobin and hematocrit drops without increasing the risk of venous thrombosis or the necessity of an allogeneic blood transfusion.

The safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of intraoperative cell salvage in metastatic spine tumor surgery

Background ContextMetastatic spine tumor surgery (MSTS) is associated with substantial blood loss, therefore leading to high morbidity and mortality. Although intraoperative cell salvage with leukocyte depletion filter (IOCS-LDF) has been studied as an effective means of reducing blood loss in other surgical settings, including the spine, no study has yet analyzed the efficacy of reinfusion of salvaged blood in reducing the need for allogenic blood transfusion in patients who have had surgery for MSTS. PurposeThis study aimed to analyze the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of using IOCS-LDF in MSTS. Study DesignThis is a retrospective controlled study. Patient SampleA total of 176 patients undergoing MSTS were included in the study. MethodsAll patients undergoing MSTS at a single center between February 2010 and December 2014 were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was the use of autologous blood transfusion. Secondary outcome measures included hospital stay, survival time, complications, and procedural costs. The key predictor variable was whether IOCS-LDF was used during surgery. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted by controlling variables such as tumor type, number of diseased vertebrae, approach, number and site of stabilized segments, operation time, preoperative anemia, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). No funding was obtained and there are no conflicts of interest to be declared. ResultsData included 63 cases (IOCS-LDF) and 113 controls (non–IOCS-LDF). Intraoperative cell salvage with LDF utilization was substantively and significantly associated with a lower likelihood of allogenic blood transfusion (OR=0.407, p=.03). Intraoperative cell salvage with LDF was cost neutral (p=.88). Average hospital stay was 3.76 days shorter among IOCS-LDF patients (p=.03). Patient survival and complication rates were comparable in both groups. ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that the use of IOCS-LDF in MSTS reduces the need for postoperative allogenic blood transfusion while maintaining satisfactory postoperative hemoglobin. We recommend routine use of IOCS-LDF in MSTS for its safety, efficacy, and potential cost benefit.

Comparison of three approaches of Bernese periacetabular osteotomy.

BackgroundDevelopmental dysplasia of the hip is a common disease and treated with various surgical approaches. Improved ilioinguinal (I-I) approach, two-incision Smith-Peterson (TSP) approach, and modified Smith-Peterson (MSP) approach are three main approaches; however, they are rarely compared. The present study compared the operative time, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion, and postoperative complications of these three different approaches.HypothesisSurgical approach does not influence the operation time, blood loss, and complications of periacetabular osteotomy.Level of evidenceLevel III. Case–control study.Patients and methodsIn a total of 101 hips of 95 cases, from February 2010 to July 2011, three different approaches of Bernese periacetabular osteotomy, I-I, TSP, and MSP, were conducted. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, allogeneic blood transfusion, and early complications in different operation approaches were compared by a retrospective study when there were similar ages, genders, and lesions.ResultsAmong the three approaches, I-I had less operation time and more blood loss (P<0.05), TSP had less blood loss (P<0.05) but more complications, and MSP had less blood loss (P<0.05) and less complications.DiscussionThe MSP approach is superior to the other two approaches in doing periacetabular osteotomy.

Blood-saving effect of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing Stanford type A aortic dissection surgery

Objective To investigate the blood-saving effect of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing Stanford type A aortic dissection surgery. Methods Fifty-six patients of both sexes with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection, aged 34-58 yr, weighing 62-84 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅡ or Ⅲ, with their left ventricular ejection fraction > 40%, undergoing emergency surgery, were randomly divided into 2 groups: control group (group C, n= 26) and tranexamic acid group (group TA, n= 30). Tranexamic acid was infused as a bolus of 10 mg/kg over 30 min before skin incision followed by an infusion of 10 mg·kg-1·h-1 throughout the surgery in group TA.The equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C. The total volume of drainage at 24 h after operation, the postoperative requirement of allogeneic red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets, and re-thoracotomy for bleeding were recorded.The postoperative mechanical ventilation time, duration of intensive care unit stay, and complications after operation were also recorded. Results Compared with group C, the total volume of drainage at 24 h after operation, and the requirement of allogeneic red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets were significantly reduced, the incidence of rethoracotomy for bleeding was decreased, the postoperative mechanical ventilation time, and duration of intensive care unit stay were shortened, and the incidence of postoperative acute lung injury and transient neurological dysfunction were decreased in group TA. Conclusion Tranexamic acid has blood-saving effect and can reduce postoperative bleeding and allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing Stanford type A aortic dissection surgery. Key words: Tranexamic acid; Aneurysm dissecting; Blood transfusion

Comparison of therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE:To compare the therapeutic effects between drainage blood reinfusion and temporary clamping drainage after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to provide a basis for clinical practice.METHODS:Data from 83 patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty were retrospectively analyzed. The 83 patients were divided into a drainage blood reinfusion group (DR group, n = 45) and a temporary clamping drainage group (CD group, n = 38). In the DR group, postoperative drainage blood was used for autotransfusion. In the CD group, closed drainage was adopted, and the drainage tube was clamped for 2 h postoperatively followed by patency. The postoperative drainage amount, hemoglobin level, rate and average volume of allogeneic blood transfusion, swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and range of active knee flexion were compared between the two groups.RESULTS:The total drainage volume was higher in the DR group than in the CD group (P = 0.000). The average volume of postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion (P = 0.000) and the decrease in the hemoglobin level 24 h after total knee arthroplasty (P = 0.012) were lower in the DR group than in the CD group. Swelling and ecchymosis of the affected knee joint, time to straight-leg raising and the range of active knee flexion were improved in the DR group compared with the CD group (all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Compared with temporary clamping drainage, drainage blood reinfusion after total knee arthroplasty can reduce the allogeneic blood transfusion volume and is conducive to early rehabilitation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Blood management strategies in lower limb arthroplasty

Abstract Rates of post-operative allogenic blood transfusion in primary hip and knee arthroplasty can be as high as 50%. Risks of allogenic blood transfusion include increased risk of orthopaedic and non-orthopaedic infection in addition to the general risks of transfusion. Measures have been developed to minimise the requirements for post-operative allogenic blood transfusion in lower limb arthroplasty. These include pre-operative screening of patients, risk stratification, raising pre-operative haemoglobin pharmacologically, pre-operative autologous donation, minimising intra- and post-operative blood loss and suitable post-operative transfusion practices. Pharmacological, haematological and surgical methods of blood management in lower limb arthroplasty are discussed.

Relationship Between Hypothermia and Blood Loss in Adult Patients Undergoing Open Lumbar Spine Surgery

Intraoperative blood loss during open lumbar spine surgery is associated with adverse events and is a contributor to higher medical costs. Intraoperative hypothermia has been shown to increase blood loss and postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion rates in other realms of orthopedic surgery, but it has not been studied extensively in patients undergoing spine surgery. To determine whether a clinically relevant association exists between intraoperative core body temperature and blood loss or transfusion rates in adult patients undergoing open lumbar spine surgery. In this retrospective medical record review, the surgical records of 174 adult patients who underwent open, nonmicroscopically assisted lumbar spine surgery performed by a single surgeon at a single institution were evaluated. Maximum, minimum, and average temperature, hypothermic temperature, and temperature range parameters were compared with intraoperative, total, and net blood loss and blood transfusion parameters. Additional patient demographic and perioperative characteristics were compared with blood loss and transfusion parameters to determine potential confounders. Analysis of variance, Spearman rank correlation, and generalized multiple linear regression analysis were performed to test for an association between temperature and blood loss or allogeneic transfusion rates. Statistical significance was set at P≤.05. After implementation of exclusion criteria, 160 patient records and 168 surgical procedures were included in the analysis. For patients whose temperature decreased to a hypothermic level at some point during the procedure, hypothermic maximum temperature was protective against blood loss on bivariate analysis (P≤.02), but this finding lost significance after multivariate regression analysis (P>.09). Temperature range was associated with increased blood loss on bivariate analyses (P<.001) but also lost significance after adjusting for covariates in regression analysis (P≥.65). Surgery type (P≤.001) and operative time (P≤.001) were the most robust predictors of increased blood loss (P=.005) and were significantly associated with temperature (P<.001). No effect was found on perioperative blood loss from any temperature parameter or hypothermia in adult patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery once covariates were controlled for with multivariate analysis. One possible interpretation of these results is that the effect of temperature on blood loss can be explained by its strong relationship to the confounders of operative time and surgery type.

The effect of intra- and postoperative allogenic blood transfusion on patients’ survival undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

Radical cystectomy (RC) can be associated with significant blood loss. Allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) may alter disease outcome because of a theoretical immunomodulatory effect. We evaluated the effects of ABT on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients undergoing RC for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). This is a retrospective single-center study of 350 consecutive patients of a university health center with a median follow-up of 70.1 month. All patients underwent RC and pelvic lymph node dissection. The effect of ABT on OS and PFS was analyzed using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. The overall ABT rate was 63 % (n = 219), with intraoperative blood transfusion and postoperative blood transfusion being performed in 183 patients (52 %) and 99 patients (28 %), respectively. Preoperative anemia was detected in 156 patients (45 %) with median estimated blood loss of 800 ml (IQR: 500-1,200). ABT was associated with significant decrease of OS and PFS in multivariable analyses (p < 0.001), whereas patients' prognosis worsened the more packed red blood cells (PRBC) were transfused (p < 0.001). The study is limited in part due to its retrospective design. We found that ABT and the number of PRBC transfused are associated with poor prognosis for UCB patients undergoing RC, whereas preoperative anemia had no influence on survival. This emphasizes the importance of surgeon's awareness for a strict indication for ABT. A prospective study will be necessary to evaluate the independent risks associated with ABT during surgical treatments.

Endoscopy-assisted posterior lumbar interbody fusion in a single segment

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) has been routinely performed for the treatment of lumbar segmental lesions. However, traditional PLIF procedures can result in a variety of approach-related morbidities. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of endoscopy-assisted PLIF in lumbar arthrodesis. From July 2005 to May 2007, a total of 56 patients underwent PLIF, including 24 endoscopy-assisted operations (endoscopic group) and 32 traditional open operations (open group). The perioperative data, clinical outcomes and radiographic results were compared. The intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage volume, intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion volumes, values for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate on postoperative day 3 and postoperative hospitalization days were decreased in the endoscopic group (p<0.05), while the operative time was longer than that of the open group (p=0.026). According to the Visual Analog Scale for pain, the postoperative low back pain score in the endoscopic group was lower than that observed in the open group (p<0.05). In the endoscopic group, the excellent and good outcome rate was 87.5%, the incidence of complications was 8.3%, and the intervertebral fusion rate was 100%. There were no significant differences for these outcomes when compared with the open group (p>0.05). Endoscopy-assisted PLIF can achieve a clinical efficacy similar to that of traditional open operations while minimizing destruction to adjacent tissues. This technique is safe and is characterized by less bleeding, less tissue trauma, decreased postoperative pain, rapid recovery, and a shorter postoperative hospital stay.

Utility and cost of low‐vacuum reinfusion drains in patients undergoing surgery for subcapital hip fracture repair. A before and after cohort study

Postoperative blood loss may be a risk factor for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) in patients undergoing subcapital hip fracture (SHF) repair. We investigated the utility and costs of using a low-vacuum reinfusion drain (Bellovac ABT) within a blood management protocol for reducing ABT requirements in consecutive SHF. The blood management protocol consisted of the application of a restrictive transfusion trigger (Hb<8g/dl), the peri-operative administration of IV iron sucrose (3×200mg/48h)±recombinant erythropoietin (1×40000IU sc) and the use of Bellovac ABT (Group 2, n=117). An immediate previous SHF series managed without Bellovac ABT served as control (Group 1, n=138). Overall, 72 out of 255 (28%) received at least one ABT unit (2·1±1·0 U/transfused patient) without differences between groups. However, in the subgroup of patients with admission Hb<13g/dl, the use of Bellovac ABT reduced postoperative ABT rates (16% vs. 46%, for groups 2 and 1, respectively; P=0·001), although only 3 were reinfused, and was cost-saving. The use of Bellovac ABT also resulted in fewer wound bleeding complications, but there were no differences in Hb at postoperative days 7 and 30 between groups. In SHF patients with admission Hb<13g/dl and managed with peri-operative IV iron±recombinant erythropoietin plus restrictive transfusion indication, the use of Bellovac ABT was associated with reduced ABT requirements, without increasing postoperative complications, and cost-savings.

Preoperative predictors for allogenic blood transfusion in hip and knee arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis

To identify the preoperative predictors of requirement for postoperative allogenic blood transfusion following hip and knee joint arthroplasty. We analysed the retrospective data on patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had undergone either total hip or knee arthroplasty at a single university teaching hospital. Factors of age, sex, procedure type, preoperative haemoglobin, blood transfusion data, comorbidities and body mass index were investigated for association with postoperative allogenic blood after hip or knee arthroplasty. Three hundred and forty nine cases of patients with rheumatoid arthritis were reviewed. 21% (n=72) required allogenic blood transfusion. The only significant predictive preoperative factors associated with postoperative blood transfusion were a low preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) level (p<0.001), procedure of total hip arthroplasty (p=0.008), a previous history of myocardial infarction (p=0.038) and previous allogenic blood transfusion (p=0.03). A preoperative haemoglobin <120g/l was associated with a tenfold increase in transfusion requirement. All patients with a preoperative Hb level <90g/l were transfused. The ability to identify those within this high-risk group who are likely to receive blood transfusion allows for an informed, appropriate and cost effective approach to blood management strategies.

Can local administration of tranexamic acid during total knee arthroplasty reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in the absence of surgical drains?

Blood transfusions are frequently required following total knee arthroplasty. Tranexamic acid (TXA) inhibits fibrinolysis and has been shown to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements when delivered intravenously. Topical and intra-articular applications directly target bleeding sites whilst limiting systemic uptake and theoretically reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. However, in the absence of surgical drains, which increase post-operative blood loss, the efficacy of these techniques for reducing transfusion requirements is unclear. Our aim was to determine if locally administered tranexamic acid during total knee arthroplasty could reduce both blood loss and transfusion requirements in the absence of surgical drains. A retrospective review of 248 patients treated with primary unilateral cemented total knee arthroplasty was performed. Patients treated after January 2011 received topical and intra-articular tranexamic acid at the end of the procedure (n=136). A second group of consecutive patients treated before this period acted as historical controls (n=112). Patient groups were equivalent in terms of age, gender and ASA grade. There was a significant reduction in mean blood loss of 246ml between the groups (p<0.01). In addition, the requirement for post-operative allogenic blood transfusion was significantly reduced from 15.5 to 5.4% after introduction of the tranexamic acid regimen (p=0.02). This is the largest patient cohort reviewed to measure the efficacy of locally administered tranexamic acid during total knee arthroplasty and demonstrates that this is an effective technique for reducing both blood loss and transfusion requirements in the absence of surgical drains.

Predictive Factors for the Use of Autologous Cell Saver Transfusion in Lumbar Spinal Surgery

Retrospective review. To identify risk factors for cell saver transfusion in lumbar spinal surgery and determine if cell saver transfusions affected intraoperative or postoperative transfusion rates. Cell saver has been used to minimize allogeneic blood transfusion in lumbar spinal surgery. Conflicting reports exist, which call into question the efficacy of cell saver use. We reviewed medical records of randomly selected patients who underwent posterolateral fusion with or without transforaminal interbody fusion from July 2010 to June 2011. Transfusion rates and transfusion-related complications were determined. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for use of autologous cell saver transfusion. There were 178 females and 107 males, with a mean age of 57.2 years. Of the 285 cases, 39 had no cell saver available, 147 had cell saver available but no autologous blood was recovered or transfused and 99 had an autologous cell saver transfusion. Patients who had cell saver transfusion had a higher rate of intraoperative allogeneic blood transfusion (52%) compared with those who did not (22%). There was no significant difference in the rate of postoperative transfusions or transfusion-related reactions between patients who did and did not have cell saver transfusion. Patient's age, smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, use of anticoagulants preoperatively, primary or revision surgery, iliac crest bone graft harvest, anesthesiologist, or surgeon had no significant effect on cell saver infusion. Body mass index (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06), number of posterolateral fusion levels fused (OR = 2.50), and number of transforaminal interbody fusions performed (OR = 2.41) were independent risk factors for the use of autologous cell saver transfusion. Body mass index, multi-level fusion and transforaminal interbody fusion result in increased use of autologous cell saver transfusion in lumbar spinal surgery. Use of autologous cell saver transfusion did not reduce the requirement for intraoperative or postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion. 2.

Role of Intraoperative Red Cell Salvage and Autologus Transfusion in Metastatic Spine Surgery: A Pilot Study and Review of Literature

Study DesignProspective cohort study.PurposeThere has been no research examining the use of intraoperative cell salvage during metastatic spinal surgery. The present work is a pilot study investigating the role of cell salvage during metastatic spine surgery.Overview of LiteratureThere is no spinal literature about role of cell salvage and autologus transfusion in metastatic spinal cancer.MethodsSixteen spinal metastases patients who received red cell salvage using a leucocyte depletion filter were enrolled. Of these, ten patients who received salvaged blood transfusion were included in the final analysis. Data collection involved looking at the case notes, operating room records and the prospectively updated metastatic spinal cancer database maintained in the spinal department. Cell salvage data was recovered from the central cell salvage database maintained in the anesthetic department.ResultsAmount of salvaged blood ranged from 120 to 600 mL (average, 318 mL). The average drop in hemoglobin was 1.65 units (range, 0.4-2.7 units). Three patients (30%) required postoperative allogenic blood transfusion. The average follow up was 9.5 months (range, 6-6 months). One patient developed new lung metastasis, at seven months. No patient developed new liver metastases. Preoperatively, six patients had diffuse skeletal metastases. Of this subgroup, three developed new skeletal metastases. No cases showed any wound related problems in the postoperative period.ConclusionsIn our study transfusion of intraoperatively salvaged blood did not result in disseminated metastatic cancer. We would suggest that red cell salvage might have a role during metastatic spine surgery.

Does Additional Aortic Procedure Carry a Higher Risk in Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement?

BackgroundWith growing attention to the aortopathy associated with aortic valve diseases, the number of candidates for accompanying ascending aorta and/or root replacement is increasing among the patients who require aortic valve replacement (AVR). However, such procedures have been considered more risky than AVR alone. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcome of isolated AVR and AVR combined with aortic procedures.Materials and MethodsA total of 86 patients who underwent elective AVR between 2004 and June 2010 were divided into two groups: complex AVR (n=50, AVR with ascending aorta replacement in 24 and the Bentall procedure in 26) and simple AVR (n=36). Preoperative characteristics, surgical data, intra- and postoperative allogenic blood transfusion requirement, the postoperative clinical course, and major complications were retrospectively reviewed and compared.ResultsThe preoperative mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (%) did not differ between the groups: 11.0±7.8% in the complex AVR group and 12.3±8.0% in the simple AVR group. Although complex AVR required longer cardiopulmonary bypass (152.4±52.6 minutes vs. 109.7±22.7 minutes, p=0.001), the quantity of allogenic blood products did not differ (13.4±14.7 units vs. 13.9±11.2 units). There was no mortality, mechanical circulatory support, stroke, or renal failure requiring hemodialysis/filtration. No difference was found in the incidence of bleeding (40% vs. 33.3%) which was defined as red blood cell transfusion ≥5 units, reoperation, or intentional delayed closure. The incidence of mediastinitis (2.0% vs. 0%), ventilator ≥24 hours (4.0% vs. 2.8%), atrial fibrillation (18.0% vs. 25.0%), mean intensive care unit stay (34.5 hours vs. 38.8 hours), and median hospital stay (8 days vs. 7 days) did not differ, either.ConclusionAVR combined with additional aortic or root replacement showed an excellent outcome and recovery course equivalent to that after isolated AVR.

Strategies for reducing transfusions in major orthopaedic surgery.

Strategies for reducing transfusions in major orthopaedic surgery.