ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of duration and timing of tourniquet release on perioperative blood loss, transfusion requirement, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay and early complications in total knee arthroplastywith and without additional anti-fibrinolytic therapy. METHODS: The prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from March to August 2014. The patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were divided into two groups: in Group A tourniquet was released after closure of surgical wound and applying compressive dressing; and in Group-B tourniquet was deflated after cementation of implants following which closure was done. Each group was further divided into those who received tranexamic acid (A-T, B-T) and those who did not (A-C, B-C). Study variables were noted on a proforma and analysed. RESULTS: Of the 75 patients in the study, 27(36%) were male and 48(64%) were females. Calculated blood loss was 408mL and 422mL in group A-T and B-T respectively (p=0.73), and 615mL and 610mL in group A-C and B-C respectively (p=0.95). Tourniquet time was significantly shorter (p<0.0005) in group B whereas duration of surgery was significantly shorter (p<0.0001) in group A (68±9min vs 77±11min). Transfusion frequency was higher in group B. Complication rate in the two main groups was not significantly different (p=0.314). Mean length of hospital stay was not significantly different (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Earlier intra-operative release of tourniquet in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty was associated with increased surgery time and higher frequency of blood transfusion without conferring any significant benefit.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of perioperative intravenous Tranexamic Acid in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty. METHODS: The prospectivedouble-blind randomised control trial was conducted from March to July 2014 at the Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, and comprised patients below 85 years of age undergoing unilateral or bilateral cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty. The patients were divided into control or Transaminegroups. Two doses of 15mg/kg of Transamine were given to the latter group. All patients were operated under spinal or combined spinal-epidural anaesthesiausing pneumatic tourniquet and similar cemented implant. Primary outcome was postoperative blood loss in drains. Secondary outcomes were the number of blood units transfused, change in haemoglobin level and adverse events. RESULTS: Of the 62 patients on the study, there were 34(55%) patents in the Transaminegroup with a mean age of 64±8.4 years, and28(45%)in the control group with a mean age of 60.8±10.3. The two groups were matched for demographic and blood indices.Mean blood loss via intra-articular drain in the control group was 619±243ml per knee, and 402±169ml per knee in the Transaminegroup. Blood transfusions were required by 14(50%)patients in the control groupand 6(17.6%)in the Transaminegroup. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative intravenous transamine significantly reduced blood loss as well as blood transfusion requirements.
