Effect of Body Mass Index on Blood Transfusion in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Perioperative blood management remains a challenge during total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and perioperative blood transfusion during THA and TKA while attempting to resolve conflicting results in previously published studies. The authors retrospectively evaluated 2399 patients, 896 of whom underwent THA and 1503 of whom underwent TKA. Various outcome variables were assessed for their relationship to BMI, which was stratified using the World Health Organization classification scheme (normal, <25 kg/m(2); overweight, 25-30 kg/m(2); obese, >30 kg/m(2)). Among patients undergoing THA, transfusion rates were 34.8%, 27.6%, and 21.9% for normal, overweight, and obese patients, respectively (P=.002). Among patients undergoing TKA, transfusion rates were 17.3%, 11.4%, and 8.3% for normal, overweight, and obese patients, respectively (P=.002). Patients with an elevated BMI have decreased rates of blood transfusion following both THA and TKA. This same cohort also loses a significantly decreased percentage of estimated blood volume. No trends were identified for a relationship between BMI and deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, discharge location, length of stay, 30-day readmission rate, and preoperative hemoglobin level. Elevated BMI was significantly associated with increased estimated blood loss in patients undergoing THA and those undergoing TKA. There was a statistically significant trend toward increased deep surgical-site infection in patients undergoing THA (P=.043). Patients with increased BMI have lower rates of blood transfusion and lose a significantly smaller percentage of estimated blood volume following THA and TKA. [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):e844-e849.].

Comparison of intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic-assisted hemicolectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic-assisted colon resection has been shown to result in earlier return of bowel function, decreased postoperative pain, decreased length of stay, and decreased morbidity when compared to open resection. Laparoscopic-assisted hemicolectomy often still involves externalization of the bowel for resection and anastomosis. The aim of this study was to determine short-term outcomes of performing intra- versus extracorporeal resection and anastomosis in laparoscopic-assisted hemicolectomy. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 105 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted hemicolectomy or colectomy by a single surgeon from January 2006 through August 2008 was performed. Pearson chi(2) and Student's t test were used to test for significance. RESULTS: There were 105 patients in total who underwent laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resection (66), right hemicolectomy (29), left hemicolectomy (9), and subtotal colectomy (1). There were more males in the extracorporeal group, but patients in the two groups were otherwise demographically comparable. An intracorporeal anastomosis was performed in 54 patients and extracorporeal in 51 patients. The operation was longer in the intracorporeal group (p