ABSTRACT
The aim of this triple blinded randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid when used in conjunction with hypotensive anaesthesia exclusively for Le Fort I osteotomies. 49 patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy for correction of dentofacial deformity were divided into two groups; Group 1 received a placebo of saline 5 ml and Group 2 received 10 mg/kg body weight of tranexamic acid. The operating surgeon, anaesthetist and investigator were blinded. The variables of interest recorded in this study included the change in Hb%, PCV, total blood loss, total operating time and quality of the surgical field using Fromme's Ordinal Scale. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found between the following variables: post-operative Hb%, drop in Hb%, post-operative PCV, drop in PCV, total surgical blood loss, total operating time and quality of surgical field (P < 0.05). Group 2 patients exhibited a smaller drop in Hb% and PCV, with a lower Fromme's Ordinal Scale value and decreased total blood loss and operating time. In conclusion single preoperative administration of tranexamic acid in the dose of 10 mg/kg, when combined with hypotensive anaesthesia is effective in controlling blood loss with regards to single piece Le Fort I surgery.
