Total knee replacement (TKR) is an operation
that can be performed with or without the use of a tourniquet. Meta-analyses
of the available Level-1 studies have demonstrated that the use
of a tourniquet leads to a significant reduction in blood loss.
The opponents for use of a tourniquet cite development of complications
such as skin bruising, neurovascular injury, and metabolic disturbance
as drawbacks. Although there may certainly be reason for concern
in arteriopathic patients, there is little evidence that routine
use of a tourniquet during TKR results in any of the above complications.
The use of a tourniquet, on the other hand, provides a bloodless
field that allows the surgeon to perform the procedure with expediency
and optimal visualisation.
Tranexamic acid (TEA), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis,
reduces blood loss after routine total knee replacement (TKR). However,
controversy persists regarding the dosage and timing of administration
of this drug during surgery. We performed a prospective randomised
controlled study to examine the optimum blood-saving effect of TEA
in minimally invasive TKR. We randomly assigned 151 patients who underwent unilateral minimally
invasive TKR to three groups: 1) a placebo group (50 patients);
2) a one-dose TEA group (52 patients), who received one injection
of TEA (10 mg/kg) intra-operatively on deflation of the tourniquet;
and 3) a two-dose TEA group (49 patients), who received two injections
of TEA (10 mg/kg) given pre-operatively and intra-operatively. Total
blood loss was calculated from the maximum loss of haemoglobin.
All patients were followed clinically for the presence of venous
thromboembolism (VTE). The mean total blood loss was significantly higher in the placebo
group than in the other two groups (1222 ml (845 to 2043) versus 1035 ml
(397 to 1934) and 986 ml (542 to 1811), respectively (both p <
0.0001)). The mean blood loss was not significantly different between
the one- and two-TEA groups (p = 0.148). The mean transfusion rate was
higher in the placebo group than in the other two groups (22% versus 3.8%
(p = 0.006) and 6.1% (p = 0.041), respectively) and there was no
statistically significant difference in the mean transfusion rate
between the one- and two-TEA groups (p = 0.672). Only one patient,
in the two-dose group, had a radiologically confirmed deep venous thrombosis. Our prospective randomised controlled study showed that one intra-operative
injection of TEA is effective for
In the last decade, perioperative advancements have expanded the use of outpatient primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite this, there remains limited data on expedited discharge after revision TKA. This study compared 30-day readmissions and reoperations in patients undergoing revision TKA with a hospital stay greater or less than 24 hours. The authors hypothesized that expedited discharge in select patients would not be associated with increased 30-day readmissions and reoperations. Aseptic revision TKAs in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were reviewed from 2013 to 2020. TKAs were stratified by length of hospital stay (greater or less than 24 hours). Patient demographic details, medical comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, operating time, components revised, 30-day readmissions, and reoperations were compared. Multivariate analysis evaluated predictors of discharge prior to 24 hours, 30-day readmission, and reoperation.Aims
Methods
We undertook a prospective, randomised study in order to evaluate the efficacy of clamping the drains after intra-articular injection of saline with 1:500 000 adrenaline compared with post-operative blood salvage in reducing blood loss in 212 total knee arthroplasties. The mean post-operative drained blood volume after drain clamping was 352.1 ml compared to 662.3 ml after blood salvage (p <
0.0001). Allogenic blood transfusion was needed in one patient in the drain group and for three in the blood salvage group. Drain clamping with intra-articular injection of saline with adrenaline is more effective than post-operative autologous blood transfusion in reducing blood loss during total knee arthroplasty.
We undertook a prospective randomised controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of autologous retransfusion drains in reducing the need for allogenic blood requirement after unilateral total knee replacement. We also monitored the incidence of post-operative complications. There were 86 patients in the control group, receiving standard care with a vacuum drain, and 92 who received an autologous drain and were retransfused postoperatively. Following serial haemoglobin measurements at 24, 48 and 72 hours, we found no difference in the need for allogenic blood between the two groups (control group 15.1%, retransfusion group 13% (p = 0.439)). The incidence of post-operative complications, such as wound infection, deep-vein thrombosis and chest infection, was also comparable between the groups. There were no adverse reactions associated with the retransfusion of autologous blood. Based on this study, the cost-effectiveness and continued use of autologous drains in total knee replacement should be questioned.
Blood loss during total knee replacement (TKR)
remains a significant concern. In this study, 114 patients underwent TKR,
and were divided into two groups based on whether they received
a new generation fibrin sealant intra-operatively, or a local infiltration
containing adrenaline. Groups were then compared for mean calculated
total blood volume (TBV) loss, transfusion rates, and knee range
of movement. Mean TBV loss was similar between groups: fibrin sealant
mean was 705 ml (281 to 1744), local adrenaline mean was 712 ml
(261 to 2308) (p = 0.929). Overall, significantly fewer units of
blood were transfused in the fibrin sealant group (seven units)
compared with the local adrenaline group (15 units) (p = 0.0479).
Per patient transfused, significantly fewer units of blood were transfused
in the fibrin sealant group (1.0 units) compared with the local
adrenaline group (1.67 units) (p = 0.027), suggesting that the fibrin
sealant may reduce the need for multiple unit transfusions. Knee
range of movement was similar between groups. From our results,
it appears that application of this newer fibrin sealant results
in blood loss and transfusion rates that are low and similar to
previously applied fibrin sealants. Cite this article:
